Considering the Option of a DIEP Flap

DIEP Flap is a breast surgical procedure that will restore the shape of the breast after having a mastectomy. A mastectomy is a surgery which removes a breast to treat or remove breast cancer. Reconstruction of the breast is involving a selected part of tissue from an area of the patient's body, and then transferring it to the chest. This happens so there can be a creation of new breast mounds.

Are There Risks?

The DIEP Flap surgery is a major procedure and there are a significant amount of complications that could arise:

- Longer time in surgery while under anesthesia 
- Changes in the breast sensation 
- Slow wound healing 
- Longer healing and recovery time 
- Bleeding 
- Infection 
- Losing sensation around the site of the tissue 
- Hernia in abdominal wall 
- Weakness 
- Necrosi

Pros and Cons

Pros:

- There is just about no risk for developing a hernia in the abdomen 
- No muscles being moved 
- The removal from the abdominal skin looks like tummy tuck 
- Less pain 
- Faster recovery 
- Less than one percent rate of failure

Cons:

- Two scars at the surgical site 
- Requires more time during the surgery 
- It will take 6-12 months for new reconstruction if the tissue happens to die 
- If the procedure doesn't work, the tissue flap will need to be removed completely

When You Should Stay Away From This Procedure:

- You are too thin 
- Not quite enough belly fat 
- Active Smoker

Consulting a Plastic Surgeon

As soon as an individual starts thinking about getting reconstruction, it is beneficial to see a plastic surgeon prior to the mastectomy surgery. The reason for this is because there will be a chance to receive the pictures and measurements of your natural looking breasts.

The plastic surgeon will then be able to use this information and the pictures to make the reconstructed breast as similar to the natural anatomy as possible. If the plastic surgeon is contacted beforehand, he or she will be able to give some choices which will help save the breast skin and will prevent any unwanted scars.

What Should be Expected?

There will be general anesthesia or sedation during the mastectomy and the DIEP Flap reconstruction, so the patient will not be awake during the procedure. There is a pre-treatment for patients who have had nausea and vomiting with anesthesia. If the patient is getting the reconstruction and the mastectomy done at the same time, the plastic surgeon will remove the breast, and then spare as much of the skin as he or she is able to.

The plastic surgeon will then marking the skin where he or she plans the DIEP flap incision. The stay at the hospital once completed varies on each patient and their health condition, and their recovery time. This procedure is common and helps women feel better about themselves after a mastectomy.