To DIEP or not?

Kar1n 2 months ago

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Hi, I was diagnosed in September, had a lumpectomy in October and then a Mastectomy in November.

I've been to see a Private and a NHS Consultant about DIEP Surgery and can't decide whether to proceed. I know it's a brutal operation but I'd like to "look normal" if possible but don't know if the surgery and recovery time is worth it. I have a D cup so they're saying they won't look the same and might need to decrease my remaining boob. I think the NHS Consultant in particular was questioning me as to why I want it and said that it could be six months to a year to recover from it!! She was basically saying I should be proud of how I look and what I've gone through.

Has anyone had DIEP surgery and can let me know from a patient perspective, what it was like?

Thx

Irishgirl16 2 months ago

Hi there, I'm one of the champions here in the group and I just noticed you haven’t had any replies yet. My answer will bump your post back to the top and I am sure someone with DIEP experience to share will be along soon. Best wishes

Jomor 2 months ago

Hi Kar1n

I had delayed reconstruction on the NHS (albeit with B cup breasts, so no problem finding enough tummy fat to match the original!). I appreciate that everyone’s experience is different but mine was brilliant and I’m so glad I did it. It’s great not to worry about a prosthesis, and to be able go bra-less when it’s hot without anyone knowing I had a mastectomy. I came away from the op not just with a new breast but also with a much more positive outlook on life generally, which was a nice surprise.

I didn’t find the op brutal at all. No pain afterwards, was looked after really well in hospital and discharged after 2 nights. I was stiff for a few days and had to be careful what I did for a few weeks, but was fully mobile within a week or two and back at work (a desk job) 4 weeks after the operation. The main challenge was having to wear support underwear and socks for several weeks! I went back for some tweaks some months later, to even my breasts up, but that was day surgery. The plastic surgeons were great and gave me so much time to discuss what I wanted.

Depending where you live you may be able to attend a “show and tell” session (eg. in London and the southeast there are sessions run by the Restore breast reconstruction team) where you can hear from nurses and other women who’ve been through the op. Best of luck in reaching your decision!

Kar1n 2 months ago in reply to Jomor

Thankyou so much. I am a D cup and even though I think I have enough tummy fat, i'm told it won't be the same size as my right one and will need further surgery. Thankyou for letting me know your experience, I really appreciate it.

Daisy24 1 month ago

Hi, I had a mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction in October 2024. I found the operation ok and made a good recovery. I've had a reduction of my healthy breast in December 2025, so they are now evenly matched. I am very pleased with the results of my surgery and am happy that I made the choice to go with the diep. I wish you well with whatever choice you decide upon. Xx

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