Second Time’s the Charm: Double Mastectomy and Implant Reconstruction without Nipple

I found a plastic surgeon who listened to my concerns for my reconstruction revision. Now, I finally have the breasts I’ve always wanted.

• Procedures: double mastectomy, reconstruction without nipple
• Reconstruction immediately postmastectomy: yes
• Years of procedures: double mastectomy in 2022, reconstruction revision in May and September of 2023
• Age: 34 years old

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Diagnosis to surgery timeline

I found my breast cancer thanks to my rescue dog. One day, he started dropping his toys between the couch and the wall, and I had to squeeze behind the couch to reach them. The tight space compressed my breasts, and the left breast hurt.

Only about 6 months elapsed between my diagnosis, chemotherapy treatment, and mastectomy. I was 33 years old.

In April of 2022, I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Leading up to my mastectomy, the surgeon who removed my breast tissue gave me a list of plastic surgeons to consider for my reconstruction.

At the time, I felt drained and not like myself due to the side effects of chemo. It was tough to choose a plastic surgeon, so I went with the breast surgeon’s recommendation.

The plastic surgeon put in tissue expanders, and I went in every 2 weeks to get my breasts filled in. Everything seemed fine, but over time, I noticed the expanders shifted toward my armpits. When I mentioned it to my plastic surgeon, she told me it was normal because skin naturally stretches.

In August of 2022, I had second-stage reconstruction and got my implants put in. Everything looked great.

Unhappy with my first reconstruction

As I healed, I noticed that my “foobs” (fake boobs) were moving too much. The implants weren’t securely in place, and I was unhappy with how far apart they were. I didn’t want my new husband to see me without a shirt, and I just wanted to feel confident.

On my 6-month follow-up visit, I voiced these concerns to my plastic surgeon. She replied, “If you want them closer, just wear a pushup bra.” I was shocked.

She ignored how I felt and didn’t suggest bigger implants or fat grafting. At that moment, I knew I had to find another plastic surgeon who would listen to my concerns and be empathetic about how I felt.

Getting a second opinion

I spent a month researching and scheduling consultations with five different surgeons, including some out-of-network. I wanted to know if they’d done similar reconstruction revisions and to see before-and-after pictures.

It was a tough choice, but I went with the doctor who seemed the most caring and who listened to my concerns. He said the implants were too small for my chest width, and that’s why they were dancing on my chest.

In May of 2023, I had a reconstruction revision. My new plastic surgeon replaced the implants with tissue expanders to get the breast crease in the right place. He said that if he just put in bigger implants, it wouldn’t look natural.

I knew I made the right decision

When I looked in the mirror after the expanders were placed, it was like night and day. It looked so much better, and we hadn’t even filled the expanders yet. I couldn’t believe the magic my plastic surgeon had done.

I went in for expander fills every 2 weeks. Toward the end of the process, the surgeon asked me if I was happy or if I wanted more, and if so, how much more.

In September of 2023, I got my permanent implants put in, and I couldn’t be happier. It looks much better than I anticipated. I didn’t want to put my body through another surgery, but I knew I had to get it done. I’m so glad I did.

Why sharing matters to me

I want other women to know that there are other options. They don’t have to stick with their first reconstruction, thinking there’s no way out if they’re not happy with the results. I want other women to know they can get another opinion.

It’s important for everyone to be informed about their options. I recommend reaching out to support groups and others who have gone through similar experiences, too.

It’s tough to do your research and go to consultations during treatment and recovery, but I encourage you to meet with multiple plastic surgeons and listen to your gut.

Don’t choose a doctor only because they’re recommended to you. Choose them because they feel right.