Delayed Reconstruction following Mastectomy

Hi. 

I had a double mastectomy followed by immediate diep reconstruction. ( Using own fat from tummy)  The operation is pretty massive, but recovery is not too bad at all.  Your body feels like your own, - I am pleased I had it done this way.  I am not sure what your options are, but if this was one of your options, I would happily answer any questions that you might have.  It is really difficult to make up your mind on something as big as this, especially when you have already been through quite a bit. 

I am here for you, should you need it. 

Sukki.

Hi Sukki

Thank you so much for your quick reply.  I was thinking about implant based reconstruction which the surgeon agreed with as a first option & then if I wasn’t happy to do surgery using my own body tissue. He was confident he could get a good result from the implant.  I feel I am now being steered towards a diep reconstruction by my new consultant. I understand it’s a massive operation but having children & working how long is the recovery?

HI Louise,

I had the operation on the 9th September, and now I feel really quite normal. (5 weeks??)  I think, what from what I can gather, it is roughly about 2 weeks longer recovery than if you have implants.  I think they do push towards the reconstruction with own body fat, because they know that once it is done, that is it.  I think  with implants, whilst the recovery is quicker and the operation is much quicker/less complicated, - there is much more of a chance that there will be complications later on, say in 10 years time.  

For me, waking up with my own tissue was a real bonus. It feels warm ( which was a real thing for me, as I hate being cold) - and  It already has some sensation and feeling; I am happy with the results.  (I also have a really flat tummy.. !!)  You definitely need someone to wait on you hand and foot for about  5 days, after you are out of hospital, but I think this is the same with implants..  There is no denying, that is it is a big op, and maybe you feel as though you have been through enough..

It is a scary leap..   I think it sounds as though you have done the really horrible bit of having the treatment, ( which I have got to look forward to now.. ) - 

Take Care,  Good luck.. 

Do feel free to  ask me anything.. 

xxx

Hi Sukki

Thank you for the information I really do appreciate it. If you need any help I’m here for you too. I’ve finished all my treatment (chemotherapy & radiotherapy) so if you’ve got questions I’ll do my best to help. I’ve got an appointment tomorrow regarding my surgery.

Take care xxx

,

I had single mastectomy last Oct with immediate reconstruction using an implant, my surgeon was brilliant he explained everything and I was shown lots of different photos. I went for the implant and I’m very happy with it. Surgeon could use my own skin on the breast. 

How did you get on with the surgeon x

Sorry for late response but my surgeon went on a sabbatical at short notice before my implant surgery. Now I’ve been advised against an implant as it wouldn’t work well in my case. I’m due to have Imap surgery in February with a different consultant & at a different hospital. It’s been a stressful time of late.