Diary of a DIEP flap bilateral reconstruction
When I was considering reconstruction options I went looking for accounts of people who had been through the process. There was not much there so I promised myself I would try to add to the informatio...
Forum Discussion
Hi Sonia,
One of the reasons i love my tissue flap options is my breasts are wobbly and warm and feel and act just like me. I dont know about implanst but have heard they are a bit more firm, but bonus is no bra needed. I do however need a bra to stop the wobble. Personal preference with that I guess. I wasnt keen on having implants due to their risks, but heaps of ladies have successful and wonderful looking outcomes. I was lucky and had a choice too.
I had an immediate procedure so saved my skin also. You might be a candidate to save your skin which can be done with both recon methods I think if your are a candidate. And your nipple in some cases.
The tummy looks like a tummy tuck, but doesnt feel like that. It is hard and takes a bit of getting used to. Its ok now, but you will be fortunate if you do infact have a DIEP(sometimes they cant access the blood supply) because you may have full recovery in your tummy area. thought i have heard some ladeis do get mesh even with a DIEP. My scars have healed so they are nearly invisible now.
Recovery wise its the tummy that is the slow difficult one. Expect to be laid up for about 2 months.
There are lots of tips and stories in the recon group (you just joined) to help you get more hints and tips.
XXLouie