Removing implants for DIEP flap

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Carol99
Carol99 Member Posts: 116
edited June 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

hi there, I had nipple sparing BMX with immediate recon in Nov. 2013, over the past year I've had 4 revisions. The last one being an implant exchange. I hate them, I hate the feeling of my muscle contracting & the look of it! My right side is lower, it kind of falls to the side & I can feel my breast bone, it's a bit concave. I've had fat grafting but it still is flat. My PS said it will always be like this.

I'm going to have the DIEP flap in September. I'm nervous about the surgery naturally but in reading through the boards I'm hearing of stomach swelling? Can anyone comment on that? Also, Is the belly really flat after? I'm not really that overweight but after I had my ovaries out 2 yrs. ago (brca1) & chemo I have more belly.

Has anyone else gone through this?

Thanks for any input.

Carol

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  • Wonderland
    Wonderland Member Posts: 3,288
    edited March 2015

    Hi NEskir99. Sorry you have had problems. I had a delayed diep.Yes, I had stomach swelling but it was due to the surgery so it was only temporary. After 6 weeks I experienced no more swelling. And yes, my belly is flat. Wish I had asked for my love handles to be liposuctioned to even the look out. I wish you the best of luck in September.

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  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited June 2015

    bump- anyone do this?

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited June 2015

    I had DIEP a year ago. Everyone heals differently so it's tough to say what your recovery will be like but there is a ton of information on the DIEP threads. I experienced swelling for a few months after surgery and was in compression for about 12 weeks (my choice because it felt better, not directed by my PS). Even a year later I will experience some swelling when I overdo it, but it subsides quickly. That being said, I have no regrets and would make the same decision if I had to go back and do it again. Yes, your belly will be flat and will be pulled tight. Mine is still tight after a year

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