DIEP flap breast reconstruction uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate a warm, soft, natural breast following a mastectomy.
Because a portion of tummy tissue is removed and transplanted to the chest wall during this procedure, most patients experience some degree of abdominal tightness following surgery as the abdominal skin stretches to its “new normal.”
Thinner patients who do not have a significant amount of tummy tissue may experience a prolonged period of abdominal tightness. This is due to the suturing technique we use that allows us to keep the incision scar lower on the abdomen.
To help alleviate post surgery abdominal tightness, scar massage and scar creams can be used to minimize and soften the abdominal scar. This should only be performed once all incisions are completely healed and patients are given the approval from their surgeon.
Ultimately, abdominal tightness usually improves as the scar tissue matures.
Author: Courtney Floyd and Dr. Ramon Garza III
Because a portion of tummy tissue is removed and transplanted to the chest wall during this procedure, most patients experience some degree of abdominal tightness following surgery as the abdominal skin stretches to its “new normal.”
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Abdominal Tightness After DIEP Flap Surgery
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Christine Rush
I had my surgery in 2012. Had somewhat small ‘pooch’ in my lower abdomen. When the PS examined my lower abdomen, he commented ‘I can work with this’. My lower abdomen remains uncomfortably tight/tense…feels like my pubic area has been pulled up way too much. I’ve been seeing a PT for lymphedema therapy. I also have a hardened/misshapen DIEP flap to my right breast. The PT has been using laser and ultrasound to try and break up the hardened tissue on my breast & has recently started working on my lower abdomen…hope this works.