From Implant Reconstruction to Diep Flap Reconstruction?

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Fe_Princess
Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
edited April 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a single mastectomy in March 2015. I had a terrible experience with the TE and the implant has given me nothing but grief and I seriously want to tear it out sometimes. I am thinking about having a diep reconstruction instead. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions/information would be greatly appreciated.

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  • digger
    digger Member Posts: 590
    edited October 2015

    I did, originally had a uni mx with expander then implant, which failed after 6 years. Always hated the implant, it felt so unnatural, hard as a rock, so wasn't particularly devastated when it failed, but also scared out of my mind to have a flap surgery, which my PS recommended. I decided to go ahead with it, had the flap surgery July 2015, and am very happy with the result. The surgery (which was an SGAP, taking the flap from my buttocks) was a killer operation, 10 hours, with a follow-up surgery 2 days later when I was bleeding too much. The recovery was also very, very difficult, I'm still very tired, nearly 3 months out. The surgery is not for the weak, it's major, major surgery, but in the long run, I think you'll be happy. I know I am, despite all the pain and prolonged recovery involved. And I never have to replace the flap, it's permanent. That's the best part! I'm happy to answer any other questions you have.

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited October 2015

    Hello Digger and thank you for your response. I just do not like how the implant feels at all. I am six months out from my exchange. The DF operation sounds really intense. I really would love to have this implant out and DF instead. I am living in Switzerland now though and they do not have the same repeat reconstruction laws as the US so I am having to fight with the insurance just to approve and new implant because the one I have is the wrong size. Do your breasts feel natural now? How long is the recovery period? I am quite active too.

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  • Jillybee
    Jillybee Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2015

    I had failed implants.Finally went for DIEP and boobs are fabulous....!!!

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited October 2015

    Hi Jillybee, when you say failed, what do you mean exactly? I am happy to hear that you are love them!!


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  • digger
    digger Member Posts: 590
    edited October 2015

    My SGAP breast does feel natural, and I'm thrilled! The implant never budged, it just sat on my chest like a hard rock. And I was so self-conscious when I hugged anyone, I thought for sure they could tell I had this basketball on my chest. My newly reconstructed breast is so soft! I'm still amazed how it moves just like my remaining natural one. As I said in my earlier message, the surgery and recovery is quite difficult, but I'm so happy with the result, definitely worth it. And I'm very, very athletic, while my endurance is not up to par yet, I have no doubt I'll be fine.

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  • steelersluver
    steelersluver Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2015

    Hi Digger,

    I am contemplating an SGAP on only one side and wondered how yours turned out having only one side done. Any lopsided-look issues? I have implants on both sides now, and have a lot of trouble on the radiated side, so they have suggested fat grafting or a flap. I am thin, and have a bad shoulder, so I don't expect to be a candidate for anything but the SGAP. I'm also very athletic (run, bike, kayak, fish, etc) and don't want to do anything to mess up my legs/hips.


    Thank you!

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  • philomene
    philomene Member Posts: 45
    edited October 2015

    I'm 4 months out of fat grafting and I have a walnut sized lump of necrosis. Is there any chance this will be absorbed this late out from surgery? Or would it have to be surgically removed?

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited February 2016

    I am now approved for an Igap Flap surgery. I cannot wait to get this implant! Do either of you have any comments on the pain/recovery?

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited April 2016

    Hi Digger, it has been a while but I am one week out from surgery. I felt an instant difference with my new breast. The recovery is very heavy though. I am glad I did it. There is a release of tension everywhere in my body. I did not realize how much stress I was holding into my body. How long did it take you all to recover and especially be able to go running, etc...again?

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