LD Flap yes or no and why
I am new to this group. Due to a few failed previous surgeries. My plastic surgeon is recommending the LD flap. I’ve heard that you can lose a lot of strength. I’ve also heard there’s a lot of pain. Does anyone here have any experience good or bad? I would love to have your feedback!
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I had LD flap done in 2020. My PS recommended it after failed implant. I had radiation after mastectomy. Did you have radiation?
There is an old thread that has lots of comments (don’t know how to link). I have not really had weakness. The recovery wasn’t bad. I workout 3x week. I do occasionally get spasms on my side if I twist a certain way but it’s not causing significant problems with my life/activities.
However, I developed severe capsular contracture and had DIEP a year later with a new PS. I am very happy with the results! The one piece of advice I would give is to make sure your PS has done a lot of flaps. Ask to see pics. My PS didn’t do DIEP so he steered me towards LD flap.
There’s so much to consider. It can be overwhelming.
If you have any more questions, I would be happy to answer if I can.0 -
thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. I did not have to. Originally I had an implant in for 18 years. It ruptured I have been trying to have a new implant my body continues to reject it. My PS flap may be a good option for me. I’ve been trying to do some research and have mostly people are very unhappy with them. i’m so surgeries. I’m honestly just thinking about them smoothing out my mastectomy side and seeing how small they can make my other side.
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I had an LD flap with fat grafting (no implant) on one side due to having already had a TRAM flap on the other side years earlier (and it can only be done once). As dimples90 stated, the MOST important thing is that your PS has done a lot of them and has happy patients. I didn't find the recovery that difficult, but everyone is different. I am happy with my results. My breast surgeon sent me to PT after the recon to be sure I got everything working again. I do think people who are unhappy tend to post more often than the happy people who just move on with their life. Also, the LD flap isn't as common as it was at one point when it was the only available flap surgery.
Good luck with your decision.
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Hi @mandy23
so much for your input. I really appreciate it. Can I ask how your strength is now? Is there anything that you could do before that you can’t now? this truly is a hard decision for me.
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Strength is the same as it was before the surgery. It occurred 2 years ago this month. As I mentioned, I did do PT and I would recommend it if even for a short time to be sure things get back to normal. BC does require a lot of difficult decisions doesn't it. Listen to your gut about what 'feels' like the right decision for you.
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Yes there have been a lot of hard decisions along the way. I’ve had so many failed surgeries in the last year. I would really just like to get my “good” breast removed and be done with it all. I don’t really think that’s an option though. thanks for all of your input. I really do appreciate it!
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