Breast Reconstruction With a DIEP Flap

Breast cancer strikes an alarming number of women, and many of them must deal with losing a breast through mastectomy. This is a terrible blow to your self image, self-esteem and your womanhood. Plastic surgery offers a way to get your looks and figure back. It’s called breast reconstruction and uses a DIEP flap to give you back what you’ve lost.

What Is A DIEP Flap

“DIEP” stands for “deep inferior epigastric perforator”. Inferior epigastric blood vessels are those that send blood to the new tissue used in breast reconstruction. It is a much easier and safer procedure than the older TRAM reconstruction technique that moved muscles to get blood to the new tissue. It also means a shorter hospital stay, less risks and more effective blood flow to your new breast.

DIEP flap is the most natural reconstruction option. It uses tissue from your body, including fat and abdominal tissue, to construct your new breast. This means that the grafted tissue will have a natural feel, just like the one you’ve lost. If you’ve ever considered getting implants, you know how unnatural they can look. This technique offers a more realistic option, since it uses your body’s own tissue.

To put it simply, the breast tissue is inserted, and then the DIEP flap connects it to your abdomen with blood vessels. The end result is a natural-feeling autologous implant that is really part of your body, connected by blood vessels. Many women who are undergoing reconstruction surgery opt to do a little other work on the side. It is a great time to get a tummy tuck, or other plastic surgery procedure.

In order to insert the DIP flap, the doctor has to remove tissue from the abdomen.

While they are already working in that area, it is a great chance to remove or reposition tissue there as well.There are lots of women who would never consider plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, but would get work one after a mastectomy.

What You Can Expect From Your DIEP Flap

Breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap is a permanent surgery. The results should stay with you a lifetime, meaning you’ll never have to have any follow-up surgery done. You can have natural-looking cleavage for the rest of your life. Like any other surgery, DIEP flap surgery is not without its risks. You should talk to your doctor in detail about what you can expect from the operation. You can expect a recovery period, where you will have to take it easy and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

The biggest risks involve the scars and tissue healing correctly. There can be bleeding, infection or complications caused by tightening of scar tissue. Risks and complications are rare, but you should be aware of them before you get your breast reconstruction surgery done.

During the consultation, have a look at your doctor’s before and after pictures. This will give you a good idea of what to expect, and that’s the key to your surgery’s success. Ask any questions you may have and get detailed information from your doctor before the operation about anesthetic and recovery time.

DIEP flap gives women who have lost a breast a wonderful chance to get it back and feel like a woman again. Don’t let a mastectomy ruin your life. Talk to a plastic surgeon about what the DIEP flap reconstruction surgery can do for you.

Don’t let mastectomy affect your womanhood! To regain your looks, opt for breast DIEP flap reconstruction. The Woodlands breast surgeon uses advanced techniques in breast reconstruction to create a natural looking breast. Visit http://www.drkimplasticsurgery.com to learn more.

Breast Reconstruction With a DIEP Flap