scars
scars Hi everyone.
I had a diep flap recon on 17th april. Just wondering how any of you ladies who’ve had recon have dealt with your scars. My consultant said to massage with vitamin E oil which I’ve been doing but various people at the hosp have said use cocoa butter, E45 etc. I don’t really like using anything with parabens or liquid parafin in so E45, Bio Oil, aquaous cream etc is out. Have any of you had success with anything that minimises the appearance of the scars? How about Dermatix - incredibly expensive to buy but has anyone had any success with it? Can you get it on prescription?
Also, has anyone had a breast lift and reduction done on the “good” side? I’m going to need this done, how long is the op, recovery time and what are the scars like? I see the consultant on 6th June and will get the lowdown then but it would be good to hear from someone who has been through it.
Sorry for so many questions, if anyone has any answers to any I would be very grateful.
Thanks
brest uplift and reduction hi i had a breast uplift and reduction oct 2005 and it was actually the histology results from this that hilighted lcis which in 12 months turned to grade one cancer and am now awaiting mastectomy so unfortunately have not had my fab boobs for very long.
the reduction and uplift have been great and the scars are very minimal. you have what is called an anchor scar and the one that runs up the middle of the breast has almost totally disapeared around the nipple has a white ring but apparently this could of been corrected in 15 mins was going to have op done in feb but unfortunately cancer found in jan. i had no pain what so ever after the op the worst part was the itching as scars healed.
my consultant was dr russo in transform and all proffessional second opinions on the results have been that it is one of the best results they have seen
(just my luck) didnt even loose sensation.
hope this of some help to you
good luck
mandy x x
Been told not to touch them with anything for 6 months!!! Hi Serenity
Ive just had a diep…9 days ago and was told in no uncertain terms not to touch my scars for 6 months and then use silicone oil…something to do eith allowing them to heal completely and settle…will be back at the hosp next wed so will enquire again…had also heard this from a dermatology consultant…will get back to you if i find out anything more…i have awful scars on my breast and have to have further tidying up as they had to remove alot of skin over the top of my dcis!!
Anna xx
I had my diep the day before you serenity and had reduction and lift to other side done at the same time. I’ve had no problems whatsoever from either the recon or reduction, had minimal discomfort and am thrilled with the results - especially the reduction.
Obviously I have a lot of scars but these are all healing well and despite looking like a patchwork quilt at the moment I know the scars will fade in time. Even with the scarring it is far more preferable to me than how I looked after my mastectomy.
Every surgeon seems to have differant protocols with this surgery from what I have read, regarding immediate post op care, excercise, bras and using cream or oil on scars etc. My surgeon was very strict for the first couple of weeks, obviously not wanting to compromise the flap but now he has said I should massage cream in (E45 also recommended by BCN) as scabs drop off. He wasn’t bothered after a couple of weeks about me wearing an abdominal binder and has only ever said to wear a supportive non wired bra.
My point is that they all have differant ideas, there doesn’t seem to be one way or one point of view, everyone seems to have a slightly differant experience and advice.
Take care
Claire x
Thanks for the input ladies Funny isn’t it, the differences between hospitals, consultants etc. I was told to start massaging as soon as it was comfortable after the stitches were removed - yes I had non-dissolving stitches as my consultant thinks they result in fewer problems with scarring eg thickening. Every time I’ve been to the hosp since they ask me whether I’m massaging - apparently they feel that there is less problem with the scar becoming tight and puckered if massaging starts early! Who knows who is right?
I’ve now got a shell prosthesis to even me up as the size difference is too noticeable for me - I don’t want to look lop-sided for a few months until they get the next op sorted out.
I haven’t got an abdominal binder anymore, that was taken off after a few days as it was giving me terrible blisters - they were more painful than the op sites! I have got to wear a tubigrip corset type thing for another couple of weeks. It’s like putting on a lycra mini dress LOL.
Anyway, best of luck for the rest of your recuperation time.