Almost no PS performs TRAM flap any more. It's an old way of reconstruction. Just to be clear, DIEP flap doesn't involve any muscle removal at all. No mesh. My dr didn't even let me use any kind of support bra or belly support like an ace bandage. Two days after surgery my dressings were removed and one week later all 4 drains are removed. And that's it. Belly cut and new belly button takes a while to heal. I am 4 weeks out and everything is healing so good. I am so thankful and this will be a closure for me. Opting out for nipple construction. I never want to see a bra or wear one ever again in my life. I am happy with what I have. My dr is genius. And he did what he told me

I have decided to do the DIEP... I was fortunate in that recently I saw a up close and personal DIEP . One of my care team members just had it done by the same surgeon that is going to do mine and I must say they feel and look like real breast. The nipple isn't done yet but still they look awesome. Even the abdomen scar line looked damn good . I chose it because well dammit if I'm going to do this , as it should be my final major surgery in relation to this cancer I'm going to go for the works . Of course that said I also doing to because especially after having tissue expanders I just don't want any foreign stuff in me. I don't want to have to think about lifting restrictions any further and I don't want to have to possibly deal with having replacement ( another surgery) implants again in 10 years. There are more minor reasons for my choice but the above are my main reasons

@A MyBCTeam Member I have respect for you with the DIEP procedure. "belly cut and new belly button..." makes my toes curl so you are stronger than me. I have something about my stomach being cut. Maybe years of working out? IDK but I even told my OBGYN that she better turn my babies around if they were breech. Luckily 2 healthy births no Csection. You are braver than me! ~ Danielle

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A MyBCTea...

@A MyBCTeam Member. If your ps didn't spare the skin or nipple just having
The implants without tissue expander is not
Possible. Tissue expanders are placed behind the pectoral mussel to extend the
Muscle and skin to create a pocket, to be able to put the implants in the pockets. How did he place the implants without expanders? Just curious.

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A MyBCTea...

I had implants put in at time of MX. No expanders. My breast turned out beautiful. I think results depend a lot on the plastic surgeon you use. Go to the surgeons websites and look at before and after pictures of both procedures to see which results you like the best.