Hi,
As anyone had a double mastectomy via a diep flap and found the scar on the lower abdomen very hard and tight after 6 weeks of surgery? I feel challenged when I try to get out of bed, chair etc because of the tightness of the scar and inside the tummy. Does this soften? How long will it take? I have swelling and it looks like my skin is like a hanger on the sides just above the scar. I feel so ugly ?.
Simi
Dear Simi
I am sorry that you havent had any response to your post as yet. I am hoping that this message will help bump it up for you.
If you would like a nurse to respond to your post please let us know or you could post a question to the nurses on our Ask Our Nurses area of the Forum. Alternatively we have a free Helpline, 0808 800 6000 if talking to someone would be better for you.
Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer
Hi Anna,
Please get a nurse to respond.
Kind regards,
Sima
Hi Simi thought I would try to help as you have not had any replies. I would say it is very early days after your surgery and you are very much in the early stages of recovery. I had tram surgery which is very similar to diep in January this year, I have an abdominal scar hip to hip. I found that once the wounds are healed try to do some gentle stretches and massage the scars daily. I also found walking helpful try not to sit for long periods I am quite active and found the more active you are it helps with the scarring to keep it supple. Also if when you feel ready try to go for a swim once a week as again this helps stretch the area and prevent the tightness. Remember you are still in the early days after surgery though so take things at your own pace and build up gradually but these are the things that helped me x
Hi Whitelily,
Thank you. Unfortunately my stitches got infected and so my wounds are still open, both breasts, stomach and belly button. I have been battling the recovery of those but I will for sure do what you say.
Simi x
Dear Simi so sorry to hear about your infection and tightness. I do hope it is healing now. I had a DIEP reconstruction in March this year and like you felt very tight and uncomfortable for some months with some delayed healing around the navel which I found very distressing. Once my tummy wounds had closed, I did find moisturising and gentle massage helped. I used E45 cream or rose hip oil. The tummy scar is still raised & bumpy in the middle but flattened and soft at the edges. You will get better ! But need to nurture and take care of yourself emotionally and physically as your body heals.Good luck.
Hi Simi,
I just had DIEP FLAP three weeks ago with double mastectomy . I’m very happy with my result and mange to walk up to 10k yesterday.
Keep moving and your tightness will go away.
Should feel thankful that the mastectomy save our life and DIEP FLAP reconstruction is just icing on the ? cake.
Wish u all the best for recovery
hi Simi
How are you now?
i had my diep flap surgery six weeks ago, and like you, I’m struggling with recovery. I’ve been lucky enough not to get any infections but the tightness around my whole tummy area is really uncomfortable. i still can’t lie flat ou lie on my side which makes sleeping difficult and still can’t quite stand up straight. the surgeon has told me this is because my skin is non stretchy and that i just have to be patient, that eventually it will soften. Also my new breast is like a rock. I’m afraid patience is not one of my virtues!
is like a rock