Who has had implants removed then had a DIEP, GAP or PAP?

I read one of your past threads and you went through what I did, I do not have out of network benefits, so I am waiting to hear if I get approved, the surgeon believes he should be able to but I haven't heard yet.  

Hi there. I'm having a TUG on May 6th, so different from the PAP, but similar. I am curious to hear what others experiences are too. I hope your surgery gets approved Lfaith!

tami...  Yes, I do forget it is there sometimes.  I actually don't notice it unless I stop and think about it.

Tamiami, I had my implants removed and a TUG/PAP procedure done 2 years ago (TUG on the left and a PAP on the right).  There's some pretty extensive threads on here from several years ago with ladies who had TUGs done.  I've posted quite a bit about the two because, at the time, there were not many PAPs.  I'll try to find the link for you, but feel free to PM me.  I can speak with great authority on the difference between implants as well at the TUG/PAP options.  The flap is sooooooo worth it!

Take care, Andi

Tamiami - I was just not happy with my implants..and was thinking of getting implant revision (have had the one side revised a few times) Dr suggested a flap..Due to previous abdominal surgery I was not a candidate for the usual tram/diep..so they told me I could do GAP or TUG..said there was more tissue for GAP but that they would do that over 2 surgeries..so I decided on TUG.  My initial surgery was about 10 hrs..started around 8, was in recovery around 6pm..and in my room about 8 or so..by the next morning I was back in surgery as my flap had failed..a 3 hour surgery turned into 8 hrs as both went down while in surgery.. I was hoping for nicely shaped legs after and now my legs actually seem bigger..which makes no sense..but they rub now mid inner thigh and they never did before..my one leg is numb..they are really really sore when I walk (feel bruised all over) and I have lost alot of volume in one side due to staph infection..and still have an open wound.. I had my drains in for 7 weeks in my legs.. I do love the fact that I do not have any of those weird indents or movements from the implants and I do like the results on the one side..the other side is gonna need some help..I still have an open wound on the other side.. 3.5 months later and the Dr just put in a flexible drain a couple weeks ago (that drains into gauze to try to get the area to heal and close).. If I didnt have all the complications, I think I would have been happy..just wish I could have used abdomenial tissue

yes, I did it locally..being on the west coast I didnt want to travel cross country for a surgery like that.I was in the hospital a week and went home basically not able to do anything on my own..so I would never have made it on a plane home..

I really hope when all is said and done I will be happy with the decision to do this..but we will see.if both sides looked like the right then I would be happy..my surgeons did say that they have never seen anyone with all the complications I have had..they do flaps almost daily and they have never seen what I have experienced..or even close to it!

i think I have decided to try to do the 3d tattoo once this part is done..cant imagine going through with the whole nips after all this..

Hi!

This is my first post. I had bc, rad. Chemo. Implants 14 years ago. Due to an implant infection due to meds I'm on for rheumatoid arthritis I had my implant removed on my radiated side. Needless to say, I am not an easy fix. Most surgery are out. I saw a Dr. Today about a possible LD flap. It's an ok possibility but not great. The dr. would really prefer not to put another implant in so they are suggesting a GAP flap. Problem is no one in my area in the Kaiser system does them and I'm kind if worried about getting someone who hasn't preformed enough of them. 

Marial, your in the Bay Area. I'm in Sacramento. I am traveling to Santa Clara to see a Dr. As no one in Sac. Kaiser system does the GAP flap. Who did you go to?

Mel2328 thanks for your comments about your PAP flap - I hope your recovery is going well! I would be very interested in updates as time goes on and any thoughts or advice you might have for someone who is considering it as well. I met with a PS today to discuss my reconstruction options. I won't have surgery for a few months (I am currently doing hormone therapy to try to shrink my tumor) so I have some time to research. Due to my build I am not a candidate for many of the other flap procedures. The PS is experienced with the PAP flap (as I read through the reconstruction thread I realize this is important). My other option is implant with fat grafting. Since the fat will most likely be from the thighs it seems like I should seriously consider the PAP. I am a runner but the PS says he has done the PAP flap on other distance runners who have been able to resume running after they recovered.

Mel2328 thanks for the great feedback and for all the details - these help me with all the considerations and realities that the PS don't mention. I also appreciate your suggestions. My medical team is all part of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. I actually live about an hour and half away from Dallas but it is totally worth the drive for such great medical care and from what I can tell it's all very progressive. The tough part of living in a rural community is not having any local support groups or BC mentors to help me through this journey. This discussion board has definitely helped! I just wish I lived closer to a few of the gals and could actually meet up. Oh what was the time frame between your initial BMX and the PAP? Did you have expanders in between? Somehow I thought the expanders were only associated with implants but if I understood the PS correctly I will go through the expander process with either procedure. Oh and if I could also ask what was the length of hospital stay and return to work or expected return to work after each surgery. Unfortunately I changed jobs last year so have fairly limited vacation/PTO time so this too will have to be part of my decision process. Oh well I am just glad that I have a few options to consider. Take care!!!