DIEP flap or Latissimus dorsi flap surgery

[TheImpOfThePerverse2026]

Sorry for using the word 'flap' so many times 😅

Has anyone had this surgery? I had a double mastectomy three years ago, the reconstruction was successful on my left side and I have a perky Posh Spice-style implant there but the right side was a disaster and I've been left with nothing there.

I saw a plastic surgeon last week, she said I'm a candidate for this surgery but it's a 7 hour procedure and six weeks off work recovery 😒 Not even sure it'll be a great result and I'll end up with a perky right boob.

Any advice welcome 😁

I've had DIEP flap and had great results though best results would be having both sides done so they match. Mine I think was 11 hours and cancelled twice before it went ahead. I spent a week in hospital and had no complications, often you spend less in hospital but didn't mind as had my own room and bathroom (NHS but they make it sweltering so have own room) and overlooked air ambulance. I didn't have much pain after it, maybe first week but it is quite a while before you are allowed to hoover / lift things etc. But its not too bad - I would be active before it otherwise you'll go stir crazy staying in. Did have drains in that's why I was in longer as I have a big 8kgs cat who would have pulled them out at home. Gave me a flat stomach - there is a thin line but its not bad at all, some slight numbness there. But in breast I regained feeling and regained feeling under armpit though that is not usual. I would do it again given the choice. I think you can only have it done once.

Thank you @OneZanyCat

That's a lot to think about, not sure if I can go through that surgery and the recovery for what is basically vanity. I like the idea of a free tummy tuck but they don't know if they can take the fat from my stomach as I had two major ab surgeries and there's a lot of scar tissue there.

I've been referred for an abdominal CT in two weeks so they'll assess if it's viable. If not then the dorsal option but again not sure if I want the trauma and disruption to my life.

Was yours just on one side and does it look like a real boob?