DIEP

jlking

So my plastic surgeon has recently told me she wouldn't recommend an implant in my radiated breast. I totally understand why but am frightened of the actual surgery, recovery time and overall look of the DIEP flap surgery. I will be having an implant placed in my "good" breast. Has anyone had this? How was the pain, the healing? How does it look, feel? Are you happy? Please be honest.

Ridley

jlking -- i had bilat mast and diep recon -- I'm totally happy with my decision and would make the same one again. There is a 2015 DIEP thread and a 2014 one, etc. Pop on to those and take a read. From my read, most women that have chosen DIEP are happy with the outcome.

Janetanned

JLKing - I had a bmx with immediate bilateral DIEP in November 2011. It was a very long surgery and a difficult recovery. I was in the hospital for 5 days and home from work for 6 weeks. The pain was managed well, but the overall experience was overwhelming. It really took me 6 weeks to be able to drive confidently and to return to teaching. There was a lot involved in the recovery process - drains, drain removal, pt, pain management, finding comfortable sleeping positions, and medication management (I developed an allergy). I will be honest - there were days I thought I might have made a mistake. And, if you want nipples, that is another surgery.

BUT, looking at everything now, I am THRILLED with the results! Everything eventually worked out and I love my new foobs! Every doctor or nurse who has seen them since has commented on how good things look. I had to remind my GP that they were not original equipment.

I almost forget that they are not the real deal! And my husband is happy with the results as well. In addition, I got a tummy tuck in the process.

Today, I am very happy that I made this decision.

Everyone's experience is different. Some breeze through and some don't do well. Some loose the DEIP flap due to poor circulation.

Moderators

Hi Jlking and welcome to Breastcancer.org! You've found the BEST place for support, advice, and information.

As Ridley mentioned, here is the helpful DIEP 2015 thread you may want to check out.

Also, the main Breastcancer.org site has a recently revamped Breast Reconstruction section that might be helpful, including a section on DIEP Flap, as well as many other options.

We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on what you decide.

--The Mods

caligirl3

jlking, I am 8 months out from my immediate DIEP (bilateral). I have posted about my experience in the 2014 thread. Although it is not an easy surgery or recovery, I am very happy with my results. If you have any questions I would be happy to share. You can PM me if you prefer.