Frequently Asked Questions - DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

PRMA of South Texas understands that many patients will be nervous or have questions regarding their breast reconstruction. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions for DIEP Breast Reconstruction. While this list may not answer all of your questions please do not hesitate to contact our office and ask to speak with a member of our staff. We are also proud to announce we now have a blog on our site that is also a great source of information. Please click here to go to our Breast Reconstruction Blog.

• How many reconstructive procedures have you performed?
• How closely will the reconstructed breast match my opposite healthy breast?
• How long will my DIEP Flap surgery last?
• How long will the recovery be?
• Do you accept insurance? How much will this costs?
• What accommodations are available if I'm from out-of-town or state?
• Are there support groups or websites that I can visit?

How many reconstructive procedures have you performed?

Our surgeons have performed over 2,000 microsurgical breast reconstruction procedures, typically performing more than 300 DIEP flap procedures every year.

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How closely will the reconstructed breast match my opposite healthy breast?

There will be aesthetic differences between your natural breast and your reconstructed breast, particularly at first. However, patients should not worry about this initially. Almost always revision surgery will be performed a few months after the reconstruction to ensure that your breasts are as aesthetically pleasing and matching as possible. Please also remember that most women are not 100% symmetric to begin with.

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How long will my DIEP Flap surgery last?

Breast reconstruction surgery can take from 4-6 hours depending on the type of procedure performed. For instance, a unilateral (one-sided) breast reconstruction will take less time than a bilateral (two-sided) breast reconstruction.

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How long will the recovery be?

Recovery from DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a gradual process which usually takes 4-6 weeks.

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Do you accept insurance? How much will this cost?

Yes, we do accept all major forms of US insurance. We do NOT balance bill. Costs vary depending on the type of reconstruction surgery chosen and your insurance coverage level of benefits. It is important to speak with a billing coordinator prior to your surgery in order that you are fully aware of your coverage and patient responsibilities. Our billing coordinators are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance coverage. Answers to common insurance-related questions can also be found here.

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What accommodations are available if I'm from out-of-town or state?

Our office is conveniently located near several hotels with easy access to the medical center. Please click here for a list of those hotels. Our office has also partnered with Villa De San Antonio to provide short term respite care following the reconstruction procedure. Villa De San Antonio offers a very comfortable environment with a nursing member of staff available at all times. This is a particularly attractive option for patients travelling to San Antonio alone for surgery. Villa De San Antonio has age requirements of 62 years of age and above. Please visit www.villadesanantonio.com for more information.

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Are there support groups or websites that I can visit?

Yes, in addition to medical support it is important for patients to be able to interact with and draw support from each other. It is our hope that being able to speak with other breast reconstruction patients may lend you some extra support during this time. There are several reputable message boards online which we have listed here. The following websites may also be useful in providing more information:

If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons please feel free to contact us today.

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