Considering DIEP but is it doable/safe?

rmgrmg

I had implants previously and explanted recently due to them being too large and unnatural and now I do not like flat. So I would love to have the DIEP to make a small A cup breast to match my natural. The only thing holding me back is the long procedure/recovery along with fears that the flap might not take well (necrosis) or I may get the rare risk of hernia associated with DIEP. I have met with a PS that appears to have good results with DIEP with only a 1 percent risk of hernia in his practice and great reviews from patients on DIEP satisfaction. But wondering if others could shed light on my concerns of hernia, the procedure and fear flap failure? Thanks and hopeful, Racheal

Meow13

All I can share is I didn't have any trouble, I did left side DIEP and a lift on right side. The most discomfort was actually from the 2nd fat grafting procedure. Lots of bruising but it healed very nicely. I personally know 2 other women who had successful DIEPs, one single side the other both sides. One person a friend of a friend had a flap failure. Not a big deal but I think she had an implant afterwards. My doctor has a 98% success rate. He does 1 a week on Wednesdays. He is booked months out. My friends were in their 50s, I was 53. One friend has MS but she is doing well no ill effects from the surgery.

My SIL, was going to do the DIEP but she decided against it. They put implants under her muscle to "prepare" for the DIEP, I never had implants or preparation for DIEP. Well I guess the preparation was a disaster really painful so she backed out of reconstruction she was about 67 at the time.

rmgrmg

Thank you so much and I am glad you did well with DIEP and most of your contacts. I am not sure I would need to implant again to do DIEP as you say. I had skin sparing masectomy.