One thing to mention and something my PS did not tell me - infections with expanders are more common than you think and if it happens, the expander will most likely have to be removed and replaced at a later date, if at all. I had an infection on my left side and the expander is currently out.

I tried the implant route after trying the expanders and failed miserably 3 times. The last set had encapsulated, became hard and were twisting inside. I had them removed 6 months ago and just last month had my own fat transferred to my chest. I love the results. I'm now in the bras that I had put away before the whole nightmare started. Go with your gut feelings and don't get "sold" by enthusiastic doctors.

I describe my mastectomy like getting hit by a truck. My implant surgery was like a bug bite. I had the expanders placed at the time of the mastectomy. The filling process was uncomfortable the day of the expansion, but only for that day.

I had reconstruction and started with expanders directly after my bilateral. It was easy for awhile because I will still numb. It was a little painful but worth it because I was starting to look and feel like a woman again. It boosted my self confidence. I had my implant exchange last year and had no problems whatsoever. If you had trouble with healing before; that would be something to really watch out for.

There isn't any way to sugarcoat it - expanders hurt like hell. I had put in immediately after my bilateral mastectomy and had fills every week for 3 months. After reaching the correct size, we waited 3 weeks for the "swap" surgery. I was very lucky and didn't have an infection of any kind, just a lot of pain and general discomfort. I have heard from other women that if you prolong the time period your expanders are in by getting less cc's than what your PS suggests it hurts a little less. I wanted it done and over with asap, so I just dealt with it. Good luck to you and remember, it's YOUR decision!