Options for Explanting: What did you choose to do?

Hello, I had silicone implants at the same time as my double mastectomy. Unfortunately, my experience with them was not good. My right breast was treated with radiation causing the skin to tighten and moved the implant towards the center of my chest. My left implant "flipped" and was shaped like a half circle.

I had both removed and had a "diep flap" reconstruction. This is a big surgery in my opinion. They cut from hip to hip and removed tissue and nerves. This was placed in my breast area. Now I have my own tissue as my breasts and got a nice flat abdomen (definite perk).

I hope this helps. Wish you the best!!! 🌺

Had breast cancer in left breast. 13mm. Was 11mm but took 2months til surgery. Had breast implants and had them swapped out for new ones at time of cancer surgery. Went in same pocket. I have had breast implants for years and they have never bothered me. My cancer was neg. Lymph nodes and margins at 12:30 and 6cm from nipple. I did not have radiation and am probably not taking the antihormone drug for 5 years. I am thin and have had a hysterectomy. I do not want possibility of getting osteoporosis. I have osteopenia now. There is 8% chance I will get breast cancer again but if I do antihormone drug the chance is reduced to 4%. Not much of a difference to possibly get blood clots and osteoporosis. I also have RA and take methotrexate and plquenil and folic acid. Luckily it is working and I have no swelling of hands and body aches. Do what you think is right for you. My oncotype DX score 16 which is low. I can always revisit decision in a month when I see my oncologist.

Thank you. I am taking Anastrozole with ONCO 20 and 14 ( two) and my DECA did not show any significant change after one year. Spine was same , one hip up .1 and one hip down .1

They say the most change ( for worse) is first year but checking it at year 2 also. So not everyone sees a drop.

I feel safer taking Anastrozole although nothing is a guarantee.

Thanks for responding.

Interested in Explanting Silicone Implant. I had a unilateral mastectomy nearly two years ago. Going unilaterally aesthetically flat would feel very imbalanced… but possible. I’m interested in the possibility of fat grafting … even a small mound would be better than none, for me, at this time. Has anyone done fat grafting? What was your general experience? If in the NY metro area could you offer a reference. I’m having difficulty locating a plastic practice that performs this.

Thank you and I hope you have a peaceful Thanksgiving; I feel that I have a lot to be grateful for in spite of my breast cancer diagnosis 🌸

Unilateral mastectomy Feb 2022. Silicone implant and generally very pleased with cosmetic result. Worried about implant related complications so decided to explant. Not looking for flat aesthetic because I have one natural breast. Looking to hear about any experiences with fat grafting, post explant, to create something of a mound. Thank you.

Hello @anjalima I know you have been around connect for a while and always have great tips for others. I hate that this post has languished without comment.
I went and found a link for the one place I could think of you might find others that have this particular circumstance.
It is the discussion where many people talk about all the pros and cons of mastectomy and all kinds of reconstruction.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mastectomy-1/
I know there was another discussion where members were discussing explanting but I couldn’t find it.

Thank you for your consideration. Much appreciated.

Good morning. I had a bilateral mastectomy then I was trying to have implants but had infections that ultimately, after three months took surgery to get rid of. I then went to a natural breast reconstruction physician where I had a DIEP flap done. That surgeries a major surgery. About eight hours. When you have that done you still don’t have breast you have to have fat grafting done. They can only fat graft a little at a time so you still don’t feel or look like your self. I have had three sessions and still can’t find a bra that fit’s right or makes me look like I have breast, at least not to me. The challenge I find now is getting scheduled with the surgeon to get more done. They say you can go about every three months as that’s how long it takes to heal but the last time I tried it took from June to November Then my insurance company initially denied my surgery. I finally got that straightened out with the help of my Senator but I am still having trouble scheduling the fat grafting. I was told that their are women with active cancer who are priority which I totally understand but they do not do the cancer surgery they may do expanders etc. Keep in
mind the DIEP flap surgery is extremely expensive so the surgeon gets paid a lot. The fat grafting is only a small amount. I am not saying that’s what happens. I am just putting that out there. Good luck with whatever decision you make

Thank you. The DIEP flap is not an option for me … in my 70’s and aside from an ageism concept out there in The plastics world it’s just too much surgery for me at this juncture.

Thank you for your description of the lengthy prospect of fat grafting and results . Much appreciated.

I hope you get the result you are looking for. This journey is not for the faint of heart nor mind!

Lol no it isn’t.