Hi, I had left SSM and immediate reconstruction with DIEP. 15 hours op due to perforator (vein) problems. I just wonder how others are getting on post operatively.
Does your newly recontructed DIEP breast feels lumpy and hard? When would it get softer?
Do you have any dent or funny fold on your reconstructed breast/flap? Would the dent (near the cleavage) disappear by itself ?
Anyone with problem flap scar (where the flap meet the breast skin) which need revision surgery?
Hi Miss Piggy,
I had my DIEP 18 months ago, and it has got a lot softer where my stomach tissue is - I also have a small implant on the left side of it (left breast) due to not quite enough tissue. I noticed only today that my recon is a lot softer these days. About 6 months after my DIEP, I noticed a lump which of course scared me - I ended up having a core biopsy and it turned out to be fat necrosis or scar tissue - this is apparently very common. However common it is though, I would always get new lumps looked at.
I also have a dent above my recon towards the cleavage - but I can only feel it and it’s not at all noticeable to anyone else. It certainly doesn’t bother me at all.
Hope this helps!
Sally xx
Hi there,
My DIEP took a few months to settle down and get softer, I did have a dent which appeared nearly a year after the op, I then had liposuction from my thighs and injected into the dent, my dent too was on the cleavage, the lipo worked well first time and I didnt have to have the procedure repeated. I also had lots of problems with flap scar and again had revision surgery (a total on 3 since the orginal operation). If you do a search on my name you should find my history on my diep problems, all what you are experiencing can be fixed, hang on in there.
2.5 years on, my recon is fantastic and even though it was a tough time, I am glad I had it done.
Regards
Jo
hi there
I had a DIEP flap reconstruction 6 months ago. I have a slight dent now on the top of the breast, but only really noticeable when lying down and partly due to slight swelling above that, which makes it appear to dip under. If that makes sense. The underside of the breast is very hard still and I can feel where the hardness ends on either side.
I massage it every day and hope to help ease it along and reduce the hardness. I feel it helps, but the hardness is taking a long time to go.
Lotty