I had diep surgery back in June (it’s now October) and I’m happy with my decision to go that route. My one complaint was the shape of my reconstructed breast; it looked very flat and wide, as if it had been pressed on and just stayed that way. This past week I had revision surgery, with the expectation that the flatness would be dealt with. Imagine my immense disappointment when after the surgery my breast looks almost exactly the same. I’m trying to tell myself that it’s only been a week and the shape is likely due to swelling, and that eventually my breast will round out. I have a post-op appointment in a couple of days but I’m kind of in a panic that I just went through a needless surgery and that I’m going to have to go through even more to get the results I’m hoping for. I know it’s never going to look perfect, but the surgeon couldn’t possibly think anyone would be happy with this flat breast shape. Has anyone had a similar experience, or able to give me some reassurance?
So you have one natural breast and one diep breast? Yeah symmetry is tough to pull off with that. Anyway I had a double mastectomy and then DIEP. My breasts are also rather flat. But they’re round and from the front are symmetrical so I’m fine with that. I never went back for the revision though since I was happy the first time around. From what I understand they could have made them less flat with some fat grafting but I didn’t want them bigger nor did I want another surgery and major healing so I said to hell with it. But I’m surprised on your end that fat grafting didn’t help any. That’s usually the point where things can be finessed. Do you have a chance to have a second revision?
I also had reconstruction (bilateral) my left is perfect but I’ve had literal hell with my right one. Right now I have a deep wound under my breast (T section, near the nipple more surface) requiring a wound vac. My flap has been firm and blocky also. I keep getting assured that this will go down, I’m almost 2 months out. Although I have seen a lot of the surrounding area decrease in swelling, I’m terrified I’ll have a “mine-craft boob”. I know revision is an option but with everything going on I don’t even want to think of another surgery again. The way you describe yours (flat and wide, like it was pressed on and stayed that way) sounds just like mine. I’m concerned that this will affect using that side and my arm. I’m still not able to lift my right arm as high as the left and I’m not sure the wound is to blame.
Did you have continued issues with mobility in that side due to the flap shape?
I’m sorry you also have to go through this.
If you don’t mind, can I ask what your revision surgery was? what did they do? I’ve only briefly looked into fat transfer (not even sure if that is an option).
I hope everything is better and you are happy!
I’m interested in knowing if you have a more expected result now that you’ve had a few days to see. I return July 30 for final Diep flap reconstruction. I had double mastectomy Dec 2 with expanders then expanders removed and fat transfer to B cup size. The final surgery is to make the nipples from the transferred skin and to shape my breast and fill in for conformity. I’m nervous. The Diep flap was a lot to recover from. My surgeon didn’t want me to stand straight for the first 2 weeks then he said I could start working on it. Today I can stand straight and my neighbor says I walk and look more like 25 not 71 now. I am still really tight both across the chest and the stomach. It was suggested I wear spanks or tight biking shorts for the first month and even longer and the compression bra because of swelling and the compression was to keep it in check. I have done that. I don’t have a lot of feeling almost none in the breast and the stomach is slowly feeling more normal but still has a thick area that is numb. Massage was recommended and I mixed essential oils of equal volume, frankincense, helichrysum and almond oil and use daily. It is the most difficult experience but I’m managing. You might think at 71 feeling isn’t as important and I agree, but I’m hopeful everyday more returns. I can’t imagine being faced with these decisions at many of your young ages. I think of you everyday and look forward to the day we put cancer away. It is very time consuming to do the best for yourself. Keep writing.