I had my diep stage 2 last Wednesday and I'm really gald I did it. I've had many ups and downs in the psychological over the six months between the big first diep surgery and now, the second one of nipple reconstruction and scar revision. I was small breasted to start with so my left diep breast was overfilled (as they need to be) and necessitated my wearing a chicken fillet prosthesis worn on the right cup pf my healthy breast to balance the look under clothing. I personally did not want to stop at this almost circle of my flattend tummy button sewn to the front of my snubed left diep breast. This was not good enough for me and fell short of the expertise of my very highly skilled plastic surgeon. Diep was sold to me as the gold standard of breast reconstruction. I've wanted my body back to what it was and for my breast to match as closely as possible, without having a prophylactic mastectomy on my right breast (I am not BRCA 1 or 2, my left breast was comprised - filled primarily with DCIS with two very small tumors of microinvasion).
When I went in last Wednesday for diep stage 2, I was pretty much at the end of my rope with this bulky, outsized nippleless left breast. I had quite a bit of stomach fat that for some reason, was under my armpit and I always had the sensation of having a small wadded up gym towl under my left arm. Before surgery, I was standing starkers with my PS scribbling and measuring on my left chest, what he was going to do, including circles for lipo of the scar revision. I did not need a lift as my small right breast is perkey and no droop. I let my PS know that I did not want a perfectly made headlight looking nipple like I had seen online at many sites. He could see that my healhty right nipple, sort of slightly looked towards my arm and the aerola was small as well. I was after as natural of a look that matched as possible and showed him the area of micro attached fat under my arm that I wanted removed - to also match my slimmer right side. He assured me that he would do his utmost to obtain the result that I desired.
The surgery was two hours long and I woke clear as a bell, no druggie hangover or anesthesia blues. It was a walk in the park compared to the first diep surgery - nothing like the first one. I'll go in tommrow and see the nipple yet under all the brown surgical tape I can see the shape really does match my healthy right breast and I can put my arm all the way down, that wadded up towel sense under my left arm is gone. I can finally see physically, how talented my PS actually is. To say I'm thrilled with the results is an understatement.
I had read on a website for reconstruction that one of the most rewarding parts of breast reconstruction is having the nipple and areola created, that many woman think of it as the icing on the cake. Chances are, you have probably spent the last few months getting used to nipple-less or 'Barbie' breasts. Regardless of the type of reconstruction you have had, nipples will truly give you the look of a real breast. For many women (like myself), this is the final step after a long journey. Having gone through it, I have found that true for myself - end to this nightmare that none of us have wanted. My pain meds thus far have constited of occasional 400mg ibuprofen. I'm using arnica cream on the bruses from the lipo at the ends of my hip-to-hip incisional revision.
I also read most women feel an emotional boost after having nipple reconstruction, because the appearance of a real breast is now combined with the appearance of an actual nipple. For many, this is the time where you can truly get comfortable with the new you, and start to move forward. I can honestrly say this has been my expereince. I'm so glad I have completed reconstruction treatment. This has been the best decision forward for me.
All my best to everyone, in whatever you choose. LB, x
