DIEP surgery - concerns about scars

Hi SGMH

A lot will depend on your age , I’m 63 . Tummy scar is fine , doesn’t bother me ,I’m sure if I was younger it would have faded a lot better but it honestly doesn’t bother me . My “new” breast is perfect , any scars I have are very faded , I have now had 3D nipple tattoo and it’s very effective , I didn’t bother with nipple reconstruction, I was told I could get at a later date if I wanted. I have excellent symmetry and I am delighted with the results. My operation was text book , I did my exercises, I massaged my boobs every day , twice a day . I was a pampered princess and had lots of time for this . 

Feel free to ask any questions 

Love 

Ruby Rose  

Hi SGMH

FORGOT THE BIGGY - SUPER FLAT TUMMY !! 

Ruby Rose x  

Hi

I had an immediate DIEP just before Xmas 2017. Apart from being in the situation that I needed the operation I have absolutely no regrets. You do have a very long scar hip to hip but mine has now faded to just a white line. It is under your knicker line. You also have a small scar around your new tummy button but again mine is just a faint white line. Immediately after surgery the abdominal scar is a bit scary and not pretty but mine healed well and now you could hardly tell. I can still wear a bikini without any problems. 

A deip is the Rolls Royce of reconstruction and gives a far superior result than an implant, but it is a big surgery and it takes quite a while to get over. 

Yes, infact with that superflat tummy I look better in a bikini than I have done for years.  I have NO fat on my tummy. I also lost weight post surgery elsewhere as my tummy was so tight. 

Hi again, 

If it helps at all PM me and I am happy to send you photos of abdominal surgery etc Xxxxx

Hi  Ruby Rose

Flat tummy sounds good. My only trouble is have Fibromyalgia, diabetes , under actlive thyroid and vertigo.

So don't think i would cope with pain from tummy too. Then it can be risky due to my diabetes.

Good luck xx

I had mx and immediate DIEP March 2018. The surgeon advised me it was the ‘gold standard’ and I agree. The scarring is fine, doesn’t show in swimwear and I don’t notice it any more. Also had nipple recon and 2 x tattoo, they have done it all really well, I think it is amazing.

. The surgeons were very clear with me that the surgery would provide a new ‘breast shape’ and I should look as I did before in swimwear and clothing. It would not be an enhancement. My body shape is better due to tummy tuck and I am very happy with how I look in swimwear and clothing.

I was more concerned about the recovery and although it takes time, I never really had any pain just restriction especially the first couple of weeks. If you don’t need to work or drive for a while and have people around to help it’s fine.

Good luck with your decision

PS SGMH

Also happy to share pics if you PM me

 Hi im having an implant as with my diabetes it could be risky . Wanted the  LD Flap from my back but surgeon said theres not much fat on my back and my breast skin wasnt great . So i would probably end up with a droopy breast as she hadnt much to work with. She didnt refuse to do it but i thought against  it. The tummy tuck i was against as i have alot of pain with my fibromyalgia.  Could do with a tummy took after 4 kids though with the loose fat you cant get rid of lol.

So onward and upwards op hopefully 9th May and hopefully nothing else unless they find something in lymph nodes. They dont expect to though.

Best wishes x

Thank you everyone for your replies. Sorry for taking so long to say thanks - am just re-surfacing after my final round of chemo.  Your comments are really insightful and will help me make my surgery decision.

Thank you for your support.