I would really like to hear from anyone who has had diep flap reconstruction surgery. I had mine done to my left breast last July. I will be seeing my surgeon again soon to discuss how to match up the natural breast to the reconstruction. The thing is that I am scared to have anything done to my natural boob as, I feel a loss of sensation would be devastating. It has been suggested that I have fat transfer to the upper part of my natural breast. Has anyone had this done and did it affect the sensation in the breast?
Hi ClareSW,
This is a difficult decision and I am sure some of our users will be along soon to share their experiences and offer their support.
I have moved your post to our Surgeryboard to give users more of a chance to see your post and respond. You can also call our helplineat 0808 800 6000 who will be able to talk to you about the surgery and offer friendly ear. The helpline opening hours are below.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Monday and Wednesday 5pm-7pm,
Saturday, 9am-1pm
Best wishes,
Lizzy
Hi ClareSW, I had a single Diep flap reconstruction last July and had a reduction and uplift to my healthy breast 3 weeks ago. My surgeon said that it’s not possible to predict whether there will be a loss in nipple sensation because it depends where the nerves are situated and it’s different for everyone. It’s early days and I’m still healing/sore but I’m pretty sure I’ve lost a lot of sensation which is sad. However, I was willing to take the risk because my breasts we’re in such different positions (I started out as G cup); I want to be able to wear something other than a surgical Macom bra again ? I do feel grateful that I have been able to have reconstructive surgery and that it is so much better than it used to be. ( I had my first fibroadenoma out in 1990 and the scar was not treated as a consideration then).
I hope you reach a decision that is best for you. I’ve not been posting for long but from what I’ve seen you might get more responses to your second question about fat transfer if you start a new post with that title…
Big hugs X
Thank you, really helpful x
Thank you
Hi, I am 8 days post op following my single skin sparing mx and diep flap reconstruction with axillary clearance. I have named my new boob Dora, since I find people asking to see my ‘flap’ too funny! I am absolutely delighted with the result and think it has definitely been the right decision for me. I was in theatre for 10 hours, pretty out of it the next day, but was up and self-caring the following day. I was discharged at day 4. I am lucky to have had family and friends to rally round and make sure I did nothing much and only had a couple of hours to myself yesterday. Slept much better since coming home. Had my dressings checked yesterday and mostly it is all going very well. I am a bit tender and the new sensations take some adjusting to, but I stopped taking morphine the morning following my op and have been on paracetamol only since day 2 post op. I think what helped me was being reasonably healthy and fit before surgery, not super fit, but I walked my dog everyday for 30-60minutes. Eating healthy foods and as a non-smoker who drinks alcohol only occasionally. I am personally very happy with my decision and would encourage people to have faith and belief in their own bodies and the surgical team around you. The plastic surgeon wants to do a good job, and wants you to feel happy with the result. It’s a huge operation but nothing we go through to treat breast cancer is ‘easy’. I have histology results next week and very probably chemotherapy - so I’m ensuring I rest lots to get my body in the best possible state to move onto the next step. My biggest discomfort has been the sore throat from the intubation during anaesthetic as it stops me talking !