"flap" reconstruction question

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Suezie23
Suezie23 Member Posts: 9
edited January 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello! I am 30 years old and was diagnosed BRCA2 positive last August. I have had consultations with an Oncologist and Breast surgeon both of whom I liked and trusted right off the bat. I recently made up my mind about getting the prophylactic bilateral mastectomy done, although I am not sure when. Not quite ready to "pull the trigger" yet, so to speak. Last week I also had a consultation with a plastic surgeon that my breast surgeon referred me to. After talking though all the different options we both agreed that the best option for me would be "flap" reconstruction using tissue from my stomach. I'm not big but have a little tummy pooch and he said my breast might end up a little smaller than my originals (which would be fine with me) but he also said I should take into consideration to have him add an implant under the tissue that he would take from my stomach. I have recently been on a diet that has been pretty successful so far so I am now wondering if I should stop trying to lose weight so he can still get some of the stomach tissue. I know this sounds completely ridiculous but I really like the idea of the flap reconstruction and would hate for him not to be able to use my stomach tissue. I also don't want to rush into it to get it over with so I can then keep losing weight after surgery is done… any thoughts or advice?

Thank you!

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  • PNWBCHgirl
    PNWBCHgirl Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2017

    I would see about going back to the PS and asking him these questions and get his professional opinion. If he does flap procedures he is most likely very well versed on them depending on how many years he has been practicing.

    I have a flap procedure for one side and implant on the other due to finding DCIS in my Native breast during a lift and reduction to match my reconstructed breast. The flap breast can lose weight but having the implant might help that from occurring .

    I would definitely make a list of questions and go back and ask questions that way you can make an informed decision.

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  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited January 2017

    More for pooch surgery is better than less. I was told to not lose weight and eat what I could to gain a bit before surgery and that was for one, small breast. My surgeon took all my tummy pooch out and some of it dies on the table whilst working, as not all is used. Eat to gain a bit so that there is enough to harvest so as not to have an implant. Lost all weight gained in my 5th month post surgery and have kept it off and then again, eating clean'ish and exercise helps. You can rush into it, but getting over the surgery and to completion takes more time than what you may have been lead to believe. The result for me was worth it and hope you feel the same - all good thoughts for you and your recovery Suezie23.

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  • Suezie23
    Suezie23 Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2017

    Thank you Ladies! Will definitely go back to ask more questions

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  • Suezie23
    Suezie23 Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2017

    Lilac Blue,

    I was told that recovery is somewhere between 6-8 weeks. I do understand that a complete recovery (going back to exercising and all of that) will take a lot longer. One question I did not ask the PS was how long will it take until I can go back to work. Any idea? I have a desk job...

    I wish I would have prepared myself better for the PS consult and gone in with a list of questions. Will definitely do that next time

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited January 2017

    Another good source of info is to read through the DIEP threads. Nothing has more info for you than women who have gone through the same surgery. Saying that....of course everyone's experience is unique also.

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  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited January 2017

    Suezie23, nihahi is absolutely correct in reading DIEP threads, like this one DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016 and this most recent more general one: January 2017 Surgery Group Going back to exercising can happen at 6 - 8 weeks, it's everything else that takes a lot of adjustment and getting used to. This is not a regular tummy tuck, mine (like most) was a 21 inch hip-to-hip scar, and a numb mid-section and left side of my chest. As far as returning to work, I was unemployed at the time of my surgery yet this thread from 2015 can give you an idea: Going back to work after BMX and reconstruction Do go with a list of questions to your PS, and you will learn so much from the amazing women here at BCO.



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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited January 2017

    I teach high school. I went back to work half days at five weeks and full days at six weeks. I had to take it easy and sit more than usual, but everyday you feel a little bit better. I'm a little over two years out and my belly just started to feel "normal". Not that I was all that limited before, but it just felt kind of weird. All of the feeling hasn't returned yet, but it keeps improving.

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