Diep Flap Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts - Boston, MA

The Diep Flap surgery with Dr. Sam Lin at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Unfortunately, initially, after the mastectomy on my left breast, I chose to have an implant put in. I did not get the Diep Flap surgery because I was scared to death of a 9-hour surgery.The implant capsulated. I have a horizontal scar across my left breast from this surgery, plus having to go to the Dr. so many-many times for the expander. The implant was put in by a different physician. Had I done the Diep Flap in the first place, I would not have a horizontal scar on my left breast. Implants have to be replaced. I had radiation treatments with damage to the skin. So after the implant capsulated – near my collar bone - they were going to take skin from my back and move it to the left breast and put in a new implant. I decided on the Diep flap surgery, for both breasts. I had a Prophylactic Mastectomy on the right breast. No more MRI’s and mammograms on the right breast. Total headache and worrisome that they would find cancer in the right breast at some point.The surgery: Actually, I never had any pain, or minimal pain. The scariest part of the entire procedure was waking up in ICU. The first day in my hospital room, I couldn’t really walk, but on day four, I was walking around by myself.This surgery has transformed my life. My breasts look natural, look great, and they are symmetrical. My stomach is now totally flat, something I never have had in my life. I always had a "pot belly"! Yes, there is a horizontal scar below the belly button, but, it does not bother me. Do not hesitate to get this surgery if you can. I would say the recovery time to return to work is about 3 weeks.If you decide to get this surgery, go to Dr. Lin in Boston. You will be happy you did. I can honestly say, my friends who have seen the outcome of my surgery call Dr. Lin “The Magician.” No more MRI’s and mammograms on the other breast. Total headache and worrisome. If you decide to get this surgery, go to Dr. Lin in Boston. You will be happy you did.