What reconstruction options did you choose after a single mastectomy?

Hi Wendy, I decided to go flat and use a prosthesis. The prosthesis provides enough symmetry.

Thanks Nina.

I also had a single mastectomy with flat closure. I plan to have a reduction in remaining breast and wear a breast prosthesis.

I had a single mastectomy and had a DIEP flap reconstruction. Though I did need to do additional fat transplants, the result is symmetrical and I feel normal. I can still wear a swimsuit without prosthetic

Thanks Jan and Janice.

Hi All, My first time here. My second time getting BC 😔. I was in remission for almost 4 years. I wanted a single mastectomy the first time around, and I was talked out of it by the team. I definitely didn't advocate for myself then as I was in shock, but now I'm telling my team what I WANT. I'm still torn with what I want, though. How does a prosthesis work? I've also read on fat transfer. Your own fat transfer. Any thoughts?

Hi Nil, in fat transfer, they used liposuction to take fat from my thighs, and put the fat in my reconstructed breast. Fat transfer helps the breast become more symmetrical. It can be done more than once so you can get the look you want.

Hello, Nil. I had a single mastectomy with flat closure. I am 69. I thought about DIEP flap, but now I have decided not to have reconstruction. They sent me home from hospital with a temporary prosthesis in late January. I still use it! Basically, it’s a “padded fake breast”. I wear it inside my bra when I go out. At home I don’t wear it. Using the prosthetic is giving me time to breathe. To decompress a bit. Everything was so intense with biopsies, surgery, etc. now I have the time to decide what seems right for ME. I like having time on my side😀. If you had asked me before if I would ever use a breast prosthesis I think I would have said, “no way!” I have had a slight complication of getting c. Difficile infection after being in hospital for only 36 hours. Funny how our perspective changes with time. I am looking for as little surgery as possible. I wish you well.

I should also say that some day I will make a trip to our breast prosthesis clinic and find something more permanent

Hi, Nil, to add onto what Janice said about the prosthesis, my nurse gave me a pair of knitted knockers prior to my surgery (basically a very soft/temporary prosthesis where you can remove the filling to match your size). It's nice to use while you're recovering because you're unable to get fitted for a more permanent prosthesis until the doctor clears you. I was fitted for permanent prostheses about 7 weeks after my mastectomy, I have specific bras that can fit the prosthesis. I debated having reconstruction with my own tissue, but I really didn't want to have more than 1 drain, the longer recovery period, and the additional pain. My doctors were surprised when I declined since I'm in my 30s, but the plastic surgeon assured me that reconstruction is still possible down the road in case I change my mind. I'm about 5 months post surgery and am fine with my choice.

Thank you all for sharing your experience 🙏. I'm hoping and praying that all of us who are going through this can come out feeling better than ever. Wishful thinking, but I'm holding on to that.🎀💕 I am waiting as I am writing this to meet with the team. Asking tons of questions!

I had a single mastectomy, I have the expander now and will have a reconstructive surgery in the Fall. I am not sure if I will go with a silicon or saline boob. The surgeon also suggested he could do a boon lift on my remaining boob if necessary to stay symmetric. I am still researching if anyone has any suggestions.

Wendy, I wish you the best on your journey. I had two types of cancer in my right breast & suspicious lymph node. I had a total mastectomy on the right & 3 lymph nodes removed with immediate silicone implant under the muscle. During the same surgery I had a “lift” on my left breast. At 66 I can say much tissue was removed - LOL! Had revision mastectomy on right in April. Hoping when all heals there will be symmetry but currently they are wildly different in height, width & protrusion. I wish I would have insisted on bilateral even though only one had cancer. I don’t care about appearance (no nipple or nipples tattoo) but I swim so I do care about symmetry. A friend my age had bilateral and loves that she can go strapless or spaghetti straps with no bra without sagging. Hers look like perky breasts. Mine look like smashed pancakes. It is a highly personal choice but I just wanted to weigh in as I am getting a prosthetic for my mastectomy breast this week, as it is way smaller and will buy bras & bathing suits to hold prosthetic on right.

Thanks Gracey. I thought about bilateral but was worried about complications. I think to have some symmetry though I would need reduction and lift on good side but if undergoing such big surgery I wonder about just doing mastectomy to decrease cancer risk. Swimming is my exercise of choice too. Wish you the best in your recovery too.

Hi Wendy , I had a single mastectomy with immediate DIEP Flap surgery and I am so pleased w my results. The symmetry is amazing and I still have to have revision surgery to lift and reduce my breasts and nipple reconstruction. I was fortunate to find an amazing plastic surgeon and I am very happy w my results so far. I could not have implants due to the fact I had radiation 20 years ago for DCIS. The radiated breast sometimes rejects the implant .

Hi Judy. Sorry you had to go through this again. Great to hear about your results. How was your recovery from DIEP? Did you/do you also need surgery on your other breast? Thanks.

Hi Wendy , my recovery was almost painless except for a little soreness from the drain site. I honestly never took the prescribed painkillers they gave me and if I had slight discomfort during the night I took a combo of Tylenol and Motrin and it did the trick. The only surgery I need on my other breast is for reduction and lift along w my breast that has the flap…more cosmetic for symmetry

Judy, You are amazing. Where did you have your surgery? Your surgeon must be great

Hi everyone. I had a double mastectomy one year ago at the age of 75. Because I had cancer 35 years ago and radiation. There was less choices for me I'm glad that I had it and I had no reconstruction. Not sure if you all know, but Medicare will pay for the cost of external prosthetics of which I have taken advantage of. They're absolutely wonderful. Medicare pays for the bras and for a fresh set of prosthetics every two years. There is a co-pay for some insurances. When I'm out and about, they look extremely natural and feel very natural. They even have ones that work with bathing suits. Just a thought for you all. My choices were more limited than the rest of you. Thank you for all of your information

I agree Nancy, Medicare has been wonderful in paying for everything breast cancer. I have all the prosthetics to put in bras and a swim suit. I did not want any additional surgery or implant problems down the road.

This is such an important question for anyone facing reconstruction decisions. Many community members have shared their experiences with different reconstruction approaches, including implant-based reconstruction, flap procedures, and considerations for achieving symmetry with the remaining breast. The experiences vary widely based on individual factors, healing, and personal preferences, so hearing from others who've been through this journey can provide valuable insights as you explore your options with your surgical team.