I had a prophylactic mastectomy May 2007 with immediate reconstruction. I had the expanders taken out and my implants put in October 2007. Last week I just underwent nipple reconstruction. Overall I was a little afraid of the whole procedure as I was not sure what I would look like. My Dr. is amazing and I could not be happier with my results. Feel free to ask any questions of me you want
I don't know if I am the one who should be answering this, but my sister, Susan, had a mastx 10 years ago and then had the tram flap put into place and then had the insert and the fillings. They (at that time) used a magnet to find the hole to insert saline into the pocket.
It became problematic and she hated getting it filled, and it seemed particullarly hard to get even with the other breast. She eventually had it taken out.It just didn't seem worth it.
The scar from the surgery sure hasn't stopped her from enjoying life. She played in a church bell choir concert very soon after her mastx.
She is cancer free and happy. She has advised me about my recent biopsy and had it turned cancerous, I also would have had a complete mastx and no rebuild ever. I admire her so, but I am less into asthetics than she is, so for myself I don't think I would have anyway. You would like Susan. She is beautiful.