The Breast Monologues

Sat. 09/12/09 10:45 PM

Implants

Very insightful , and answering difficult questions .

Good job . Are you a physiatrist yourself?

lionsforsale, Las vegas, NV

Wed. 07/29/09 12:17 PM

My surgeon suggested the silicone (Gummy Bear/Teardrop shaped) implants and I trusted his judgment since he was one of the surgeons who worked on the first human face transplant here at the Cleveland Clinic. His explanation was that the other forms were less natural in feel and to the touch. Yes, there is a risk that these implants could turn, resulting in additional surgeries, but if your surgeon is skilled - there is a very low chance that this will occur.

Silicone is what is being used now. My husband's best friend is a plastic surgeon and we asked his opinion. He gave us his "personal" opinion and said that if his daughter were to have to make this choice, he would hope that she chose the silicone implants.

My surgery has been complete for over two months and I still do not think they feel "natural." But according to others, they're the best from all the choices out there.

The reality is... and I hope this doesn't sound too dour... but our breasts will never look or feel the same again. I had been in a state of denial with regard to how I thought the whole reconstruction process would turn out. The fact is, my breasts are still hard and unnatural - but they're the best I could get with what options I was given. One important note: I might also be a different case from yours, since I had a modified radical mastectomy and then had radiation prior to having an expander put in. So... my skin is still very irritated and tight. Who knows... you might be very satisfied with yours afterwards.

I hope you don't have a difficult time with this decision. The fact is, we are survivors and these are "just breasts" - right? Sometimes I have to convince myself that this is something so trivial compared to what could have happened. We should be thankful for the fact that we're alive and able to ponder and wonder and worry about which expanders to choose! =)

Good luck Jodi! *Your friend from the 3-Day... Kelly

jkgullo, Chagrin Falls, OH

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