Ruth Guillaumier | DIEP Breast Reconstruction

Ruth Guillaumier: DIEP Breast Reconstruction

"As soon as I walked into The McIndoe Centre, I felt a sense of calm” 

When a diagnosis of breast cancer resulted in a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Ruth Guillaumier discovered she was an ideal candidate for DIEP surgery, a breast reconstruction procedure that is still in its infancy in her home country of Malta. 

Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer upon discovering a lump when she brushed her hand against the inner side of her breast. A biopsy revealed it was a grade two tumour. Due to its size, doctors decided it was best to carry out a mastectomy, not a lumpectomy. The mastectomy then revealed it was grade three – a more aggressive tumour.  

Ruth, a mother of three young children who had only recently separated from her husband, explained: “When I found out I was going to lose my breast, I tried to convince myself it was not a big deal; I had done my breastfeeding, I’ve never been vain, and I thought I could do without it. I was more concerned about my young kids. I wanted the lump and the breast out as I thought it was going to kill me.  

Ruth Guillaumier 2

“My breast surgeon said we could do a reconstruction, but I felt I didn’t need it, I didn’t want it. For me, it wasn’t important at the time. I was emotionally numb to it, even on the day of the mastectomy. 

“They gave me a prosthesis, but the asymmetry and flatness were driving me crazy. I never appreciated my breast before, it was a good size and good quality. It was then that I started thinking about getting it back somehow. I didn’t know there were different types of reconstruction.” 

Breast Reconstruction at The McIndoe Centre

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy is now an integral component of the treatment process for breast cancer. For women who have had a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild both breasts matching them as closely to the original, natural breast. The decision to have reconstructive surgery is a turning point in the cancer journey and for many signals a new beginning.

Ruth’s breast surgeon encouraged her to get in touch with Miss Alexandra Molina, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at The McIndoe Centre, and soon she had an online meeting with her breast care nurse, breast surgeon and Miss Molina.  

It was confirmed that Ruth was a good candidate for DIEP surgery, a procedure that uses the patient’s own tissue from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast, offering a more natural outcome and avoiding certain complications that can be associated with implants, particularly after radiotherapy. 

Miss Molina had permission from one of her previous DIEP patients, who was also from Malta, to pass on her details to Ruth. She was able to share her experience and provide recommendations on accommodation in East Grinstead.   

“I was ecstatic. For the first time, I had a female surgeon, not a male surgeon. I felt very comfortable with Miss Molina. You could tell she was prepared for the meeting and knew what she had to ask and what to show me. I felt fully supported. I commend Miss Molina not only for her work but for the way she handled my situation.” 

Ruth Guillaumier

Ruth attended her pre-operation appointment at The McIndoe Centre in June to confirm she was medically fit for surgery. After arranging childcare with her parents, she returned several weeks later for her operation in July, supported by one of her friends who she got to know during her cancer journey. 

She said: “From the pre-operation appointment, I realised I was in safe hands. I was well cared for and they knew exactly what they had to do.  

“I was anxious before I left Malta for the operation, but as soon as I walked into The McIndoe Centre, I felt a sense of calm. I walked to the theatre in the morning and felt excited to get my breast back; I wasn’t nervous.” 

Miss Molina was joined by Miss Katia Sindali, a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon, for the operation, which took just over four hours. Ruth spent three nights at The McIndoe Centre under observation and continued her recovery in the UK. Two follow up appointments with Miss Molina ensured Ruth was well enough to return home to Malta.

Image of DIEP breast reconstruction patient Ruth Guillaumier
L-R: Miss Katia Sindali, Ruth Guillaumier, Miss Alexandra Molina

Ruth said: “I wasn’t particularly swollen, and I didn’t have to have any drains. A few days after arriving home, I started driving, went to work, put on normal clothes - not baggy clothes – and wore high heels. It was as if I hadn’t had anything done. When I think about it, it brings me positive vibes. The one big challenge was being away from my children for such a long time and that I couldn’t go for the operation on my own, I needed an accompaniment.”    

Reflecting on the last few years, Ruth added: “In spite of the setbacks, hardships and difficulties, I managed. When you reach the very bottom of life, you get back up again and go even higher than you were before. 

“I was all in pieces, emotionally and physically, and bit by bit we managed to pick everything up to what I am today. It’s not like I went for surgery at The McIndoe Centre, I went for an experience. I lived an experience, and I am very satisfied with the end result. I can’t find one thing at fault.” 

“Performing Ruth’s delayed DIEP breast reconstruction was an extremely rewarding experience. She is a motivated, intelligent patient and kept me on my toes asking very sensible questions ahead of her surgery! In the end Ruth had a team of two specialist female surgeons operating on her, which is quite unusual. It was a truly enjoyable and efficient day, as DIEPs usually take a little longer. Ruth is now going to return for nipple reconstruction and possibly a small uplift of the other breast, as the next phase of her reconstructive journey."

Miss Alexandra Molina, Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Miss Alexandra Molina is a UK trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon and is on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery. She graduated from Cambridge University with Distinction in 2005 and started her Plastic Surgery training in 2008. During her training she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Biomedical Education. In 2015 she was awarded the Intercollegiate Fellowship in Plastic Surgery or FRCS(Plast).

See profile

Find out more about the McIndoe Centre

We provide outstanding patient experiences

As a nationally recognised hospital of excellence in plastic, reconstructive, ophthalmic and maxillofacial surgery, we have demonstrated ourselves to be: effective, responsive, caring, safe and well-led. Recently rated ‘good’ by the CQC, we are committed to treating our patients and each other with kindness, respect and dignity resulting in life-changing outcomes.

Latest news and articles

TMC 2025 e-mag web

Introducing our 2025 Private Services Guide

1835861626

Breaking the cycle of overwhelm

Screenshot

Cosmetic Surgery Q&A: Mr Baljit Dheansa

Patient testimonials

Find out what it’s like to be a patient, from the people who matter the most.

fm_all-articles_v3