Helping You Feel Prepared & Supported
Mental Preparation
Understand and recognise the emotional and mental fatigue of recovery. We recommend you seek help where possible, to manage the mental, emotion and physical energy it takes to recover from this significant surgery.
Be prepared for the possible aesthetic changes to your body. For example; belly button removal, no nipples initially.
Be realistic about recovery timelines. For example; You may not be able to lay flat for anywhere between 2 to 15 weeks, and understand that things may not go to plan.
Psychosocial & Emotional Needs
The emotional impact and loneliness from this surgery is often underestimated.
It is important for you to have peer connection with others who have gone through this operation and recovery.
You are welcome to join our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/171pRw1BZP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Our support group meet face-to-face three times per year in Camberwell, Victoria, to share stories, support and to further improve our program. Joining online is also an option for those who cannot attend in person.
We recommend psychology sessions early. We have an excellent psychologist, who specialises in oncology, that works with us at Moving Beyond Cancer. She is available in person and for online appointments.
Things to ask your surgeon that our clients wish they did
Recommendations or requirements for a post operative binder
Recommendations on compression garments, SRC shorts, Tubigrip, etc
Will you be using a vacuum pump in your wound initially?
Recommendations for scar management and scar protection from clothing?
When to commence scar tissue massage?
Who to contact and the number to call if you have any concerns about your wound healing/management?
Clothing
Soft, oversized knickers, large enough to comfortably cover the scar and bandaging - Kmart.
PJs that button up
Light dressing gown
Front Zip crop top/bra - Kmart.
Slide on slippers
Button up dress for leaving hospital.
Compression garments and/or SRC compression shorts – what your surgeon recommends.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Lip Balm
Flushable wet wipes to freshen up.
A head band if you don't like your hair falling in your face.
Dry shampoo
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Other useful items
Long charging cord
Back scratcher
Pick-up stick - https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-820mm-pick-up-tool_p0328158?srsltid=AfmBOorci5aVlMw9qKyLLK1EOa-GmQvcvYxSIQMpfCRL1NKpX7eBRCr2
Small carry bag to carry your drains, good especially if you have 3. This will give you freedom!
Water bottle with straw.
Throat lozenges for dry, sore throats after the anaesthetic tube.
Neck pillow to make sleeping upright more comfortable.
Quick Links to Recommended Items from Amazon
Mastectomy Pillow Post Surgery Seatbelt
2 Pack Breast Ice Pack.
Microfibre V-Shape Pillow
Adjustable Shower Chair with Assist Grab Bar
Wedge Pillow, Memory Foam with Bamboo Jacquard Cover
INNERSY Women's High Waisted Underwear Cotton
Women's Cotton Modal Long-Sleeve Shirt and Full-Length Bottom Pyjama
GRITHEIM Women's Orthopaedic Arch Support Slippers
Things to prepare at home before you go to hospital
Ready-made meals for the freezer.
Have food, cups, plates, etc on a bench top, not in high cupboards.
Ask close friends or family to set up a meal support roster such as 'Meal Train', or one that also includes other tasks like dog walking or hanging out washing like 'Lotsa Helping Hands' so you have regular meals organised during the early stages of recovery. https://lotsahelpinghands.com
Source a note book for documenting medications.
Place the toilet paper in front of the toilet so you don't have to reach around behind you.
Optional items to source
Seat belt pillow for car ride – E.g. https://www.bellybands.com.au/products/post-surgery-seat-belt-travel-pillow
Shower chair – you may be able to hire through the hospital.
Tri Pillow. Kmart sells these.
A mobile bedside table (like hospital), particularly useful in the first few months.
A large wedge cushion for your bed at home , for example: https://www.clarkrubber.com.au/shop/category/wedge-pillows?srsltid=AfmBOoqnH4_9sFIaVTKDnEXuK51sLoY_zC5M6sI7VO61UNvNZLhtGTRX.
What people wish they had been told (and what helped most)
We asked people who have undergone DIEP flap reconstruction: “What do you wish you had known, so we can pass it on to others going through the same experience?”
The insights below reflect their lived experiences, combined with our clinical input and carefully fact-checked information.
A balanced perspective
Some people want to know every detail about what recovery may involve, while others prefer less information. There is no right or wrong approach—what matters is that you feel informed in a way that suits you.
While the experiences shared here highlight real challenges, it is important to note the majority of women, even after a complex recovery, say they would choose to have this surgery again.
With the right guidance and support, many women go on to rebuild their strength, confidence, and function.
At Moving Beyond Cancer, we are here to support that next phase—helping you safely and progressively regain function, in a way that feels empowering and achievable.
What to expect following Surgery
Hospital stay: Expect to be in hospital for approximately 5–7 days.
Constant monitoring in the first 24-48 hours: The nursing staff will be constantly monitoring you, every hour or so, to ensure your new breast's blood supply is working.
Recovery timelines vary: Full functional recovery can range from 6 months to 18 months or longer. Be patient with your body. A sense of “full function” or feeling “back to normal” is different for everyone.
Revision surgery: Some people choose to undergo additional procedures (such as removing “dog ears,” reshaping, or adding nipples). This is not essential or expected, it is a personal decision. Many people choose to wait some time before considering revision surgery.
Additional things to know
Lying flat: It may take anywhere from 2–12 weeks to feel comfortable lying flat on your back.
The physical impact of recovery: This is a major operation with a long recovery period, which can feel more physically demanding than expected. Preparing yourself, and your support network, to prioritise rest, particularly in the first few weeks, is important.
Fluid build-up / lymphoedema: Fluid build-up or lymphoedema can occur following surgery. It is important to understand what to look for, how to manage it, and who to seek help from.
Fatigue: Significant fatigue is very common after surgery and can persist for many weeks. Rest when your body tells you to.
Accepting help: If a friend or family member asks how they can support you, consider asking for practical help, such as washing your hair when you first get home. This small act can help you feel more comfortable and refreshed during the early stages of recovery.
Physical intimacy: Returning to physical intimacy after breast reconstruction takes time, communication, and a gradual rebuilding of comfort and confidence. The Cancer Council has a helpful resource to support this:
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/managing-cancer-side-effects/sexuality-intimacy/
Compression Garments
Your surgeon will prescribe a binder and/or compression garment to wear after surgery. A supportive binder may be recommended for up to 6 weeks.
Reasons to wear one include:
Improving comfort and helping stabilise the surgical area
Supporting scar healing
Helping to minimise stretching of the scar
Providing support to the abdominal muscles
Assisting with abdominal fatigue during higher activity days or longer walks
The Mental and Emotional Load
It can be confronting to see the changes in your body. Temporary feelings of regret are normal.
You may experience a loss of control. This program aims to help restore a sense of control during your recovery.
Recovery from a DIEP procedure is not just physical—there is also a significant mental and emotional adjustment.
Processing the surgery and, where relevant, your diagnosis takes time.
It is common to feel emotionally low at times.
Psychological support can be incredibly valuable—seeking help is encouraged, and you do not need to go through this alone.
Connecting with others who have been through the surgery via support groups can reduce feelings of isolation.
Common Ongoing Physical Limitations (Months After Surgery)
Reduced range of motion in the shoulders is common
Lymphoedema in the arm where lymph nodes were removed
Upper body weakness
Abdominal weakness
Ongoing numbness
A final note on recovery
Everyone’s recovery looks different. Some people may be more bent over or stiff, some may take longer to lie flat, and others may experience more fatigue.
Recovery does not always follow a smooth or predictable path. Complications such as delayed wound healing or flap issues can occur. Not following a “perfect” timeline is normal, it is not a personal failing.
