What's recovery like after FLAP surgery for breast reconstruction?

DIEPflap? That is what I had.

I had Flap and Reconstruction Surgery the 1st time of Cancer 17years ago. I hate the way I look the big belly has made me self conscious down through the years. The numbness bothers. me too the incision is under my belly button straight across. I've worn tops 2 sizes larger down through the years when I've lost weight it still shows and I look pregnant. I have a friend who's had the same surgery and her stomach wasn't big I see now it depends on the surgeon. I won't have reconstruction on the right Breast because my A1C is 8.1 so I'll be lopsided at 67 it don't matter I'm single

FLAP reconstruction is a significant surgery with a recovery process that varies for each person, but many find it manageable with proper support and preparation. Recovery typically involves several weeks of limited mobility and careful wound care, with gradual improvement over time. This community has many members who've walked similar paths and can share their experiences with reconstruction options - their insights about recovery timelines, pain management, and healing tips could be incredibly valuable as decisions are made about surgical options. Wishing strength through the remaining treatment sessions.

I had bilateral mastectomy with expanders then implants. I was "trying" to be/feel normal. I thought by getting reconstruction my life would be better.. I was WRONG! Lol These things did not resemble real breasts at all...as a matter of fact I hated them! They were so wrinkly I had to wear a bra and keep them covered at all times! I thought my sex life would be saved with them...I was wrong as well! Fast forward a year and I got a reoccurrence on the skin of the same breast that had the original cancer... Implant had to come out and I was offered lat flap ... They take lat muscle from your back "still attached" and sew it on your chest! I was mortified!! Lol Needless to say I told them to take both implants out and give me Aesthetic flat closure. It feels so good to get those bags of silicone off my chest! Any of those flap surgeries come with many things including long painful recovery, possible complications+more. Take your time if you can making a decision. Talk it over with family. Do know you will NOT look like your old self! That's gone!! Truthfully had I not had implants first I would not be happy flat now! I had to see for myself and go through it myself! All the pictures online showed beautiful implants after masectomy...I didn't get those "beautiful implants" lol Be prepared for revisions! Revision's and more revisions! The surgeon's aren't trying to do a "one and done" approach! Revision's are big $$ for them and they don't care how much work you have to miss or how much it costs you! Any of the flap surgeries are serious surgeries that come with serious risks! I wish you the best of luck!!