Reconstruction

Hi

you haven’t filled in your profile , so I don’t know where you are on this journey , age etc 

I had immediate reconstruction using my tummy tissue ( ok fat )

mine was text book , I did have mega melt down before and wee problem after - me not wanting to look etc . 

I got perfect results with great symmetry.

please ask me anything you want to know . No matter how small or you think is silly ( no question is every silly ) 

love 

Ruby Rose  

Hi

My experience is very similar to Ruby Rose - I had immediate reconstruction by DIEP mine was text book no problems etc I then had lipo modelling, nipple reconstruction and tattoo. I am going to have a little more lipo modelling but it’s my choice. Huge op and fairly slow recovery but by far the best reconstruction and most definitely worth the hassle if you face it. I certainly wasn’t keen to have the op but it’s been very successful. 
Please ask.....Xxxx

Hi ,

I had an implant straight after my single mastectomy.  I’m glad I did, no skin or fat taken from anywhere else. I think it’s called a skin sparing mastectomy with reconstruction, so it’s basically my breast area skin with an implant in, gives a natural cleavage. I’m very happy with it. Didn’t have pain afterwards.

Hi, How long did it take to recover from the operation?  I have got two horses and don't want to be out of action for a huge amount of time.  On the other hand, I don't really want to have an implant which will need replacing at some point.

Hi

Well, everyone is different but for me it took a while mainly due to the abdominal surgery.

I was in hospital for 4 days which was the minimum. When you get home there are things you are banned from doing and things you have difficulty with. You are banned from raising your arm and stretching or doing anything repetitive (ironing, shaking a duvet etc) And not allowed to pick up anything with the affected side heavier than a magazine. I was unable to walk properly (I shuffled with a bent back). It was all quite restrictive and for the first few weeks you need help to get out of bed, shower, get dressed put on socks and shoes etc (I needed a litter picker up!!!!) However after about 6 weeks I was much better and began walking much straighter and driving (With cushions placed over surgery area) but not picking up anything heavy such as shopping.

I was also very tired for what felt like months - A mixture of the anaesthetic and the pre op stress of everything. It probably took me 6 months to get over the operation but even now nearly 2 years on I’m still careful not to twist and lift anything really heavy. I haven’t been told I can’t do it but I’m very conscious of the extent of the abdominal surgery. 

There is no denying that a DIEP is a huge operation and it takes a while to recover. I can’t see you being able to tend your horses for quite a number of weeks. However, if you can put with the hassle of the op the results are amazingly good. In underwear or a bikini you are unable to tell. (Give away is the faint line round the new tummy button) My abdominal scar is now just a faint white line and even without clothes (I have had nipple recon and tattoo) in a changing room if dressing it all looks very normal. The Diep gives a natural hanging boob that is soft and warm to touch that will age with you. It is the Rolls Royce of reconstruction but the price to pay is the hassle of recovery. For me, it was a price worth paying. 

Hope this helps. It’s a big decision, I know.Xxxxx

Hi, I thought I was having the same as you, but after seeing my surgeon yesterday I am confused.  The surgeon clearly favours DIEP,  she gave me a list of possible issues with  implant  - skin folding over implant creases and implant turning around. Has any of this happened to you? 

Thanks Michelle 

I believe there are a number of issues with implants, including replacements being needed down the line. If you can have and can face the op, a Diep gives the best result as you have a new boob which feels very similar to your old one, one that is warm and soft to touch and droops just like your old one. This is especially important if you are only having one side done. A diep is considered the Rolls Royce of reconstruction - my surgeon certainly directed me to having one rather than anything else.