I need your opinion on belly flap breast reconstruction

I couldn’t believe on Instagram when I was searching for anyone who had maybe had mastectomy it came up as porn! Just can’t believe other woman would do that! They clearly have no idea what it’s like to go through this! Good advice! X

Hi Julia,

I'm so sorry that you have found yourself in this situation and at such a young age. I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction by DIEP (from tummy tissue) 3 years ago. I, too, was freaked out about it as like you (apart from a C-section by epidural) I had never had an operation and certainly never had a general anaesthetic before.

A DIEP is considered the Rolls Royce of boob reconstruction as you end up with a new boob that falls naturally and is warm to touch. However, it is a long complicated surgery with a long slow recovery. The abdominal surgery is the worst and you will have a scary and horrific scar that goes from over hip from one side to over hip at the other. Mine has now healed and faded to a thin white line which is now hardly noticeable. You will also have a new tummy button. There will be a round scar on the boob but if you have nipple reconstruction and tattooing this will also disappear. I spent 4 days in hospital after my op in my own room with lots of regular testing and obvs - beginning hourly for the first 24 hours. I had 3 drains but all out prior to leaving hospital. Once home you will need help and I stooped for weeks due to my tummy being so tight. Recovery is slow and you have to be patient with yourself but you do improve rapidly each week. (Although at the time it feels you never will!) I now wear all the things I used to and in underwear or a bikini etc you wouldn't know what had happened as my new boob looks much like my natural boob, and even if caught changing nobody would really look twice as it looks so natural. And, yes, you do have a lovely flat tummy. I have had a couple of 'tweaks' via liposuction and refill to enhance the shape but you don't have to do all that if you don't want to. Good post-op bra and support knickers really aid healing - both worn 27/7 for 6 weeks. Also Bio Oil for massaging the scars after 6 weeks.

There is no denying the op is no walk in the park as its a long complicated surgery but it is worth all the hassle if you are faced with having to have a mastectomy. I certainly don't regret my decision. Any questions, please ask. Good Luck. Xxxxx