A Quick Look at DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery

A Quick Look at DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery : After undergoing the mastectomy procedure, many women wonder what they can do to restore their breasts and improve their overall confidence.

While there are many different treatment options available to those patients, DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery has become very popular in recent years. That unique type of flap breast reconstruction surgery utilizes a patient’s own abdominal skin, and that often results in breasts that look and feel extremely natural. It is an excellent option for any patient who would like to once again feel confident with their appearance following a mastectomy.

Benefits of the DIEP Procedure

Once the mastectomy operation has been completed, many patients are left with uneven breasts. Even if only a small amount of tissue was removed, a woman might still struggle with asymmetrical breasts that completely change the appearance of her body. Currently, one of the most effective ways to address that issue is flap breast reconstruction surgery. The primary purpose of that operation is to improve the symmetry of the breasts by transplanting tissue from another area of the body to make up for the tissue that was removed during the mastectomy. While breast augmentation surgery can also help a patient achieve those goals, some people would like to avoid the use of breast implants.

During the DIEP procedure, the surgeon will carefully remove a small amount of tissue from the lower abdominal area. The tissue is then going to be grafted into the breasts to restore its size and shape. In addition to being a highly effective procedure, it is also incredibly safe. Because the patient’s own tissue is used, the risk of post-op complications is very low. Most patients also enjoy lifelong results as long as they continue to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

What to Expect During the Operation

This operation is carried out with a strong general anesthetic, and that means you are going to sleep throughout the procedure. Once you are asleep, the surgeon can begin the process of carefully removing tissue from the lower abdominal area. After the tissue has been removed, it can then be reattached to the breasts. That process is very complicated, and that is why you should always work with a skilled surgeon who has quite a bit of experience with this operation. The surgeon will need to carefully reattach individual vessels so that the tissue continues to thrive.

Following the procedure, the surgical team will place compression garments over the abdominal area as well as the chest. In many cases, patients can return home on the same day as the procedure, but some will need to stay overnight so that they can be monitored by medical professionals. In the days after your procedure, you should plan on spending most of your time resting in bed. Even though you should be able to walk around after a few days, you won’t be able to engage in any strenuous activities for at least four or five weeks.

Is Flap Reconstruction Right for Me?

Deciding if flap breast reconstruction surgery is right for you is going to require quite a bit of research as well as a few visits to an experienced surgeon. During those appointments, you will be given the opportunity to explain your cosmetic goals and ask any questions that you might have. If you decide that you would like to go forward with the operation, then your surgeon can help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that rejuvenates your appearance and restores your confidence.