I'm 25 and had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in early august. I'm just about finished with chemo and have to decide which type of implant I want to have when the tissue expanders are removed. My doctor said that i can choose silicone or saline. Any advice from people who have already had the surgery would be great
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Q: which is better? silicone or saline implants after reconstruction
Answers (2)
11/16/10 5:44am
Hi Tina - I haven't had implant surgery (had a body tissue reconstruction), but you might find our post on saline vs. silicone implants helpful as yu make this decision. Best of luck- hope everything goes well. PJH
11/16/10 1:07pm
Hi Tina,
Have you talked to your Dr. about getting a TRAN-FLAB reconstruciton. It is a procedure that consists of using you own belly fat. That was an option I chose and am so happy that I did. I couldn't imagine have a object in my body.
Good Luck!
11/17/10 9:21am
I'm sorry, I don't understand the question then.
I was offered to have the silicone or saline, I declined, and went to another DR. That's when I had a Tram-Flap and just need my other breast lifted now.
So Tina, I would do my homework before you do anythng; it is a big big decision that you will have to live with the rest of your life.
Mercedes
11/17/10 10:25am
did u have tissue expanders put in first? I already have the expanders filled and my dr said i had to select the type of implant i would want.
11/17/10 12:08pm
Mercedes, it's too late for Tina to have a TRAM; she's already started the expander process. I'd guess she could, in theory, undo all the work that's been done and start over; but that doesn't sound like a useful option, given where she is with the expanders.
Tina, I'm sorry your doctor didn't suggest a body tissue reconstruction; some surgeons/hospitals just don't have the sklll to perform them, as they're quite complicated. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a good result with the implants. Take care - PJH
11/18/10 8:16am
I don't know about tissue expanders;I'm sure your Dr. introduced you into a better decision for yourself. You are young, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm an older woman;the reconstruction I had was my choice after my original surgeon introduced it to me. It was a long process but I love it.
Good Luck!
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By Tina— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 11/16/10
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i already did the reconstruction and my doctor never posed the tram flap as an option for reconstruction