Unilateral breast reconstruction difficulties during COVID

This feels like a very strange conversation to start but have exhausted all other professional routes. So, I have had a unilateral mastectomy and need reconstruction however, I won't be getting a reconstruction on the NHS as they have told me it could be years away! The only reconstruction I can afford privately is implant, the issue is what would one implant and one natural breast be like? I'm not sure how I feel about this as I'm assuming the implant side will only look similar with bra on. I would prefer both sides to be implant so they are a bit more balanced. The private surgeons who I have spoken with are reluctant to do this as it means going up in size. I am only a 34B if that and so it's not like I would be super large. I didn't have radiation thankfully so my skin will hopefully stretch. I have no one to talk to about unilateral implant reconstruction and the internet is full of bilateral implant reconstruction so this isn't very informative. I also feel like I am making a fuss when things could be so much worse, so apologises if this post seems frivolous.  Any advice or shared experience would be much appreciated. 

  • I'm sorry about the difficulties you've been facing with your reconstruction May.

    Hopefully some of our members who have had an implant in one breast will be along soon to share their experiences and advice but if you'd like to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses, you can contact them on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator