DIEP FLAP SURGERY BENEFITS:
DIEP Flap Surgery
Are you considering DIEP flap surgery, but wondering what it’s all about? Look no further, we’ve got the scoop on this amazing procedure!
What is the Procedure? DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap surgery is a reconstructive procedure used after mastectomy. It involves using your body’s own tissue from the lower abdomen to create a new, natural-looking breast.
Ideal Candidate: Women who have undergone a mastectomy and desire breast reconstruction without the need for implants are ideal candidates for DIEP flap surgery. Good overall health and adequate abdominal tissue are important factors to consider.
What to Expect During Surgery: During the surgery, the surgeon carefully removes skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen (similar to a tummy tuck) and skillfully crafts a new breast mound. The best part? You get a flatter tummy in the process!
Recovery Information: Recovery time varies, but you’ll need some downtime to heal properly. Expect soreness and swelling, but the results will be worth it! You’ll have a reconstructed breast that feels and looks more like your own.
Benefits: DIEP flap surgery offers several benefits. The reconstructed breast looks natural, there’s no need for implants, and it can boost your self-confidence after breast cancer treatment.
Similar Nonsurgical Treatment Options: While there are no nonsurgical alternatives to DIEP flap surgery, some women opt for breast prostheses or external breast forms if they are not ready for reconstructive surgery.
WHAT IS DIEP FLAP SURGERY?
DIEP Flap Surgery (pronounced like “deep flap”) stands for deep inferior epigastric perforator surgery. This procedure takes skin, soft tissue, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. A specialized diep flap surgeon like dr. Garza in nashville will remove the donor soft tissue and reattach it to the mastectomy site.
ADVANTAGES OF DIEP FLAP SURGERY
- Natural results: the procedure offers the most natural-looking breast reconstruction because it uses your body’s own tissue, providing a soft and realistic feel.
- Minimally invasive: diep flap surgery minimizes damage to abdominal muscles, leading to reduced recovery time and less post-operative discomfort.
- Long-lasting results: the transferred tissue behaves like natural breast tissue, adapting to changes in your body over time.
- Lower risk of abdominal complications: unlike traditional flap procedures, DIEP Flap surgery does not involve muscle sacrifice, reducing the risk of hernias and other abdominal issues.
DIEP Flap surgery is considered a highly specialized procedure and requires a skilled microsurgeon. It offers several advantages over other breast reconstruction methods, such as the use of the patient’s own tissue, resulting in a natural look and feel of the reconstructed breast. Additionally, it avoids the potential complications associated with implants and provides the added benefit of abdominal contouring, similar to a tummy tuck.
THE PROCEDURE
Before the surgery, you will have a thorough consultation with our plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and address any concerns. The surgery itself will be performed in a fully equipped and accredited surgical facility, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.
During a DIEP Flap procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen along the bikini line from hip to hip, called the “lower abdominal flap,” and takes donor fat and tissue. This tissue is carefully dissected and removed while preserving the blood vessels that supply it. They will then match the blood vessels from the abdomen to the breast using a microscope to reconnect blood flow to the living tissue. A skilled surgeon may also transfer sensory nerves from the donor tummy tissue to restore sensation in the breast.
RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE
Our team will closely monitor your recovery progress and provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. We are dedicated to supporting you at every step of your journey, helping you regain confidence and a sense of wholeness after breast loss.
IS DIEP FLAP SURGERY THE SAME AS A TUMMY TUCK?
DIEP Flap Surgery is often called a tummy tuck since it provides similar benefits. DIEP Flap surgery also offers the potential advantage of returning sensation to the reconstructed breast.
A tummy tuck is another name for a plastic surgery procedure called abdominoplasty. This procedure removes unwanted fat cells, reinforces the abdominal muscles, and tightens loose skin.In comparison, DIEP Flap surgery takes tissue from the abdomen and helps reconstruct the breast mound removed during a mastectomy. As a result, less attention goes into tightening and strengthening the skin or abdominal muscles.
So, while you may see some slimming and toning in the abdominal area after a DIEP Flap surgery, a full tummy tuck surgery will provide better and more focused results.
DIEP FLAP VS. TRAM FLAP
Both breast flap surgery procedures involve using tissue from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast, but there are some key differences between the two. DIEP Flap surgery is less invasive than TRAM Flap surgery, as it doesn’t require cutting through muscle tissue. As a result, DIEP Flap patients tend to experience less pain and have a shorter recovery time.
However, DIEP Flap surgery is not an option for everyone, as it requires a certain amount of fatty tissue to be successful. For patients who don’t have enough fat for diep surgery, a tram flap may be a better option.
TRAM Flap surgery is more invasive, but it can be performed even if only a small amount of fat is available. So,TRAM Flap are a more versatile option for breast reconstruction. Ultimately, the best choice for each patient will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
IS DIEP FLAP SURGERY A GOOD OPTION FOR ME?
Many candidates have questions about what qualifies them for the DIEP Flap procedure. One of the most common concerns is previous abdominal surgeries, especially cesarean section birth, or c section.
However, one or two c sections usually will not impact DIEP Flap. In fact, a plastic surgeon can take the donor tissue off the top of the abdominal muscles so it will not disturb anything else.
It is important to note that not all women are suitable candidates for DIEP Flap surgery. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, body shape, and previous abdominal surgeries can impact eligibility. It is best to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction to determine the most appropriate surgical option based on individual circumstances.
Below are a couple of things you should consider before DIEP Flap reconstruction.
CURRENT HEALTH
You should be in good health at the time of your procedure. When you meet with Dr. Garza for your initial consultation, you should review your medical history thoroughly. You should review any health risks like allergies, history of smoking, and especially any previous procedures for breast cancer treatment.
MEDICAL HISTORY
Another concern relates to receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. One side effect of radiation therapy is a condition called fibrosis, which occurs when non-cancerous cells sustain damage during radiation treatment.
Fat grafting transfer body enhancement procedure in nashville
Because of the hardened scar tissue, some plastic surgeons have turned away candidates for flap breast reconstruction, saying that the remaining tissue might be too firm to use.
With DIEP Flap, however, that’s not a necessary concern. We can solely use soft tissue to restore volume to the breast.
Also, if you don’t have enough tissue around your tummy, we can take tissue from another donor area, such as the buttocks or the thigh.
This procedure is also called a free flap or fat transfer.
DIEP FLAP SURGERY FAQs
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF DIEP FLAP SURGERY?
Occasionally, there can be some fluid build-up after the procedure. Therefore, your provider will place surgical drains around the treatment sites.
Additionally, some patients may experience scarring or lumping in the reconstructed breast. If scar tissue builds up, there can be some loss of feeling in the new breast. Finally, there is a small risk that patients can develop a condition called tissue necrosis. This condition occurs when the donated soft tissue is rejected and begins to die off.
Careful monitoring and check-ups will help you catch any signs if you are worried about tissue necrosis. If necrosis occurs, a plastic surgeon can remove the decayed tissue. After removal, you should wait about one year before receiving another reconstruction surgery.
HOW MANY HOURS IS DIEP FLAP SURGERY?
DIEP Flap surgery is a major surgical procedure and requires special training. Usually, reconstructing one breast takes between 3-4 hours to complete. An operation on both breasts will usually take about 6-7 hours. You can also receive DIEP Flap surgery immediately after a mastectomy.
If you plan to receive a mastectomy before your DIEP Flap surgery, expect to add 1-2 hours per mastectomy.
WHAT DOES DIEP FLAP RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
DIEP Flap surgery can mean longer downtime than other breast reconstruction procedures. After the procedure, you can expect to stay in the hospital for recovery for around five days. After that, you may spend eight weeks recovering and resting at home.
In addition to rest, you must wear supportive clothing to help the reconstructed breast heal properly. Dr. Garza, a DIEP Flap surgeon in Nashville, will instruct you on which clothing brands to wear after surgery.
An implant-based reconstruction may only take around four weeks, in contrast. You will have surgical drains on your body at both surgical sites for one to two weeks after surgery. When you have healed enough, your doctor will recommend at-home stretching exercises to help your body fully recover.
HOW PAINFUL IS DIEP FLAP SURGERY?
Because DIEP Flap Surgery is considered major surgery, it involves some level of pain and discomfort. However, the level of pain experienced will vary from person to person.
Patients typically receive anesthesia during the surgery, so they do not feel pain while it is being performed. After the surgery, patients can expect some postoperative pain and discomfort. The surgeon will likely prescribe medication to manage the pain.
The initial recovery period for DIEP flap surgery can be several weeks, during which patients may experience soreness, swelling, and fatigue. Though, it typically takes several months for patients to feel back to their normal selves.
It’s crucial to communicate openly with your surgical team about any pain or discomfort you experience, as they can adjust pain management strategies accordingly. Additionally, following postoperative care instructions, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments are essential for a smooth recovery.
HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF BED AFTER DIEP FLAP SURGERY?
If you’ve had DIEP Flap surgical breast reconstruction on only one side of your body, avoiding stress on the operated side is crucial. To get out of bed safely:
- Bend your knees.
- Let your knees fall over to your side that was not operated on, and let your knees hang over the side of the bed.
- Slide your lower legs off of the bed.
- Use your good arm to push yourself up into a sitting position.
- Plant your feet on the floor and stand up.
HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN SLEEP ON MY SIDE AFTER DIEP FLAP SURGERY?
Until your breasts have healed sufficiently, you must avoid putting any strain on the reconstructed breasts. Most patients can expect to start sleeping on their side again at least four weeks post-operation.
ARE THERE OTHER TYPES OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY?
Yes! We offer several options at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN. Some of these differ depending on the type of reconstruction you need. For example, DIEP Flap surgery solely focuses on restoring volume but does not include nipple reconstruction. However, we offer nipple and areola reconstruction surgery as a separate option.
We also offer breast implant surgery, with two different types of breast implants. We offer saline-filled implants and silicone gel “gummy bear” implants.
DIEP Flap Surgery in Nashville: Advanced Breast Reconstruction with Natural Results
Welcome to Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, where our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Garza, specializes in DIEP flap surgery, a cutting-edge technique for breast reconstruction. We understand that undergoing breast reconstruction is a significant decision, and we are here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
What is DIEP Flap Surgery?
DIEP flap surgery stands for “Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator” flap surgery. It is a sophisticated and state-of-the-art procedure designed to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy or breast loss due to trauma. Unlike traditional methods, DIEP flap surgery preserves abdominal muscles, resulting in a more natural-looking and feeling breast reconstruction.
How Does It Work?
During DIEP flap surgery, our skilled plastic surgeon will carefully transfer skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen (tummy) to the chest to create a new breast mound. The blood vessels are reattached using advanced microsurgery techniques, ensuring the tissue remains alive and healthy.
At Garza Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Solutions, Dr. Garza’s expertise in DIEP flap surgery offers an advanced approach to breast reconstruction with remarkable results. We are committed to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible outcomes for each patient. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Meet Our Expert Plastic Surgeon
At Garza Plastic Surgery, we are proud to have Dr. Garza, a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in DIEP flap surgery. Dr. Garza is renowned for their expertise in breast reconstruction, offering compassionate and personalized care to each patient. See what his patients have to say in our reviews.
DIEP Flap Surgery
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap surgery is a state-of-the-art breast reconstruction technique that uses the patient’s own abdominal skin and fat to create a natural-looking breast without sacrificing muscle. This advanced procedure ensures quicker recovery and minimal donor site morbidity.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise: Dr. Robert Garza has extensive experience and training in DIEP flap surgery.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial consultation to post-operative care, our team is dedicated to your well-being.
- Advanced Techniques: Utilizing the latest surgical advancements to provide optimal results.
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