Diep reconstruction

LynnKT

Hi. I had a double mastectomy and now have expanders in place. I've had them in for several months because I had radiation in Sept. '10. I have been thinking all along that I would have implants put in when the time comes (most likely October '11). Now I am wondering whether I should look into Diep reconstruction. Is there anyone out there who has had this procedure? Anyone who had rad. before having the procedure done? I am considering inquiring whether the fatty tissue from my rear can be used instead of my abdominal area. Thanks.

sea60

Hi Lynn!
I had the DIEP reconstruction after radiation. They used my abdominal tissue. As I've mentioned here, my line-up was:

Chemo first
Mastectomy of the right breast
Radiation
removal of the non-cancerous breast followed by the DIEP transplant
Nipple recontruction
Tatoos


Then I had to get a total hysterectomy due to tamoxifen but that's a different story.

The reconstuction is tough as it's really considered a transplant. The room needs to be kept really warm to promote the circulation in the main veins & arteries. I was in the hospital for about 5 days and left with with 4 drains. I was out of work for about 9 weeks.

The plastic surgeons were wonderful and although they are never going to be as they once were, they did a very good job. Having the radiation gave me a 2 toned look where the cancerous booby was. Since they radiated it, the skin on top is darker than the new skin from my abdomen but it doesn't look that drastic.

Hope you make a decision that's best for you! If you have any other questions, you can PM me anytime.

Hugs,

Sylvia

canoegirl

Hi Lynn!
This February I had a right side Diep reconstruction after radiation (last summer) and like Sylvia my breast is 2-toned. There is a chance that the tanned skin will fade after a while, but no guarentee. One thing to think about with using fat from your rear area is will it may be uncomfortable to sit or lie down for several days?...something to ask the doctor about. If you plan to use the abdominal fat, think about the flatter stomach vs a hip to hip scar.

I think the biggest pros (over implant) are:
Tummy tuck
No rejection because it's your own body fat
Diep is considered to look and feel more "natural", but I haven't compared
and I haven't heard of Diep "falling" (which I personally know someone who implant "fell")

The biggest cons are:
Abdominal scar
Longer recovery
and make sure your surgeon has done this several times before and has a good track record because it can "fail" during the first day or so if they don't know what they are doing! (which is why you spend 5 days in the hospital)

Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm sure you'll look fabulous no matter what you choose!

Hugs,
Marcy

rm22111

canoegirl said:

Hi Lynn!
This February I had a right side Diep reconstruction after radiation (last summer) and like Sylvia my breast is 2-toned. There is a chance that the tanned skin will fade after a while, but no guarentee. One thing to think about with using fat from your rear area is will it may be uncomfortable to sit or lie down for several days?...something to ask the doctor about. If you plan to use the abdominal fat, think about the flatter stomach vs a hip to hip scar.

I think the biggest pros (over implant) are:
Tummy tuck
No rejection because it's your own body fat
Diep is considered to look and feel more "natural", but I haven't compared
and I haven't heard of Diep "falling" (which I personally know someone who implant "fell")

The biggest cons are:
Abdominal scar
Longer recovery
and make sure your surgeon has done this several times before and has a good track record because it can "fail" during the first day or so if they don't know what they are doing! (which is why you spend 5 days in the hospital)

Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm sure you'll look fabulous no matter what you choose!

Hugs,
Marcy

Did you have radiation on both side? I chose to go the implant route. I only had radiation on one side. I chose implants knowing that problems could arise. I had my exchange surgery two weeks ago and everything is going well. I waited almost a year after radiation to do my exchange. My PS did say my skin looked pretty good before my exchange. I have to be very careful with my radiated side for 2 to 3 months. Something else to think about is Implants usually have to be replaced every ten years or so. In 10 years I will be 60. I am not sure if I will have insurance then. I am wondering how will I pay for the new implants.

I know it can be a hard to know what to do. You have to decide what is best for you and what your plastic surgeon thinks would be best for you. I am not sure where you live or what insurance you have, but I have heard a lot of women go to the center for restorative breast surgery in New Orleans. They have a good web site.

hope this information is helpful.