My Mastectomy & Breast Reconstruction Journey

Suzanne shares her experience of having two mastectomies and breast reconstruction, as well an implant removal and replacement. She explains how the procedures went and her recovery experience, including what compression garments she used, how they helped and the results.

Can you tell us about your mastectomy with reconstruction?

I had my first mastectomy in 2021 and chose to have immediate reconstruction. My implant rotated in 2023 and it had to be removed; I unfortunately developed a post operative infection requiring a further hospital stay and another surgery.

At the end of July 2024 I was able to have the procedure to replace my implant. The replacement procedure was much shorter than my mastectomy and did not require any drains so I chose to go home later that evening.

How was your recovery?

I was very sore and swollen after the procedure and found the journey home quite uncomfortable. Sleeping upright with the support of a V shaped pillow and cushions under my arm was a great help; the painkillers I was given by the hospital also helped minimise my pain so I was able to sleep. I was advised to take lots of rest and “be kind to yourself” but make sure I did move around to minimise the chances of lymphedema/complications.

What were you advised to avoid after your mastectomy?

For the first week post surgery I was not allowed to shower and had to keep the dressing/incision dry and clean, checking daily for any signs of infection. I was advised not to lift anything heavier than a ½ full kettle for at least 6 weeks after surgery to avoid putting strain on incisions. My surgeon also asked me to avoid repetitive motions such as ironing or blow drying my hair- dry shampoo and facial wipes are a post surgery must!

My implant was over the pectoral muscle so it was important I didn't over reach or stretch on that side. Before the surgery I prepped my house and put things in reach and out of cabinets so I could do as much for myself as possible; I took things down like coffee cups, plates, shampoos, etc. off higher shelves beforehand.

I wasn't able to return to normal exercise such as running or weight training until I reached the 12 weeks post op milestone, and due to the physical nature of my job I was also signed off from work until this point to ensure all the internal sutures had held and everything had healed.

How painful was mastectomy recovery?

The initial few days post mastectomy were painful and I did need to take regular pain medication, but within the week I was able to start reducing the daily amount. I did experience nerve pain on and off for a few weeks but the sensation only lasted for a few minutes.

What did you wear after your mastectomy with reconstruction?

Once I was back on the ward and was given the ok by the nurse, I was able to dress myself. The front fastening design of the macom® surgical bra made it easy to put on without help and the secure fit of the compression helped relieve some of the discomfort straight away.

After my initial mastectomy I did not wear a macom® bra and had to buy multiple bras as my swelling reduced to ensure a supportive fit. Wearing loose fitting, front fastening tops for the first week after the mastectomy made life a lot easier and allowed me to dress myself.

The wide band on the ’Comfort Bra’ sat comfortably over my dressings and helped reduce the swelling around the incision. I travelled home from the hospital in a zip up lounge suit and fluffy socks for extra comfort and to hide the compression socks!

What compression garments/bras did you use during recovery?

It was only after my initial mastectomy I discovered macom®. A close friend had breast reduction surgery and was recommended macom® compression bras by her surgeon. She couldn’t praise them enough and 6 months after her surgery they were still her go to bra for days when she wanted to be comfortable and supported.

So, for my preventative mastectomy in November 2022, I reached out to Nadja on Instagram. She was so helpful with products and sizing, and I bought 3 post-surgery bras: white, black and clay. I was amazed at how well they fitted, and how supported I felt even as the swelling reduced. I never needed to buy smaller bras like I had done with my previous surgery. Even with the drain in place the bra sat comfortably over the incisions and was comfortable, I continued to wear them long after the recommended 12 weeks.

Before this last surgery I again reached out to Nadja; she replied that same day and recommended the ‘i-Bra’ for the best post op support with anatomical implants. I ordered 2; black and clay and the ‘comfort bra’ for sleeping in. My consultant advised me to wear a bra day and night for 3 months post-surgery, I am now 5 months post surgery, and I am still wearing them!

When did you start wearing your compression garment?

After my first mastectomy I didn't wear compression garments, I wore surgical bras day and night for the recommended 12 weeks but they were so uncomfortable I couldn't wait to be out of them! I went through many different sizes too as my swelling reduced, I needed to drop sizes to keep up the support I needed. With my macom® bras I was- am happy to keep wearing them after the recommended 12 weeks.

What were the results of wearing your compression bras?

After my first surgery I didn't wear a compression bra and my implant rotated and I required further surgery, this didn't happen with my second mastectomy and I do feel that in part is down to better support from the corrective post surgery bra.