Tracy | DIEP Flap Surgery
“It’s been life changing”
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2024, Tracy underwent a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. Throughout her treatment, she knew that breast reconstruction was something she wanted, and when the time came, she chose to have a DIEP flap surgery at The McIndoe Centre.
“I always wanted a breast reconstruction, explains Tracy, 54. “I hated having one breast. I tried all the prostheses, anything I could, but I didn’t like any of the options. It broke me.
“Implants were never an option for me. I had read reviews and listened to others’ experiences, and personally, I didn’t want the potential risk of complications or the need for replacements. I always knew I wanted a flap reconstruction (using your own tissue, often from the tummy, thigh, back, or buttock).”
Following her mastectomy, Tracy’s breast surgeon in Eastbourne referred her to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. Her first appointment was in January 2025, when she saw Miss Katia Sindali, Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon, as an NHS patient, but was taken aback by the waiting list.
Tracy opted to see Miss Sindali privately at The McIndoe Centre, where they discussed DIEP flap reconstruction. She was booked in for the surgery in July 2025, and Miss Sindali was joined by Miss Alexandra Molina, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, for the complex microsurgical procedure, where tiny blood vessels from the abdomen are reconnected to vessels in the chest using a microscope.
Tracy said: “The NHS timescale broke me. I was grateful the cancer was gone, but the emotional impact was huge. I couldn’t even look in the mirror, and I rarely went out. I already had to wait one year following radiotherapy for a breast reconstruction. I couldn’t wait two more years.”
By the time she arrived at The McIndoe Centre for her DIEP flap reconstruction, Tracy said she felt more than ready. She had prepared herself physically, joining a nutritional group and losing 1.5 stone before surgery.
Tracy said: “The surgery lasted around 6–6.5 hours, shorter than the 10 hours I had anticipated, and I stayed at The McIndoe Centre for three nights. It was so much easier than I was expecting. I woke up and felt a sense of relief; it had been done, and I’d got my breast back.
“I had no drains, and there were no complications. Yes, you’ve got scars from the mastectomy and reconstruction, but the DIEP scar is so neat and precise. Emotionally, I felt 100% better as soon as I woke up.
“I’m very independent, but during recovery I’ve had to recognise when I need to sit down and rest. The fatigue is like nothing I’ve known. You have to be careful and listen to your body. Even now, if I’m using the trolley while shopping, I can feel the pull on my tummy.”
Tracy returned to Miss Sindali for a follow up appointment and the options surrounding nipple reconstruction were discussed.
“I’ve got a smile back on my face, which I haven’t had for a long time. It’s been life changing.”
Tracy
“At first, I didn’t care about the nipple; I just wanted the breast back,” Tracy said. “But I started to think about a nipple tattoo. In my follow up appointment, Miss Sindali took one look at my breast and encouraged me to consider a nipple reconstruction. She said it would be the icing on the cake, so to speak. I had every confidence in her. She and Miss Molina have been so professional throughout everything, so I’m going ahead with their recommendation."
Miss Sindali added: “I am truly humbled to hear how Tracy’s breast reconstruction journey has helped her regain confidence and feel more like herself again. Her strength and positivity are inspiring, and I am delighted to have been part of such a life-changing experience.”
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