I opted for reconstruction with implants 10 years ago. I was just tired and wanted to be done after having gone through chemo, BMX, expanders & all the appts to fill those suckers up/stretch the skin, radiation, etc…it was just taking so long, and the surgeon was worried that the skin damage from radiation might make healing after a DIEP reconstruction more challenging. So I went with implants. But after a few years (and ongoing since), my radiated side has become increasingly painful, hard, misshapen, and lumpy. I returned to the original surgeon at around year 5 (from the exchange surgery) and he said it looked great but if I was dissatisfied, he could do fat grafting or fillers or something. However, I really think I have capsular contracture... it hurts and is just so strangely shaped.
I’m curious if anyone can share their experiences of explant to DIEP flap? What was the recovery like? Did you have a medical need? Did insurance cover it? I’m just always experiencing some level of discomfort (at best) or pain with movement. Thanks in advance!