Hi cleolotus,
Thank you for your message about after care following your DIEP surgery.
You can start to massage your scars as soon as they have healed, this will be different from person to person and your treatment team can advise you as to when you can start doing this, but is usually around 2-4 weeks after surgery. Any emollient cream or oil you use will keep it from becoming dry and helps make it supple. Most surgeons would recommend avoiding anything perfumed to prevent irritation to the skin.
Restore are a charity that have further information about post reconstruction scar management that may be of interest.
You may find our information on bras after breast surgery useful. If you are using a voucher from a public hospital the fitting room will be able to advise you about the range they have available from their suppliers. Otherwise, many high street stores provide fitting services and we have a list of suppliers on our website. As you have mentioned that your breasts are different sizes since your surgery, you may wish to speak to your breast care nurse about a referral for a partial prosthesis, which will help you with symmetry when you are wearing a bra.
Adjusting to your reconstructed breast can take some time. If you are not satisfied with the final look you can speak with your surgeon about possible options.
Keeping Abreast - Breast Cancer Reconstruction Support are a charity that supports people before and after breast reconstruction that may interest you.
We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Specifically aimed at people, moving back into āreal lifeā as you put it, our Moving Forward resources are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
You may also find our information on life after treatment helpful.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes,
Natasha
Breast Care Nurse
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