Reconstruction with Implants

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Hi, I recently underwent a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. 

My surgeon walked me through all the options - TRAM, DIEP, Implants and LD Flap.  He advised against implants - he said they won't sit naturally and will feel heavy and people often have issues with them being rejected or infection. 

I chose the LD Flap as I didn't want to risk impacting my abdominal core with either the TRAM or DIEP - plus I personally didn't want a massive scar on my front which I would see every day.  I have one scar across my back on one side which sits under my bra line, a scar in my underarm from sentinel node removal and a circular scar on my breast as they had to remove my nipple and areola as they couldn't save it due to a previous wide excision surgery.

Have to say just over a week post op (which was 8 hours) and yes its a bit sore and swollen as expected but I'm surprisingly happier with the results than I thought I would be and with exercises from physio I'm sure I will get my arm strength back in time.  I am very glad I was advised against implants. 

Don't know if that helps but wish you well on your journey.

Thank you for the response. I'm not sure even that level of scarring would be advised given my propensity to get keloid scars. I guess I will have to see what they advise. 

1. Hello, are you happy to share your experience of LD flap 5 months after surgery?

Hi There, 

I'm doing well. I have to say the hardest parts and most uncomfortable aspect was the drains, one under the muscle they used to make my new breast and one in my lower back a few inches below the scar. The breast one came out after about 10 days but it was nearly three weeks till the one in my back came out. Immediately everything felt more comfortable.

The swelling went down slowly but now 5 months on I have a breast that looks the same shape and profile as my natural breast (minus the nipple). I was advised not to lift my arm above 90 degrees for the first 5 or 6 weeks to not over stretch. I've got great mobility back in my arm and shoulder now. If I swing my arm too long when walking my shoulders aches a bit but I've not really started strengthening it yet with weights.

I'm back at work now, mainly desk job and I just need to remember to move and stretch other wise my back and side gets a bit stiff, but the exercises from physio help that. My husband rubs bio oil into my scars and that's helped. The front and under arm scars are fading well, the bank one is still pinker but it's bigger so going to take more time. 

I'm still glad I did the ld flap compared to the other options. Hope that helps but happy to answer any concerns you have.

I had an LD flap surgery with implant 21 years ago. It has served me very well and looked great. 

Unfortunately I  had a recurrence in the Mastectomy envelope last year but the ld  reconstruction has survived radiotherapy and implant replacement so I still have it. Happy to answer questions xx