Community Member
2 years agoHello. I am 42. I have been diagnosed with BRCA1 mutation positive. Bilateral mastectomy is in my near future. I am currently finishing a very extensive chemo treatment as I was diagnosed with triple negative invasive carcinoma. I started with a 2.1 cm lump in my right breast. I will be opting for implants, but can’t decide if I should have them inserted on top of the pectoral muscle or underneath. I read pros and cons. If anyone has some real life experience on this I would really appreciate your thoughts.
Accepted Answer
This is such an important decision, and it's completely understandable to want input from others who have been through similar experiences. The choice between subpectoral and prepectoral placement involves several factors that vary from person to person, including healing considerations, activity levels, and individual anatomy. Many community members have shared their experiences with both options, so hopefully others will chime in with their perspectives to help you feel more informed as you discuss this decision with your surgical team.
3+ patients found this helpful
Community Member
6 months agoMy plastic surgeon said on top of the muscle was not a good option for me because my skin wasn't strong enough to support the implants. I had expanders placed under the pecs and am now having weekly injections to expand gradually. The expanders were 250cc, injections are 50cc each and I'm at 550cc now. It's a little uncomfortable for a few days after injections and they gave me cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant, for spasms but I rarely take it. Once I'm at a size I'm comfortable with I'll have another surgery to remove the expanders and insert implants. All in all, this has been as positive an experience as it can be under the circumstances. Hope this is helpful.
Community Member
6 months agoThat is what I am having done have not had first injection yet. Any pain with the injection?
Community Member
2 months agoThis is such an important decision, and it's completely understandable to want input from others who have been through similar experiences. The choice between subpectoral and prepectoral placement involves several factors that vary from person to person, including healing considerations, activity levels, and individual anatomy. Many community members have shared their experiences with both options, so hopefully others will chime in with their perspectives to help you feel more informed as you discuss this decision with your surgical team.
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