Breast implants after mastectomy

[Mariana Ciureanu]

IN september 2006 I had a double mastectomy, foolowing a DCIS diagnostic. Simultaneously, I underwent a breast reconstruction with the expander implant technique. Immediately after operation , I developed a huge fluid build-up, which was not drained for about 2 weeks.As it finnally was drained, the amount of fluid was huge ( about 600 ml in the right breast and about 300 in the left). subsequently, a small part of the skin in the left breast showed necrosis and it took 6 weeks to heal. After this difficult start, things seemed to go better. The expanders ( which contained at the beginning 300 ml) were gradually inflated with 300 ml more within about 7 weeks. 2 weeks after the last liquid addition, the skin on the right breast punctured and some liquid started flowing out. The PS removed 300ml from the implant and performed a suture of the wound. This seemed to heal, but after two more weeks, a new puncture appeared and this time, there was an enormous amount of fluid flowing out ( by my extimates 200-300 ml). I thought that the implant was punctured, but this seems not to be the case. I assume that the PS will remove (temporarily?) the expander and let it heal and try again. Do you thik that there is another solution? If it heals and I try again after 6 months, do I have a chance that things should happen again?
I am desperate..

Is there any way to put in a replacement that doesn't contain fluid? Like a solid prosthetic? Obviously it wouldn't feel natural but it would presumably solve the visual situation and you wouldn't have to worry about leaking.

BTW I salute your courage and determination in going through all of this. Don't give up- the problem will be resolved eventually.

[Sick_N_Tired]

I don't have any information to help you I really hope that you have a surgon that you trust. It sounds very scary. I am going to have a biladeral mastectomy due to sever fibroidcystic disease. I have had problems since I was 25 and I am now 36 5 children two surgerys on my right breast to remove cysts and now drainage from left breast. I am scared to death the outcome. They said it isn't a matter of if I will get cancer it is just when. I have a family history and as many problems as I have had it is the best way to prevent it and also to stop the pain associated with the fibroidcystic disease. I would love to hear about what you when through and how you feel about it if you would be willing to chat you can email me at tehuber4@aol.com. I really wish you the best. I admire your courage Stay storong