Removal of subpectoral implants for DIEP flap

lynae23

Has anyone removed subpectoral implants & had DIEP flap procedure done on both breasts? If so were you happy with the results? I can’t take constantly feeling these implants anymore so thinking of doing DIEP or changing to prepectoral implants. Those are my best options according to my new PS.

Wonderwoman78

Hi lynae23,

I just had this procedure done August 17th. I had Stage 4 capsular contraction in my right side(the cancer and radiated side) and stage 2-3 on my left. My entire chest was incredibly tight, painful and lopsided. The implants (Natrelle 410s) never softened and dropped as promised and got increasingly tight and hard instead. They were also always COLD too! It was AWFUL. Any exercise that used my pecs resulted in days of increased discomfort. I finally realized I didn't have to live that way and got a consult from a new PS that specializes in DIEP flap to see if I was a good candidate. They did not recommend revising with new prepectoral implants because they believed I'd wind up in the same situation with capsular contraction so it was try autologous reconstruction or go flat. I'm not ready to go flat!

I'm still healing and the recovery is no joke with the hope to hip incision but I am already so glad I went this route so far. My new breasts are soft and WARM and pecs are already much happier. I also like being all me again- no foreign objects in my body! Despite still being pretty swollen, I'm pleased with my flat tummy as well! Age, hormones, genetics and medications all made losing belly fat a frustrating, major battle. I wish I had felt like I could have taken time to do more research in the beginning and done a DIEP from the get go. Good luck as you weigh the pros and cons for your particular situation. If you have any questions at all or want advice if you do go the DIEP route, I am happy to share my perspective.

Be well!