Expander fills and implant exchange - 3rd Feb 2020

In between the mastectomy operation and the next stage, I had to attend the hospital on a monthly basis where the Becker Implant was filled with saline solution at approx 100ml each time. This kept happening over a period of 3-4 months until Mr Skene was happy with the base size. This was then going to be replaced with the silicone implant.

Operation Time

Monday 3rd February - Implant exchange and symmetry operation. The expander was removed and a silicone implant of 490cc was fitted in its place. Creating a 'Barbie boob' (plain boob with no nipple). Alongside this procedure, my left, natural breast had a silicone implant fitted, to try and gain some symmetry and fullness to the natural breast. This is what I chose to go with, and looking back now, a year or so later, I'm not sure I would have chosen this option. My natural boob had lost its shape over the years, so I was left with quite a big space to try and fill! I thought at the time that having two implants in would feel more normal than one implant and a natural, uplifted boob. Unfortunately this option didn't really give me the symmetry that I needed or wanted so I knew it would mean another operation. I wasn't really to know this at the time, and perhaps in hindsight I should have been more guided by the surgeon. But I had this in my head and that is what I went for.

The op was pretty straight forward, and overnight stay again, but nowhere near the level of attention from the mastectomy. I felt like the hospital staff weren't properly briefed on my history and I was just in for cosmetic surgery, which left me feeling a bit insecure if I'm honest. I wanted them to know I wasn't just being vain and the real reason I was there. But they have a job to do, and they did care for me well. It was around another 4 weeks or so recovery. Pain was much more bearable, I had much better range of motion, and was able to go about normal life pretty quick, although I stayed off work for 4 weeks to just allow my body to recover. The tiredness was and still is something that just creeps up and takes over. Needing little afternoon naps around 2.30pm most days!

I resumed the gym and classes as soon as I was given the green light. This was about the 4 week mark. Just taking various options for upper body work so as not to risk hurting myself. Exercise is essential for me to be able to do. It makes me feel so much happier. Even if it is a walk around the golf course, or down to the beach. Just to get moving.

There were no drains fitted in the procedure and the scarring was minimal. By the time of this op my mastectomy scar was pretty much invisible. Mr Skene had done a wonderful job on that! However, the natural boob was now left with what they call in the trade a 'double bubble'. This is where the implant sits high in the breast pocket but the natural boob still hangs low. So I was now referred to a plastic surgeon for consultation on how to achieve symmetry for this!

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