What should I know about breast implant fillings after mastectomy?

Understanding the options for breast reconstruction filling can feel overwhelming, especially while still recovering from surgery. Many community members have shared that discussing the pros and cons of saline versus silicone with their plastic surgeon helped them make the best choice for their lifestyle and body. Factors like feel, appearance, monitoring requirements, and personal comfort levels all play a role in this decision, and hearing from others who've been through this process can provide valuable insights as you prepare for your next steps.

Fillings weren't too bad. The most I felt was a little bit of pressure after the fill. But you get used to it as the tissue stretches. I went with silicone over saline. Seemed like the better option for me at the time. They're both safe now.

After a double mastectomy for Invasive DCIS, I opted for the nipple sparing DIEP procedure. I don't regret it at all. It's the 5 year medicine regimen that's hard.

I’m about to have the same for ILC left breast and DCIS right breast. Would you mind sharing how the recovery has been so far? I’m nervous about the drains and having limited range of motion. Also, how painful was it?

Hi Beth! Sorry to hear you are about to have surgery for breast cancer! My body was recovering from two lumpectomies within weeks of my two previous lumpectomies, so I might have a different story. My body hates most medications. I'm still dealing with nausea from July 21 surgery. The nausea was accompanied by migraines for a couple of weeks. This was harder to deal with then the pain from bilateral mastectomy. The drainage tubes did not cause much pain and were not bad to wear. Mine were secured very well. Milking them was easy once you get the hang of it. My husband did it and put a little lotion on his thumb and index finger so the tubes slid easier. The first week I alternated Tylenol and Ibuprofen around the clock. This meant I ate some crackers and a little ginger ale to avoid nausea at night. Once the drains were removed, nausea increased. They gave me a prescription for Zofran. Pain never got above a 3 or 4 for me. Hope this helps! Every person has their own journey. Best of luck!

Thank you for sharing. I’m sure I’ll be ok, but you know how fear of the unknown is! I’ll use your tip on using lotion to milk the drain. Best wishes to you going forward!!

I had silicone implants many years ago before I got cancer. For my reconstruction my plastic surgeon suggested silicone because it is softer. He said all the past bad info on silicone leaking only applied to a particular brand that is no longer being produced.

On the range of motion subject. I found a company here in town (Atlanta) that is a physical therapist specializing in breast cancer. It is called Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (formerly Turning Point). They help with exercises, stretching, and laser to work on range of motion. I have been going to them and it does help. They also offer counseling, nutrition, and lymphedema care.

I had a double mastectomy 2 years ago. The drains are something you just have to go through. Mine took 2 weeks and then they were out. There's a group called Pockets for Hope you can get a zip up hoodie from with pockets in it that are great for drains. I have silicone and they work great for me. I also got a pretty tattoo of roses covering my scars. Love it