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Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

ED29
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I was hoping to get some advise, I have been diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast and will be having a mastectomy, I have been offered a choice of three different types of reconstruction, an implant, diep flap or LD flap. We don’t get something for nothing so naturally they have their pros and cons. Has anyone had either of these reconstructions? If so what did they think about recovery time and in particular how has the scarring been?

Parents
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    Hi

    I was given the option of an immediate reconstruction, LD flap or DIEP, I couldn't have an implant as I need to have radio therapy.

    After looking at both I opted for the DIEP, and I based my decision on the longer term rather than the recovery time as I felt it would give me a better overall look. I had a skin sparing and nipple sparing reconstruction, unfortunately a biopsy on the back of my nipple showed cancerous cells so I had to go back into surgery and have the bud bit removed. 
    I have a tummy scar,

    new belly button and one scar under my boob which I don't see as it's underneath. I was in theatre for 10 hours, was up walking around the next day and spent a week in hospital. No infections but had to have a skin graft, but it's all healed. I'm pleased that I went for the Diep option. Happy to answer any questions. 
    WL

Reply
  • Offline

    Hi

    I was given the option of an immediate reconstruction, LD flap or DIEP, I couldn't have an implant as I need to have radio therapy.

    After looking at both I opted for the DIEP, and I based my decision on the longer term rather than the recovery time as I felt it would give me a better overall look. I had a skin sparing and nipple sparing reconstruction, unfortunately a biopsy on the back of my nipple showed cancerous cells so I had to go back into surgery and have the bud bit removed. 
    I have a tummy scar,

    new belly button and one scar under my boob which I don't see as it's underneath. I was in theatre for 10 hours, was up walking around the next day and spent a week in hospital. No infections but had to have a skin graft, but it's all healed. I'm pleased that I went for the Diep option. Happy to answer any questions. 
    WL

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