Reconstruction implants or DIEP flap: How did you choose?

Following!

I just had aesthetic flat surgery on my left breast. Please look into it.

@zeerj, here are some related discussions that may interest you:
- Please share your experiences with the Diep Flap Procedure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diep-flap-procedure/
- Types of breast reconstruction: How to choose? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-had-a-mastectomy-some-years-ago-and-then-an-implant-which/
– Videos about Breast Cancer Surgery from Mayo Experts https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/videos-about-breast-cancer-surgery-from-mayo-experts/

had diep flap, only my fat put into breast. NO IMPLANT FOR ME!

Hello,
I will be having a mastectomy on the left in early Jan and have not yet decided which type reconstruction yet. I am on a wait list to consult on the DIEP and have some time to decide. Would anyone like to share their experiences with the implant and DIEP procedures? Pros/cons, questions to ask, as well as what recovery was like.

Thank you.

Hello,
I have had a mastectomy on the left with a tissue expander placed for future reconstruction. Since my diagnosis I have been going back and forth between a breast implant and the DIEP procedure and still have not made a decision. I have some time to decide, however, looking to find out what others have experienced with these two procedures.

I had a DIEP flap procedure about 3 years ago. Unlike an implant, the DIEP is MAJOR surgery. Mine was done during a VLNT transfer (surgery for lymphedema) and that required accessing the abdominal area which made a DIEP flap procedure more reasonable - I was going to have major surgery one way or the other. So I had the transfer and for reasons that would only apply to me, the flap failed and had to be removed. (rare and not likely to apply to other people).

JMHO, but if you have already had the expander in place I would go with the implant versus the DIEP flap. Abdominal surgery is NOT fun.

Agree DIEP flap is a major surgery. I just had it in December 2023. It looks great and was worth it. Mayo told me on a radiated breast there is a 40% chance of implant rejection, Here is my experience: No cooking, cleaning, laundry or lifting more than 5 pounds for 4 weeks. Slowly add things after 4 weeks So basically no repetitive movements. It can cause you to lose the flap or can collect fluid. Start lifting your arms above your shoulders after 8 weeks. My abs are still sore 6 weeks post op between belly button and bottom of rib cage. It took 3 weeks to stand up straight. Compression garments for 6 weeks. You’ll need lots of help with meals, garbage, pets, laundry. I had some fluid build up in my abdominal incision so I could only get up from chair and do a light 10 minute walk 2x a day for week 3-5. Also they said it would take 8 weeks to get stamina back, maybe longer. My surgery was 13 hrs, it just takes alot out of you.

You have been through a lot...thank you for your honest feedback on this. I appreciate knowing your experience as I navigate this process.

This is a lot to think about. Thank you for sharing your experience with me, I wish you well as you continue healing from the surgery.