Reconstruction or not

Hi Ariellae0c649,

I completely understand how torn you must be feeling right now. From the day I was told I’d need a mastectomy, I knew I wanted reconstruction. The part I really struggled with was deciding between a DIEP flap and an implant. I wasn’t able to make up my mind until I saw my plastic surgeon.

I’m a 36C, and although I didn’t think I had enough tummy fat, my surgeon said I actually did have enough for a flap. But for me, the thought of going through a long recovery after two major surgeries just didn’t feel right. In the end, I chose an implant.

I’m now two months post-reconstruction, and I can honestly say I’m glad I made that choice. I was back to normal daily life within about 15 days, and although the swelling and healing took about a month, it didn’t stop me from doing my usual activities.

At the end of the day, it really comes down to what feels right for you. Think carefully about the recovery time and the type of surgery you’d feel most comfortable with. There’s no right or wrong answer—only what’s best for you personally.

I’d agree with Recon , consider the recovery times and potential infection risks involved. I too decided on an implant (40B, mostly as I’m broad backed). I felt the extra long anaesthetic also had considerations. 

Whatever you choose, go with what you really, really want.

hugs xxx

Thank you for your response, I just wanted to reach out and have a chat and get a few different views, so thank you and i know it is ultimately down to me, did you lose your nipple?

Thank you moomy  for your advice and hugs are very much accepted! Xxx

I was fortunate to be able to keep my nipple, as the pathology report showed no cancer near it. However, before surgery, my surgeon explained that there can be possibility I might need a second operation if the pathology revealed anything concerning.

Hi. I had a single mastectomy and diep flap reconstruction 9.5 weeks ago. It is a big op but you’re asleep so don’t notice! Recovery is slow but not painful (if you’re careful). The new breast will grow with me (if I put on or lose weight, but generally I stay the same). I was active and am frustrated not getting back to exercise. I’ve walked a lot since the early days though. I have had seromas (fluid pockets) in the new breast but that can happen with any surgery. Although a long recovery time I won’t need it replaced. I do need more surgery if I want symmetry though (they wait 12 months) but again that would have applied with an implant as I have 34DDs and they had dropped over the years! I’m 58. I went to a spa in a bikini this weekend happy with my results in clothes at least! Tummy is still tight but I managed a swim  

For me the immediate reconstruction completely took away the trauma of the mastectomy as I never felt I lost a breast.  It feels a part of me which of course it is!

Any questions feel free to ask. 

Hi Tiamaria3daaf0c thank you for reaching out, I am going to go ahead with the diep after an appointment ive just had with my consultant, im a bit naffed off though as I was expecting some dates/appointments today as ive just been to the hospital to receive my results from my 2nd biopsy (vacuum assisted) on calcifications which were found as well as my lump but the results aren't back yet so no referral and no dates, he said the op would be 4-6 wks from the referral I was originally told it would be October but now looking more like Nov

Hi.  Best of luck with the surgery. Do ask away if needed. Sorry to hear it might be delayed. I managed to have it 4 weeks from my decision which was good (was told 4-6 weeks). There were lots of appointments in that time - meeting with reconstruction surgeon, scan of blood vessels, pre op, dye injection for lymph node biopsy (which they did as part of same op). I was glad to finally be having it done! 

Hope you get news soon. The waiting is so frustrating. You have a plan now which is good. Take care. 

Thank you

1. Hi I was in the same situation 2 month ago and needed to choose between implants or DIEP.  I decided on the deip surgury for 2 main reason. 1. It is your body so will not be rejected which can happen with implants  
2. Implants need to be replaced every 10-15 years 
3. I am now 3 weeks after surgery and I honestly feel I made the right decision.  I am in no pain i have a new brest that feels like my own and getting stronger every day. I personally highly recommend. 
4. Hope this helps