Anyone have DIEP on one breast, implant for other?

Anonymous

Hi Survivors,

I never wanted an implant. I was thrilled to use my tummy fat for my RT mastectomy/recon in '09. Now, large area of DCIS and ADH on LT side has me at another mastectomy (decided today). I don't have any spare fat now, so implant is my only option. Anyone in this boat? Can you tell me about symmetry, implant-coldness, or anything else?

Thanks so much for your replies!

shadow2356

I do. I had a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP. I had a one sided failure and they put an implant in. It was 9 years ago. I am having many problems with the implant. It seems to be shifting and has flattened. It has always been cold and hard while my DIEP side is warm and soft.

I am considering having it removed and having an autologous procedure with fat from my butt or hip. Would it be possible to see if you can do a procedure that way? Some people love their implants. My surgeon was not that great with them. unfortunately.

Anonymous

Thank you, Mary Ellen, for your reply. Wow... you're the first I've heard with a DIEP failure. It's such a great reconstruction option; that breast is my "favorite breast," as I tell my plastic surgeon. He said we could take from my butt, but I don't want to and he also said that particularrecon choice has a high failure rate.

I've made peace with the implant decision, figuring if I hate it I'll have it removed. Also later if/when I have more fat I could do another flap procedure. One day at a time, right?

Take good care, and I hope you get put back together the way you want soon.