Introduction: Recovery with Comfort and Confidence
When you choose DIEP flap breast reconstruction, you deserve results that are natural, soft, and permanent—but the recovery process is just as important. At Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center, The DIEP Group combines Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) techniques, meticulous flap monitoring, and clear patient education so you can heal safely and predictably.
DIEP is covered immediately after mastectomy or years later as a delayed option. You don’t need implant problems to switch—insurance often covers elective implant-to-DIEP conversions, helping patients avoid future implant exchanges or silicone leaks.
We serve patients from Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Middletown, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, and Newington.
Visit our Before and After DIEP Flap Gallery
The Hospital Stay: First 2 Days
At Hartford and St. Francis, patients typically stay 2 days.
What happens in the hospital?
- Flap monitoring: Nurses monitor blood flow with a non-invasive system called Vioptix.
- ERAS pain control: Multimodal regimens minimize opioids, reduce nausea, and encourage early ambulation.
- Early mobility: Short walks within 24 hours lower clot risks and improve recovery.
- Nutrition & hydration: Protein-rich diet supports healing.
- Drains: Expect 2–4 drains in the chest and abdomen initially.
Implant-to-DIEP patients: Many describe immediate relief from chest tightness after implants are removed, replaced with warm, living tissue.
Recovery Timeline: Week by Week
Week 1: Settling In at Home
- Energy: Fatigue is normal; pace yourself with rest and short walks.
- Drains: Empty 2× per day; removal in clinic once output decreases.
- Compression & support: Wear soft bra 24/7. No ice packs or heating pads.
- Sleep: Reclined, knees bent to reduce abdominal tension.
Weeks 2–3: Regaining Independence
- Mobility: Daily walking increases stamina.
- Driving: Often possible around week 2–3 (once off prescription pain meds).
- Incisions: Keep clean/dry; call if redness, warmth, or unusual drainage occurs.
Weeks 4–6: Back to Routine
- Work: Desk jobs often resumed by weeks 3–4; physical jobs ~6–8 weeks.
- Exercise: Light cardio ok; avoid core/weights until cleared.
- Scar care: Begin silicone gel/sheets and sun protection when healed.
Months 3–6: Refinement
- Shape improves as swelling subsides.
- Optional procedures: symmetry adjustments, fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, and tattooing.
Pain Control: The ERAS Difference
- Nerve blocks + scheduled non-opioids manage pain effectively.
- Early ambulation reduces complications.
- Many transition to Tylenol by day 7–10.
- Patients describe discomfort as tightness/soreness, not sharp pain.
Drains, Binders, and Bras
- Drains: Removed when outputs are low/stable.
- Binder: Sometimes recommended on the abdomen.
- Bra: Front-closure, wireless bra until cleared for underwire.
Scars & Scar Care
You’ll have a low horizontal abdominal scar (bikini line level) and breast scars based on your surgery. With silicone therapy, SPF, and massage, scars soften over 6–18 months.
After radiation? DIEP tissue tolerates radiation better than implants, reducing tightness and improving long-term results.
The Tummy-Tuck Benefit
Many patients ask: “Do you get a tummy tuck with DIEP?”
The abdominal donor site often heals with a flatter, smoother contour, giving tummy-tuck–like benefits—covered by insurance since it’s part of reconstruction.
Switching from Implants: Recovery Benefits
Common reasons Hartford patients convert to DIEP:
- Capsular contracture (hard, painful implants)
- Radiation changes (tightness, distortion)
- Rupture or suspected silicone leak
- Recalled implants
- Elective, proactive switch
Recovery often feels more natural—no implant shell, no future exchanges, and results that adapt with your body.
When to Call The DIEP Group
Call us if you notice:
- Fever >101.5°F, chills
- Redness or drainage at incisions
- Sudden flap color/temp changes
- Calf pain or shortness of breath
You’ll leave Hartford or St. Francis with a 24/7 contact plan.
Patient Testimonial — Glastonbury, CT
“After radiation, my implants were painful and hard. The DIEP Group did my surgery at St. Francis, and the recovery was smoother than I expected. The ERAS pain plan worked well, and my breasts now feel soft and natural. My stomach is flatter too.”
— L.S., Glastonbury, CT
FAQs — Hartford Patients Ask
How long is the stay at Hartford or St. Francis?
About 2 days.
When can I go back to work?
Desk jobs ~3–4 weeks; physical jobs ~6–8 weeks.
Is DIEP covered if I already have implants?
Yes – immediate and delayed DIEP are typically covered.
Does DIEP change with weight?
Yes – it adapts naturally with your body.
Is the tummy tuck included?
Yes – it’s part of reconstruction, not billed as cosmetic surgery.
Do I have to travel to Boston/NYC?
No – Hartford offers top-level DIEP microsurgery locally.
Service Areas
Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, Wethersfield and central Connecticut.
Internal Links (Hartford Series)
- DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Hartford, CT — Complete Guide
- DIEP Flap Recovery in Hartford, CT — What to Expect at Hartford Hospital & St. Francis
- Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap in Connecticut
Take the Next Step
If you’re preparing for mastectomy or considering switching from implants, we’ll guide every step of your recovery at Hartford Hospital or St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center.
The DIEP Group
203-200-0828
thediepgroup.com
Hartford Hospital & St. Francis Hospital · Hartford, CT
