Forum Discussion

JenAli's avatar
JenAli
Member
13 years ago

bad bruising after DIEP flap

Has anyone had severe bruising after a DIEP flap? I am 8 days post skin sparing mastectomy and diep flap.

I was told by the plastic surgeon, I was too thin and the there wasnt enough fat under the skin of my breast which is why it was badly damaged at operation. They thought they were going to have to skin graft it. I had a 2nd procedure to remove a small amount of dead skin but they decided the rest of the skin was going to survive after all. The lower half of the breast is now a deep purple bruise colour and has developed small darker areas that are starting to tear off like tissue paper. The shape of the breast seems really good though.

Has anyone else had this happen?

side-effects

5 Replies

  • Lyn11's avatar
    Lyn11
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi again, 

    My underwear is very granny-like. I have big granny knickers that come up to the waist so there is nothing rubbing on my scar or belly button....not flattering at all! And I am using the bras that I had after the mastectomy . Both are very soft and one has an opening back and front so it is really good when I get the dressings changed...just undo the front hooks. They are both really comfortable. I don't like the Ah bras as I find they cut in on the shoulders. I thought I might start wearing normal bras soon but I will remove the wire on the new boob side :)

    Hope you are on the mend now,

    Lynne

  • JenAli's avatar
    JenAli
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Lyn , good to hear others experiences. I went back to the plastic surgeon again last wednesday and she took one look and readmitted me. So 4 days of IV antibioitics and my third general anaesthetic in 2 weeks for wound debridement and skin grafting. Oww skin graft donor site is really prickly.I'm thinking its just little hiccups and she said the graft is still good. I ve got that hard bit under the arm too, so good to hear it should disappear.

    A friend gave me a pillow pet'. Its a soft very flat pillow with an animal head attached that fits perfectly over the chest wall and tummy scar proctecting from the seat belt in the car. I'm sure it looks quite silly but I have found it terrific for car travel. I'm finding the Ahh bra really uncomfortable it rolls up under the breast over the scar... what are you wearing?

  • JenAli's avatar
    JenAli
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Lyn , good to hear others experiences. I went back to the plastic surgeon again last wednesday and she took one look and readmitted me. So 4 days of IV antibioitics and my third general anaesthetic in 2 weeks for wound debridement and skin grafting. Oww skin graft donor site is really prickly.I'm thinking its just little hiccups and she said the graft is still good. I ve got that hard bit under the arm too, so good to hear it should disappear.

    A friend gave me a pillow pet'. Its a soft very flat pillow with an animal head attached that fits perfectly over the chest wall and tummy scar proctecting from the seat belt in the car. I'm sure it looks quite silly but I have found it terrific for car travel. I'm finding the Ahh bra really uncomfortable it rolls up under the breast over the scar... what are you wearing?

  • Lyn11's avatar
    Lyn11
    Member
    13 years ago

    I had my diepflap op on 1st Feb. I (sadly) had plenty of skin on my tummy and some of my new breast died as well and I had to go back for debridement. My new breast is a little smaller but I love the shape. I did have bruising around the underarm part but that has now all gone and I finished my last dressing change yesterday. I didn't have any skin peeling off though. There is quite a large hard lump in the breast under the arm but my specialist assured me that would gradually disappear over the next 18 months.

    Even with the hard bit which I can feel with my arm I love my new booby. I am supposed to be having the other side reduced to match but I may not go through with that.

    Good luck with your healing

  • Lyn11's avatar
    Lyn11
    Member
    13 years ago

    I had my diepflap op on 1st Feb. I (sadly) had plenty of skin on my tummy and some of my new breast died as well and I had to go back for debridement. My new breast is a little smaller but I love the shape. I did have bruising around the underarm part but that has now all gone and I finished my last dressing change yesterday. I didn't have any skin peeling off though. There is quite a large hard lump in the breast under the arm but my specialist assured me that would gradually disappear over the next 18 months.

    Even with the hard bit which I can feel with my arm I love my new booby. I am supposed to be having the other side reduced to match but I may not go through with that.

    Good luck with your healing