You would probably think I’d had enough of hospitals, and yet I elected to go ahead with, what I guess some would call, non essential surgery.
Just over 2 weeks ago I had a breast implant exchange and fat graft. It's fine, I’m Ok. It’s not the first time I’ve had the procedure.
Why have a breast implant exchange and fat graft?
When I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer I had a full mastectomy and reconstruction. Everything was fine until the cancer decided to rear its ugly head again 3 years later. Further surgeries including tumour removal (if you’re not familiar with my story, cancer found a very small area of breast tissue left behind and decided to take up residence there), full lymph node removal followed, plus chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The surgery had left an indentation where the tumour was removed, and so I was offered an implant exchange and fat graft in 2021. At the time, my consultant put new implants back on top of the muscle ( they tend to put them under the muscle following a mastectomy), and took fat from my thighs through liposuction and used it around the implants.
There was a definite improvement, but after they had settled down I felt like (and this is the only way I can think to describe this) that one nipple was looking straight ahead, and one was looking down.
My consultant was in agreement that they could be improved, and that I could go on his waiting list for further surgery. Well, fast forward nearly 2 years and I got a call out of the blue from the hospital giving me a date for surgery.
I saw my consultant again a few weeks before, and he thought the best plan of action would be to repeat the procedure.
This time he increased the size of the implants again and took fat from my stomach. I begged him to take more than needed, I’m sure he hears it all the time, alas I still have a belly.
The Results
So far, I’m pleased with the result. The soreness is dying down. It's just slightly uncomfortable having to wear a bra 24/7 to make sure everything stays in place, but it's a small sacrifice.
I had a wound check a couple of days ago and the nurse was happy I am healing well. The entry point for the liposuction still has some visible stitches, but they will continue to dissolve.
Let me tell you, as confirmed by the nurse, liposuction is brutal. The bruises have gone now, but my stomach is still tender. The best way to describe it is like wearing something with a really REALLY tight waistband.
The incisions under my breasts are glued together, but obviously this is where the bra sits, and rubs on them 24/7.
I see my consultant twelve weeks after the surgery, but I think he’ll be happy with the results.
Breast implants last around 10 years, so it’s unlikely to be my last surgery, but if the cancer stays away, that's everything I could ask for.
Don’t forget to check your breast regularly (that includes you fellas) , get to know what's normal for you, and see your GP as soon as possible about any changes.
Love Tx