Hello Mags60,

We have some information on breast reconstruction using implants here.

I hope it will help you understand what to expect. There's nothing like hearing a personal account though so I do hope that you will soon hear from someone on this forum who has also had a mastectomy and a breast reconstruction using implants.

Our nurses are also available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on this free number 0808 800 4040.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction with implants last year. While it is painful and I did have drains in it wasn't unbearable. My scar has healed really well on one side. I've had further complications on the other side which has meant more surgery but that was unrelated to the first lot of surgery. I had to have radiotherapy which caused damage to the implant so if you need further treatment it may be worth considering having the reconstruction at a later stage and get the treatment over with first as I was told there's a 1 in 4 chance of the implant being damaged by the radiotherapy. However if no further treatment is necessary it'll probably heal really well with no problems. Hope all goes well for you. Often our fears are worse than the reality. 

Hi thank you for your reply, nice to know from someone who has been through it, as far as I am aware I don't need any treatment after. I hope your right that it heals well, did you find it hard to get dressed after and move your arm, I am also bit anxious about the drains, how did you find them ? And you are right the unknown and thoughts are usually worse , thanks for your time and hope you progress well. 

You'll probably find that your movement is a bit restricted but the Hosp should give you some exercises to do that will help to keep it moving. It's definitely worth persevering with the exercises even tho they may feel a bit tedious as they really do help. As far as the drains are concerned the most difficult bit was trying to juggle them to go to the loo!! They're not painful tho, just inconvenient, but they only last a few days. Mine were in for about 10 days but even when they were removed it was a little stingy but not really painful. Do you have a date for your surgery? Please keep me posted. I'd like to know how you get on. 

Hi bootle , my op date is the 9th of December and dye put in day before for sentinel nodes. Looks like I will have a lazy Xmas this year, so the timing is quite good . I will update when able to write as I heard even texting can hurt a bit. Thanks for your help,