DIEP Stage 2

I had Stage 2 with lipo/fat grafting on Feb 3.  I was very concerned beforehand about the pain of lipo.  My PS said that the type of lipo he does is not like cosmetic lipo where they aggressively use large canulas, etc.  He said he takes very thin slivers of fat and layers them.  He said to expect lots of bruising but little pain.  I was skeptical, but he was right!  Pretty nasty bruising with minimal pain.  I've had more pain from banging my shin on the dishwasher door!  I didn't have to wear any compression garments.  It's been 16 days and the bruising is barely visible now.

Just thought I'd relate my experience.  You may have had more extensive lipo than I did or maybe our PS's used different methods. I'm sorry you're having so much pain!  Thank goodness your Stage 2 is done.  Here's to healing quickly! 

TOB,  I'm glad you started this thread.  I'm scheduled for Stage 2 in April, currently being 4.5 weeks out from bmx/diep.  I was told that Stage 2 leaves one feeling soreness like they've really overdone it with exercise.  I got so much good info regarding Stage 1 that I felt very prepared and was able to be fine with that.  There is less info on Stage 2. 

Hi folks, Stage 2 is really a breeze if you don't have lipo.  My PS will do lipo,but the hospital charges if there is anything extra.  I was kind of sad about that.  Other wise, I was not on any pain meds and I was driving in a couple days. 

 My surgery was about 3 1/2 hours and I stayed over night because I have troubles coming out of anesthesia. If not for that I would have gone home that evening.  I also wore a compression bra 24/7 for 1 month.   

TOB

 hope you feel better soon 

Well, guess I better give my experience. My stage I was extremely hard to recover. Stage 2, I had on Thurs. and wasn't bad at all. Used no pain pills and was back at work Monday.  I guess everyone is different plus some may have had more lipo than others. That's probably the biggest key. 

Good morning Ladies,

After a long 5 weeks, I am finally meeting with my PS tomorrow to consult about scheduling Stage 2 DIEP.  I cannot wait.  I haven't been able to really wear a "real" bra since my surgery on Dec. 11 because my foob is slighting larger and rounder than my real one and it's just uncomfortable.  I am so anxious to get this next step going.  Is it really typical for PS now to do lipo?  I do have a slight dog ear on one side and would love to get some "shaping" done on both sides.  He never mentioned lipo during our other visits so I am not sure what his protocol is.  I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything because he's done a fabulous job so far.  It sounds like it is becoming pretty standard to have lipo done at Stage 2 though.  Can you guys offer any suggestions on things to discuss when I am there tomorrow.  24 hours and counting ....  Thanks so much.

Good morning!  I saw my ps this week and he was very pleased with how things are progressing and is ready to get me scheduled for stage 2.  Although alot of surgeons do the nipple at this time, my guy doesn't like to do it then because I am having a slight reduction of both breasts along with lifts.  He wants to do that first and when that is healed then he'll do the nipples.  His reasoning is that if he does the new nipple now, there is a chance the healing could put with me with one nipple pointing up and one pointing down.  Not only is he cute, he's a perfectionist too!  I am fine with that.  He will fix the dog ear on one side and when I asked about lipo, he said typically insurance won't pay for it.  He didn't seem to think I needed lipo even though I have a little area that I would love to get rid of.  When I told him that I had lost about 50 lbs several years ago and could never seem to get the weight off in my belly and sides, he smiled and said he'll see what he can do.  Oh, bless his heart, I love him! 

My next revision surgery will be in two weeks. My PS did say that he was going to "take care" of the extra skin/tissue (let's face it -- it's FAT) under my arms. Will he be doing lipo for this?

Also, what are dog ears? Who knows, I might have those, too!

oh, well, I DO have dog ears, too -- just didn't know what they were called. He said he is taking care of that, too, during next surgery. Those are what he will use for the nipples/aerola. Will have to ask about the lymph flow -- that is a good question.

lol!!

How long to you remember the soreness lasting?  Those are my 2 questions - lymphatic flow and length of soreness.

hi- I highly recommend "Higher Power Spanx"  I ordered two pairs  through ebay and now (four weeks later) wished I ordered 3 . You will need to wear them almost 24/7 .  they are awesome. I wash them in the washer and dryer and they are starting to wear in some places. They go all the way down to the knee and up to under your breasts.

Good Luck

Stage 2 is done!   Surgery was yesterday at 10:30 and I was home in my recliner by 6:00. They revised the dog ear, lifted both sides and did some lipo for contouring.  I was sent home with a compression band and a surgical bra.  I hate the compression band so pulled out my spanx and am just wearing that instead.  The surgical bra is mostly comprised of velcro and it was rubbing so much against the incisions around both breasts I ended up putting a cami on underneath the bra so it didn't rub so much.  My ps said I need to wear it 24/7 until I see him next Tuesday again.  I do have some bruises where the lipo was done and some major swelling around the breasts but holy cow, my girls are perky.  Other than still being really tired and sore (which is to be expected) I am good. I am taking all next week off of work.  Hopefully that will be ample time for recovery. 

Just a quick update, the surgical bra they gave me in the hospital was for the birds!!  Even with the cami underneath, I felt like it was doing nothing and was rubbing so much that I had to pull out the bras I used after my mx.  They were a little large though so I ended up at Macy's this morning and picked up a Barely There bra.  So far, it's comfy and I think I could even sleep in it.  I see the PS tomorrow and will ask the question that I am dying to know the answer to -- when can I go braless??  Does anyone really know the deal with why we have to wear bras 24/7 after the lift?  I assume it's strictly to reduce swelling, but my PS never even really put this on his list of restrictions.  I had to ask him about it. 

I starting taking Arnica yesterday (read about it before but completely blanked out about getting some before surgery) and it does seem to be helping with the bruising.  I stopped at the post office today and instead of pushing the door open with my arms, I used my butt to push on it forgetting all about the bruises from the lipo.  WOW, did that hurt!!  Olivia, try and get yourself some Arnica and start taking it today.  Google it to find where you can pick it up locally.  I got it at Vitamin Shoppe and it was really inexpensive. 

All in all, this stage is so much easier than the first.  More soreness but nothing that restricts you to a chair or bed like before.  I couldn't understand how they said only a week or so out of work, but I can see that by next Monday, I'll be ready to go back to work.  Well, maybe not ready but able :-) 

So much for a quick update, but nonetheless, an update. 

Enjoying the sunshine and birds chirping ... it's a beautiful spring in NC ...