DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction - Widely Recommended for Realistic Outcomes

Have you had a mastectomy recently? If yes, you may probably be looking for the right surgical option to reconstruct your lost breast. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is an autologous flap procedure widely recommended for realistic outcomes. Unlike the traditional breast implants procedure, this breast reconstruction procedure can help women attain natural results with more natural and softer breasts.

DIEP flap Reconstruction Procedure – Advantages

An advanced version of the TRAM flap procedure, DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap has its own advantages.

• Improves breast contour: This innovative surgical technique can correct congenital breast abnormalities, loss of breast volume and breast asymmetry after a mastectomy.
• Natural results: Realistic results are provided by this reconstruction surgery since it utilizes the patient’s own fat tissue, skin and blood vessels from the tummy area to create a breast mound.
• Protects the muscles in the abdomen: The major advantage is that the abdominal muscles are left untouched to keep the muscle strength intact. Preserving abdominal muscles reduces the chances of abdominal hernia caused by weakened muscles.
• Benefits donor site: This procedure, just as abdominoplasty or tummy-tuck can provide improved abdominal contour.
• Shorter recovery time: Compared to TRAM flap, this procedure does not remove abdominal muscles, thus facilitating a quick healing process.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery – Steps Involved

First, the plastic surgeon makes an incision to harvest a flap of complete tissue including the skin and fat along with blood vessels from the lower abdomen. This flap is transferred to the chest and the blood vessels are reattached using microsurgery to reconstruct a new, living breast. Donor tissues taken from the abdomen are similar to breast tissues and this enhances the outcome. Additional reconstructive surgery is performed to create the nipple and areola.

Choose Your DIEP Flap Surgeon

It is important to do your own research before undertaking any surgery. Not all breast cancer patients are ideal candidates for this DIEP flap surgery. Patients who have had prior abdominal surgeries may not be eligible candidates. Prior surgeries may have caused damages to the blood vessels. The best way to get rid of all such confusions and obtain exceptional results from the surgery is to schedule a consultation with an expert plastic surgeon. Make sure that the surgeon of your choice is highly skilled in microsurgery and has excellent experience in performing both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. During the consultation, you may ask the following questions to your DIEP flap surgeon.

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• How many procedures have you performed?
• How long does the surgery take?
• What anesthesia do you use?
• How long should I stay in the hospital?
• Do you offer care credit financing for this procedure?
•  When can I resume my normal activities?
  

Make sure your surgeon provides the DIEP flap reconstruction procedure at a reliable plastic surgery center in your locality.