DIEP Flap Reconstruction Complication

My update does not have a happy ending as I had hoped. I would like to share this tip from my experience with DIEP Flap surgery. If you already have abdominal issues, such as Rectus Diastases, do not assume this surgery will correct that. Some surgeons may fix it but some surgeons may not. Be sure to bring this up and get clarification before your surgery.

I have decided to share my DIEP Flap surgery journey in hopes that it might help someone else. In April, 2019, I had a nipple sparing double mastectomy with immediate DIEP Flap Reconstruction, following my third diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. I have previously had a lumpectomy on each side followed by chemo and radiation.
I had thought Reconstruction was not a good option for me because of my previous radiation. I told my GS I wanted to go flat and heal as quickly as possible. She wanted me to at least talk to a Plastic Surgeon. Glad I did. DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery seemed like a winner (almost too good to be true). I will end up with newly stuffed breasts (belly tissue) with my own nipples and a tummy tuck as a bonus -paid for by my insurance. I knew there was risk but I had to try - I can do this at age 59!
I woke up with a significant bulge in my tummy but hoped it was just swelling that would go away. My two week follow up confirmed it would never be a flat tummy and that I could make it worse with hopping or straining-see you in 3 months. Unfortunately, I was trying to process this devastating news and didn’t ask further questions about what caused this result or what the fix might be. I turned to this site for further information. Not much information on DIEP Flap surgery but lots on tummy tucks....I really appreciate all feedback and loved reading others journeys. Hugs and prayers to all. My breasts look great and my scars are healing nicely. My bulge is miserable! Posted pics at 8 weeks and 11 weeks post op.
Got my PS appointment moved up (10 weeks post op) and confirmed weak fascia was the cause and he could do surgery to add mesh in as little as 2 weeks. This is a rare complication-darn the luck! :-) Also, it is medical and insurance should pay for it-sigh of relief! I am very afraid of future complications caused by having a foreign object in my body, but I don’t feel I have any choice. Relieved to know my PS could hopefully fix this and I can exercise again and sleep better and wear all my clothes again!! Yippee! It has been almost 4 weeks and I am still waiting to be scheduled for surgery. I hope I have an update with happy news!!