DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is one common surgery to restore and reconstruct breast after breast cancer or trauma to the breast. We offer this surgery at Garza Plastic Surgery Solutions in Nashville, TN. We have helped numerous breast cancer patients on their road to recovery and restoration through this surgery.
When a woman is diagnosed with any form of breast cancer the news can bring shock, confusion, grief, and an array of other emotions. After she is made aware, her and her provider will make a treatment plan best suited to treat whichever stage of cancer she is facing. With this comes its own challenges and emotions, as some women undergo radiation or surgery, such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Any sort of treatment can impact the shape, skin, and structure of the breast for many women. In particular, a mastectomy will remove all tissues breast, including breast skin, and nipple. A lumpectomy is a procedure in which a surgeon will remove cancer, or atypical, tissue with some healthy tissue. This is done to remove any potential cancerous growth, but only a portion of breast tissue is removed in comparison to a mastectomy. Radiation can also impact the size and shape of breasts during treatment.
Many women who undergo one of these procedures, will most likely be given the option for a form of reconstruction surgery for their breast.
One reconstruction surgery in particular is DIEP flap reconstruction surgery. This procedure is a popular option for breast cancer patients who are looking for reconstruction, and some other benefits that come with this form of reconstructive surgery.
What is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
Started in 1989, DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is one common option women select when considering breast reconstruction. Essentially, this kind of reconstruction is where a surgeon removes a portion of skin, fatty tissue, and blood vessels from the lower abdominal area, to the breast for reconstruction purposes. A DIEP flap reconstruction surgery also ensures that abdominal muscles stay in tack during the removal. This form of reconstruction also creates a more natural look to the reconstructed breast(s).
What Does DIEP Stand for and What Does It Mean?
DIEP is an acronym which stands for deep inferior epigastric perforator. This refers to the artery that runs through the abdomen. These are also the blood vessels used in the surgery to reconstruct the breast with additional tissue and skin from the same region of the abdomen.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery?
This type of procedure is a common option for patients who have undergone intense breast cancer treatment such as a mastectomy. DIEP flap reconstruction is also an option for individuals who have experienced any trauma to the breast, and are in need of reconstruction.
How is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. After this is introduced, a skilled surgeon at Garza will start by making an incision from hip to hip, where the skin, tissue, and blood vessels will be taken from and to the breast for the appropriate reconstruction and shape. The surgeon will close the incision by pulling the abdominal skin down, and using stitches or staples. Blood vessels in the breast are then reattached through use of a microscope, or microsurgery, done by the surgeon.
Is DIEP Flap Reconstruction Major Surgery?
Since recovery from a DIEP flap reconstruction is lengthy, this procedure is considered a major surgery. On average, an individual who undergoes DIEP flap reconstruction will need 6-8 weeks to fully recover. In addition, you may be required to wear a compression wrap around any incision sights for optimal recovery. It is also advised to not participate in any strenuous activities during this recovery period.
During this time you may not be able to participate in your usual physical activities. Limited activity in combination with swelling and fluid retention, can create temporary weight gain. However, you may be able to participate in low impact activities, but alway check with your provider first. Either way, this weight gain post surgery is temporary.
What is the Difference Between DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery and TRAM Flap Surgery?
TRAM flap surgery is another common procedure for patients who are looking for reconstruction options. What separates DIEP from TRAM is that TRAM uses the tissue from your abdominal muscles with some soft tissue to reconstruct the breast. DIEP only focuses on soft fat tissue and local blood vessels. Meaning, DIEP is more focused on keeping the abdominal muscles intact.
A skilled surgeon will be able to review your medical history, and current condition, to determine the best surgery route for you.
What is the Difference Between DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery and Breast Implants?
One of the main differences between DIEP flap reconstruction and breast implants is the look of the breast. With a DIEP flap reconstruction, the breast will look more natural as if it is shaped with your own tissue giving the look of a natural tissue breast. While breast implants are still a common selection for breast cancer patients, these may not have a more natural look as the DIEP flap reconstruction would.
Additionally, breasts that are reconstructed and re-shaped through a DIEP flap procedure may experience changes in breast shape and size if body weight changes—similarly to how a natural breast would experience changes in shape and size based on body weight changes. Though, implants will remain the same regardless of weight changes.
Benefits of a DIEP Flap Reconstruction:
Undergoing this procedure can feel scary and overwhelming, however there are some advantages to this surgery. Benefits of a DIEP flap reconstruction surgery include:
- It uses your own tissue to reconstruct
- It lasts forever
- It changes and ages with you as you do, to give a more natural look
- Similar results to a tummy tuck with removal of excess tissue from the abdomen
- No issue with foreign tissue or foreign implants
Potential Risks With DIEP Flap Reconstruction:
With any major surgery or procedure, it is important to understand the potential risk. Although uncommon, a DIEP flap reconstruction can potentially cause:
- Scar tissue to develop creating lumps in the breast that can go away or be removed by a surgeon
- Hernia which can be caused by an intestine bulging through a removed section of the abdomen
- Necrosis from tissues that dies during transfer due to lack of blood, but a surgeon will remove the dead tissue
Knowing and weighing the risk with any procedure is helpful when looking to find the right recovery plan for you. With a skilled surgeon, the likelihood of these occurring are slim. This is why it is always crucial to see a board certified surgeon for any procedure such as this.
Does a DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery Help Me to Lose Weight?
DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is not necessarily geared toward weight loss, but since it includes removing excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area, patients may find less excess weight in this area. After surgery patients may experience a small increase in weight due to swelling and fluid retention due to surgery.
Weight Changes Post DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Since breasts that undergo DIEP flap reconstruction receive natural tissue and skin, if a patient were to lose weight then they will most likely lose weight in their breast. This is true for the reverse, that if an individual gains weight, they will most likely gain weight in their breast.
If weight is gained after a DIEP flap reconstruction, patients may experience “bulging” or a “muffin top” near the incision on the abdominal area due to removal of abdominal tissue. This happens from the swelling in the abdominal area, and can last up to one year. Similarly, excess skin can create the appearance of a “muffin top”. Even though fat and skin is taken from the abdominal area, there can still be excess skin left behind causing it to hang.
On the off chance that you do experience a “muffin top” look after DIEP, there are options to alleviate this. Liposuction is an invasive procedure that works to contour targeted areas of the body by removing excess fatty skin or tissue. Additionally, Bodytite Pro is another option, that’s minimally invasive, to remove and tighten fatty skin in the abdominal area. Again, both are services provided at Garza Plastic Surgery.
Managing Weight Post-Surgery
If after DIEP flap reconstruction surgery, you are concerned about weight gain, and don’t want an increase in size from reconstructed breasts, there are plenty of ways to ensure you stay within a healthy weight range for your height and age. These can include:
- A Support Group
- Dietary Changes
- Physical Activity
- A Personalized Plan
Incorporating these changes into your current lifestyle can help to keep your health and weight within the ideal weight range for you. As mentioned earlier, with a DIEP flap reconstruction, if an individual loses or gains weight, this will also impact the reconstructed breast.
If weight gain post-surgery is a concern for you, you may want to consider weight loss injections. These are FDA-approved injections, such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, are effective in reducing appetite, enhancing insulin release, and helps to regulate blood sugar.
Additional ways to remove, or reshape, excess fat is through body contouring. This includes liposuction, fat transfers, which help to shape the body to a desired look. These procedures are also offered at Garza Plastic Surgery.
A Few DIEP Flap Reconstruction FAQs:
What is the success rate of a DIEP Flap Reconstruction? DIEP flap reconstruction has a success rate range of 96%-99%. Patients who have diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol may have lower success rates with this surgery.
How painful is DIEP Flap Reconstruction? Since patients are under anesthesia during the procedure, there should be little to none discomfort during the surgery. Recovering from DIEP may entail some discomfort from soreness and pain around the surgical sights. However, these can be managed by pain medicine, and should go away within two weeks.
Does the breast droop after DIEP Flap Reconstruction? As you age breasts naturally lose elasticity, and DIEP flap reconstructed breasts will too. Since reconstructed breasts from a DIEP flap surgery are made from natural skin and tissue, they will not be immune to the aging process. If breast elasticity loss is a concern for you, then consider a breast lift.
Can I sleep on my side after DIEP Flap Reconstruction? Not for another 6-8 weeks! Because of the location of this surgery, it is important to not place any weight on the abdomen or breasts. Sleeping on your back ensures that there is no unnecessary pressure on the surgical sight, and this helps to promote optimal healing and recovery.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery With Garza Plastic Surgery
Facing breast cancer treatments can feel like a lot of different losses at once. At Garza Plastic Surgery, our aim is to come alongside patients to help restore what we can. With gentle care and dedicated surgeons, we would be honored to meet any of your breast reconstruction needs.
Dr. Robert Garza, MD,FACS, is a double board certified surgeon located in Nashville, TN. Due to his extensive experience in reconstructive plastic surgery, Dr. Garza proves to be an excellent option in the field of DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery process, contact us today to request a consultation, or give our offices a call. Our team would love to answer any questions you may have, and create a reconstruction plan for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
