diep scars..

Hi

I've just noticed your post has slipped to a different page, so by answering I am 'bumping it up' for you.

I had my lumpectomy July 2017 and have a 10cm scar, I would say about 50% of this scar is still a lot redder than the other half.  I guess it is all down to how well as individuals we heal, how much they perhaps stretched the skin/did the stitching whilst operating.  I used bio-oil on mine, but given one lady I met in radiotherapy had a tiny scar just to the side of her armpit which she showed me and that was better than mine are today over 2 years later... who knows if the bio oil did any good.

Best wishes,

Hi

I have had several different breast operations , my sentinel node scar was three years + and is now invisible , my lumpectomy scars I had for 7 months before my mastectomy , they were around my nipple so very well disguised. My mastectomy with implant I had 2+ years ago and had become very faint, but that had only been for about the last year. I had a delayed DIEP last week and they are some whopping scars ! I have just checked this morning and I have found one I for that it is up to two years before the scars settle properly - are you massaging the scars ?

x

Hi Sukki

i had DIEP in March 2017, I am really pleased with how the scars look now. If you want to PM I’m happy to show you a couple of photos.

I massaged with bio oil for 6 months afterwards.

Hi

im thinking of having recon using stomach diep. Please could you give me more details of your experience. I had mastectomy 24/10 and can’t bear more surgery but also can’t bear this

thanks 

x

Hi Tinkerbell.

I had it done at the same time as mastectomy so it was a big operation. It went well, I was 3 days in hospital afterwards and only needed paracetamol and ibuprofen to keep comfortable.

I recovered well.  Quite restricted for first week or so so plan for that, meals in the freezer help with housework etc.

 I’m really pleased with the result though  my new boob is a bit smaller. They were very clear with me the aim is to provide a new breast shape which will look good in clothing and swimwear, and it absolutely does. I have since had nipple recon and tattoo.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

To be honest I don’t really notice it now.

Hi, I had my mastectomy and immediate DIEP exactly 2 years ago. My scars are now very faint just a white line but they were red for a long time. I massaged with Bio Oil twice a day to begin with then once and I still do so occasionally 2 years later. It does take time..... to be fair its only been a few months ago (I had just finally straightened up at 3 months!!!) it will take a year if not longer for them to become white lines. The long abdominal one will fade considerably and last year and this I was in bikinis on the beach and you couldn't tell. Take care...XXXxx

Hi there, 

im just recovering from a stomach diep reconstruction, I had mine the same time as my mastectomy. 
Im so happy I had it done, if you have any questions I more than happy to answer. 
claire x

Hi clare

i have lots of questions I don’t know where to start. How long were you in hospital? 

How many drains did you have? 

Silly question but where are the scars? 

Xxxxx

Good morning, 

Any questions I’m happy to answer. 
I was in hospital for 5 days, I was so looked after. After the op I had 2 drains, my breast drain was taken out on the 5th day. I came home with stomach drain, that was taken out on the 8th day. 
the scar on breast is just around where the nipple would be, that scar is fading already.
the scar on my stomach is from hip to hip, which sounds horrendous, but I promise you it’s not. 
I was feeling really anxious about the op, but I am really honest it was not as bad as I was thinking. You are given pain relief if you need which helps. 
Please just ask any questions, I know that so many whizz around our heads. 
Claire xx

Hi Claire

I am due to have my right breast mastectomy and diep reconstruction and sentinel node removal in 2 weeks. Your experience is really encouraging.  I am trying to prepare and feel concerned by the abdominal scar and managing the 6 week recovery.  Hospital has said i would stay in for for 3 to 5 days.  I have a ct scan this week. How is your healing and energy levels?