Diep vs Implants

NancyGC

Hello, I am new on this journey, currently completed my second round of T&C chemo. I had dble MX with inflater implants. I am trying to decide between Diep and implants. I do want the DIEP but concerned about recovery, pain, and failure. I hate the feeling of the inflaters and the feeling of them being under the muscle. I guess I will adapt and the shape of implants will be better. Does the diep have the same strange feeling of implants? Do the nerves eventually developed some sensation rather than the the total inert feeling with implants? I am a good candidate for diep. I'm 65 and want one procedure to be done. The tummy tuck seems like a blessing and a gift after going through the dble MX and chemo. My husband is fearful of the lengthy surgery. I am in good shape, albeit abdominal surgery and babies at 38 and 41 make my belly perfect for a set of B cups. I had been an H cup prior so smaller is awesome. I'm really just looking for others that have made the decision to do the diep and how it turned out. I realize everyone is different. Thank you so much

abigailj

Hi Nancy - I’m 63, had skin sparing BMX with immediate DIEP recon this past June. Yes it was a long recovery and I had some wound healing complications (I’m a former smoker so some circulation issues) so things dragged on longer in my case. However I’m very pleased with results- was a DD now large C/smaller D, they feel and look like my real ones did in my 30s and my PS has a resident that does tests to check how the nerve grafting has taken - mine is coming along well after less than 6 months - nothing in center/ nipple area but good feeling top and sides and more coming along at bottom too. And yeah, the flat stomach it a real bonus. The abdominal scar is scary still but fading with PT massage and silicone strips. Some pulling feeling still around abdominal incision and incisions under breasts but continuing to improve with massage and exercise. I will have some fat grafting next year to smooth out a divot from an infection I got in one but even as things stand now I am happy with the outcome. I hope you have a great result with whatever you choose

Whatjusthappened

NancyGC, welcome to this group! I have found it invaluable in helping me deal with a myriad of issues that have popped up since my DX.

I had a delayed DIEP surgery this summer and I had no complications from the surgery at all (49 years old). Recovery was a bit tougher than from the MX but I'm glad I did it. I do not have any feeling in my transplanted tissue, but there is also no feeling of anything foreign there. I've never had expanders or implants to compare it to, but the tissue is soft and feels very natural. I do have a couple of hard spots of fat necrosis, which is a common complication after reconstruction.

Be aware that DIEP is not usually a "one and done" kind of surgery. They perform these surgeries in phases. Phase I is just getting the tissue moved and then Phase II is done months later to address the cosmetic issues remaining after Phase I. Some women go through multiple phases. My Phase II is coming up soon.

Also, while the abdominal results can be similar to a tummy tuck, it is not an actual tummy tuck that you are getting. A tummy tuck is a lot more involved and involves tightening of weakened animal muscles. DIEP only removes some excess fat and tissue and does not address the muscles. I had enough tissue for B Cup on one side and an A cup on the other (the skin is tight there due to radiation). It's still a big improvement over the concave chest I had left after my MX. I'm hoping to get things more even during Phase II.

My husband was also fearful of the lengthy surgery, but with two surgeons working it only took about 3 hours. Much better than some I've heard of. There is a Facebook DIEP support group you can request to join where women post a lot of pictures. That can help you understand the benefits, as well as risks, and give you a better idea of what to expect. I suggest researching it well before you decide.

It's a tough decision but I wish you well in your journey.

NancyGC

Thank you so much for your input ladies. It helps me. I will look into the fb DIEP. group as well. Blessings, Nancy