Anyone removing IMPLANTS and having DIEP Flap surgery?

Lokos

looking for any info before i see a new ps on friday. Currently have silicone implants that are very different from each other and very uncomfortable.

Thanks

fipjoemom

Yes, I had my implants removed in November 2016 after developing capsular contracture in left breast. I had a BMX in October 2015. I never liked the implants so I was very happy to get them removed. I'm scheduled for DIEP surgery on March 14, 2017. Be sure you go to a PS that has performed many DIEP surgeries. If you are on Facebook, join the DIEP Flap Support Group. You can get a lot of info regarding the procedure, especially from the ladies who had the surgery

Lokos

i hate my implants too! i saw a great ps today, but i may have to use my thighs because i have a scar from a terrible appendectomy in my teens! i have to get an mra next week to see if the blood supply is viable if not then the thighs but my breasts will be much smaller than my c's are now. which i don't mind really but i can't imagine it!

good luck with your surgery- where are you having it! and thanks for the facebook tip!

fipjoemom

Thanks. My surgery is with Dr. Craigie at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Charleston, SC. I am traveling from Atlanta, GA to get this done. He, along with Dr. Kline, will do the surgery. After meeting with Dr. Craigie, I know I am making the right decision. He really put my mind at ease.

LMichele

I would love to hear an update.

I am 6 years out... finally gearing up to get some type of revision done as the implants aren't especially symetrical, and I am pretty athletic and I hate that you can see the implants deform w/ every move I make. Thinking I might go for the DIEP flap, but I would have to do a combo of smaller implants with tissue on top... (maybe I should start my own thread on that combo!)

Thank you,

Michele

laureldrive

I am gathering info on DIEP flap surgery as well. Bilat. Mastectomy in Apr. 2016 - Had two implants inserted in Aug. 2016 and had right implant removed in Oct. due to capsular contracture. Still have left implant. I suffer from "Iron Bra syndrome". I'm wondering if anyone else out there was also experiencing iron bra and found relief after removing implants and having DIEP flap surgery done? I'm emailing with the Centre for Restorative Breast reconstruction in New Orleans at the moment - has anyone else out there had DIEP surgery at this facility?

Olaf

laureldrive,

Did you contact CRBS in New Orleans? I am planning on going for SGAP. Hate the implants!

Lula73

laureldrive- I had DIEP at NOLA back in feb and I'm very pleased with the results so far as well as the care I received. Gearing up for stage 2 in a couple months. I did BMX with immediate DIEP so I can't answer any questions about the possibility of the pain caused by the implants and/or iron bra syndrome being relieved but if you have questions about NOLA, the surgery, the results or the process I'd be happy to help you!

ked425

Hi,

I have silicone implants as well and thinking of removing them.

Did you have any problem getting the insurance company to pay for the MRI to monitor them?

Kathy

Collybluebell

I worry I will not be able to get the diep covered on my health plan. My silicone implants have been in since 2001 and they've never been comfortable - the tightness and hardness has always had me hunched over.

The last three years I've had inflammation and infection in the left breast which has cleared via antibiotics but this last infection lasted far longer and I feel really ill and weak. I'm certain its all connected to some problem with the implant on the left but the right is less inflamed and only hard. Im in Boston MA and wonder if there's a great surgeon that does diep reconstruciton here?

suza4

I am thinking of removing the implants as well and doing the DIEP. I am suffering from the same tightness. Did you get the surgery?

Lokos

yes, i had many surgeries though afterward because they couldn't use my stomach. if you are in the tri-state area, get an appt. with dr. julie vasile. she's amazing and has the kindest heart. she has office in stamford ct and mount kisco, ny. tel her i sent you! good luck!