Breast Reconstruction - expanded implant or DIEP?

Hi Sania,

I hope all is going well with your chemo so far. I don't have the experience you're looking for as I opted for no reconstruction, but there is a charity called 'BRCA Chat' which has a really useful mastectomy gallery on their website where you can see and even filter the results of different types of reconstruction. As a general insight, maybe it can help you to see the overall visual effect of different types of reconstruction?

Best of luck x

Many thanks for sharing your info. I went through the website, that your introduced to me. Lots of photos from different types of reconstruction. 

Thanks alot

I wish you all the best 

Hi Sania, I had a mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction last Tuesday. It was an 8 hour surgery, with a 5 day hospital stay. They did say I could go home after 3 days, but it was my choice to stay a couple of extra days. I will have to have another surgery later to reduce my healthy breast to match with my new one. I am really happy with my new breast and flat tummy and am happy that I opted for this surgery. I think it's a very personal decision and also depends on your circumstances. I'm retired and my children are grown up, so I can take all the time I need for recovery. I wish you well on your journey moving forward. Xx

Hello Daisy 

Many thanks for sharing your experience with me. I am glad you are happy with your choice. 

I hope I can make a  right decision too.

Hiya ,I had diep reconstruction last  April ,and like you ,am happy with the results and going to have a reduction the other side to match them up but really ,nobody actually notices when I'm dressed or in swimsuit. I'm about 38c and so I'm lucky I had plenty of padding on the tummy so they had a good amount to use in the reconstruction  ! 

Hi Caff1, did they tell you how long you would have to wait for the reduction of the other breast?

• Hi Daisy 24 .I saw plastic surgeon again 5 July and at that time he said it could be a year waiting time.He wanted to see me again in 9 mths (April 25) so will know more then .Although a year sounded a long time ,it's going very quick because I am keeping busy .Also ,it's not stopping me doing anything as even in a swimsuit nobody notices. 

Wow  a year does seem a long time, I find that a bit disappointing to be honest. I initially thought they were going do it all in one surgery. Was then told they wanted to do it separately, as my op was already 8 hours. I haven't spoken to the plastic surgeon yet as I'm waiting for an appointment to discuss this. I will try and push to have it done quicker as mine is definitely noticeable. I went to m&s yesterday and bought a moulded breast form, which is great under clothes. It wouldn't be any good with a swimsuit though, unfortunately. Thank you for your reply, I hope you are doing well at the moment. Xx

Try knitted knickers. They do breast inserts for swimming. I had a double mastectomy, no reconstruction and I use their swimming ones for my aqua fit classes. X

Thank you so much  I didn't realise you could get them for swimming in. I was worried I wouldn't be able to swim, if I go on holiday. That's a big relief! Xx