So confused...implants vs DIEP???

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JJOntario
JJOntario Member Posts: 356
edited March 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

My appt is coming up with my PS and I'm wondering why some people chose DIEP over implants? Aren't implants the easier way to go? I'm so torn...and wondering why you made the choice you did and if you are happy with your results?

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  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2015


    Implants seemed like the easier route for me until my surgeon reminded me that they have a lifespan and I would need to replace them down the road.  As long as everything goes well initially, DIEP is pretty much a one shot deal, not counting any cosmetic work that you might want to follow up with, such as nipples and scar revisions.  While the actual surgery and recovery is difficult for DIEP, I liked the idea of being done once I was done.  In addition, I saw it as an opportunity to get a tummy tuck. Smile

    I am really pleased I chose the DIEP procedure.  However, there were times, early in recovery, that I wasn't so sure I had made the correct decision.  The recovery was longer than I expected.

    I just saw my GP last month.  She was amazed at how good everything looks now that I've had my nipples and tattoos done.

    Maybe you can ask the PS to see pictures of both results.  It might help you picture yourself with each.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    Hi JJOntario

    I am struggling with the same decision, DIEP or implants. It is a hard decision to make. I was diagnosed this past Monday and met with a PS this morning.

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  • JJOntario
    JJOntario Member Posts: 356
    edited March 2015

    So I can't do DIEP. Like OMG...I spent the past 18 months before dx losing weight going from 165lbs to my current 130 lbs. the PS recommended that I do the 6 wks of rads and then come back and see him. I have existing implants (I got them in Feb 2014 and was dx in Dec). He knows that my implant will contract during rads but he said if I do the masectomy I would need to either go a lot smaller (can't do nipple soaring as my tumour was fairly close to my nipple and I have large areoles. He could do TE's but he can't guarantee if he could get it large enough to match the other side.

    I'm venting so here goes. I was always an A cup. I finally got the last child into university, researched my ass off and spent 10k on myself. I loved my new boobs...not just how they looked but how they made me feel but now this all seems like a bloody headache and that I don't have any choices. This lumpectomy has shrunk that boob by a good 25%. I'm so not thrilled by my choices...especially radiation. Isn't it ironic to be on a breast implant forum and a BC forum at the same time? Also ironic to finally lose 30 lbs and be told you now don't have enough tummy to do what you hoped to do. Sorry...I'm just so frustrated!!

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    JJOntario

    I am so sorry that you have to go through this. To work so hard at getting into shape and then have BC. I can't have nipple sparing either. Such an emotional time with the whole BC thing and also choices that we have to make.

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  • Geo
    Geo Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2015

    I decided for implants, but my doctor made me change my mind and I feel soooooo happy for that. They look a little smaller than before but I can feel them very soft and round.

    I was 135 with a size D and with the alternative of a size B, I ate like crazy to gain some fat and now I'm between size c/d. Today I had my stage 2 to match the left breast(it was a little bit smaller) Some fat grafting, fix the ear dog and my nipples...took less than 3 hours.

    I don't regrest my decision, the recovery is a pain in the....l but worthy. The only intolerable pain is moving from the hospital bed to the couch and walking the first week. After all that nightmare, you'll fell great.

    Implants or Diep. Please try to walk.it helped me s lot.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    Thank you RedshoesClaire. I am so glad your surgery went well. I did figure the first week pain would be an issue. I did have a C-Section previously but I am sure the DIEP surgery is probably more painful than the C-Section surgery.

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