Breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap procedure has gained widespread recognition as the “gold standard” in recent years. However, many women who could potentially benefit from this procedure are often turned away due to misconceptions. Let’s explore some common misconceptions:
- Previous Abdominal Surgery: While some abdominal surgeries can pose challenges for the DIEP flap procedure, most of the time, they do not disqualify a woman from being a candidate. Surgeries such as c-sections, hysterectomies, or tubal ligations rarely cause damage to the blood vessels required for DIEP flap surgery. Tests such as doppler ultrasound or CT angiogram can be performed to assess the anatomy more accurately. However, extensive abdominal wall surgeries or previous TRAM flap procedures may affect eligibility for DIEP or SIEA flap reconstructions.
- Umbilical Hernia: An umbilical hernia is unlikely to prevent DIEP flap surgery, even if it is large. In most cases, it does not disqualify a woman from being a candidate.
- Previous Chest Radiation: While previous chest radiation after mastectomy can complicate reconstruction, healthy DIEP flap tissue is often the best option to replace damaged, irradiated tissue. The fear that radiation may have damaged the blood vessels used for DIEP flap surgery is often unfounded. Other blood vessels can be used as an alternative if needed.
- Not the Right Amount of Tissue: Being overweight is not a requirement for DIEP flap candidacy. The distribution of fat, rather than the overall weight, is more relevant. Women with smaller breasts or lower BMI can still be candidates if they have fat in the right places. However, an upper BMI limit of 40 is typically set to minimize the risks of surgery.
By dispelling these misconceptions, it becomes clear that many women who were previously deemed ineligible for DIEP flap breast reconstruction may, in fact, be suitable candidates. It is important to consult with experienced surgeons who can accurately assess each individual case and provide personalized recommendations for the best reconstruction options.
The DIEP flap procedure has rapidly become the “gold standard” in breast reconstruction. While not every woman is a DIEP flap candidate, many are turned away when in fact they needn’t be.
Leave Comment
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Dr. C, I wish all women considering DIEPFlap surgery could have this valuable information. Because I had a double whammy: 1. Delayed DIEP (7 months after my double mastectomy) & 2. A left breast that was radiated 12 yrs. prior to my DIEPFLAP my damaged, radiated skin that included scar tissue was replaced by healthy tissue. Women need to know it is possible and the inquiry is definitely worth it to see if they are a candidate. Additionally, I’d like to say that I am grateful I found a world class, skilled surgeon to perform my DIEPFlap surgery and that surgeon was you!! Thank you for your dedication, passion and always doing what you can to inform women about this life-changing surgery. ~ Terri
July 17,2020
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Our pleasure Terri! Honored to play a part! Thank you so much for all you do to help others through your patient advocacy and diepcjourney.com!
July 17,2020
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I will soon be having a bi-lateral mastectomy for breast cancer and was wondering if I would be a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction. Two years ago I had abdominal surgery for LG-ESS and radiation to the abdominal area. I also have an umbilical hernia about 6cm. Would this radiation treatment prevent DIEP flap as an option for reconstruction?
July 17,2020
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Hey Cheryl! It is hard to say without a physical examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs the DIEP flap. I would recommend consulting with someone before your mastectomy if possible. If you are not a DIEP flap candidate, there are other tissue flap options such at the TUG or the GAP flap you may be interested it. Please reach out with any questions!
July 17,2020
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Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely feel this website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!
July 17,2020
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This is good information and although my Plastic Surgeon told me that I’m not a candidate for DIEP, I was still holding out hope. My double mastectormy was in April 2014. It was suppose to be nipple and skin sparing but after 10 hours of surgery I woke up with NOTHING. My skin died during surgery so all plans were out the window…two years and 6 surgeries later and I hate the way I look and am looking for other opinions. I have a lat flap on my right side (the radiated side) and the scar on my back looks like I was in a gang knife fight, it’s horrible. In 2009 I had a lower body lift after accomplishing a weight loss of 130 pounds…much to my surprise I would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and then get pregnant in 2011. So, here I am…looking for options to once again feel “normal”.
July 17,2020
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Sweet Tina I hate to hear that you have gone through this! There are other options available using your tissue like the TUG or the GAP. We would be more than happy to set up a consultation with you with one of our board certified surgeons to discuss your options! Please give us a call any time at 800-692-5565
July 17,2020
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I am thin and have small breasts and will be having a left side mastectomy. I weight a 110lbs. and am 5’3”. I think I am too thin to have a DIEP.
July 17,2020
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Hey Elaine! Thanks so much for reaching out. Your lower BMI does not necessarily impact whether or not you are a candidate for the DIEP flap or not. It really depends how you carry the weight you do have. It is always best to have one of our surgeons provide you with their recommendations. You can easily do this by setting up a consultation in the office, or you can fill out our free virtual consultation form found at https://prma-enhance.com/patient-forms/virtual-consultation. Hope to hear from you soon!
July 17,2020
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wow… Its good blog and thanks to post it. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a great option for women who have undergone a mastectomy.
July 17,2020
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I am a candidate! 19 years post double mastectomy… anybody ever put off the procedure(s) due to anesthesia issues?
July 17,2020
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Diep possible? : Healthy 48 yr old 95 lbs,2 classical sections ‘97 due to hydrocephalic baby ,‘99, prophylactic mastectomy to take place soon….
July 17,2020
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Hey Sherry! We would be honored to evaluate your needs and provide you with our opinion on if you are a DIEP flap candidate. Although weight and age are something we consider, it isn’t the full picture when determining what breast reconstruction may be the best option. We welcome you to fill out our free virtual consultation form at https://prma-enhance.com/consultation/. Once received, our board-certified plastic surgeons can review your needs and provide you with their recommendations.
July 17,2020
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Hi, I am a AA cup and had a right side single mastectomy in 2017 ( herceptin and chemo, no radiotherapy ) I am a slim build, 51 kilos, 1.67m. I am hoping that although I’m slim, that I might be a suitable for a DIEP reconstruction. I am hoping to be a B cup on both sides. I know a surgeon would need to do a physical exam but just with my info, I wonder if you could advise if a DIEP could be a possibility? Thank you
July 17,2020
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Hey Rebecca! We would be honored to evaluate your needs and provide you with our opinion on if you are a DIEP flap candidate. Although weight is something we consider, it isn’t the full picture when determining what breast reconstruction may be the best option and what breast size you should expect. We welcome you to fill out our free virtual consultation form at https://prma-enhance.com/consultation/. Once received, our board-certified plastic surgeons can review your needs and provide you with their recommendations.
July 17,2020
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Wow! This can be one of the most beneficial blogs we’ve ever come across on thesubject. Actually magnificent info! I’m also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work
July 17,2020
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What has to be an ideal weight for a DIEP surgery. I had a double Mastectomy this year.
September 10,2020
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Great question. There is no ‘ideal weight’ for DIEP flap reconstruction. Weight distribution and desired breast size is typically a better indicator on whether a patient is a good candidate for DIEP flap.
September 10,2020
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I’m looking to get a diep flat surgery done in about 6-8 months. What is an ideal weight you have to be to qualify for the surgery.
September 10,2020
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There is no ‘ideal weight’ for DIEP flap reconstruction. Weight distribution and desired breast size is typically a better indicator on whether a patient is a good candidate for DIEP flap.
September 10,2020
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How long after mastectomy and radiation must you wait before the possibility of having DIEP flap surgery for reconstruction?
September 23,2020
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Great question Suzy! DIEP flap reconstruction is a safe option following mastectomy and radiation. At PRMA we ask patients to wait at least 6 weeks after their last radiation treatment before undergoing surgery. In some cases, we may recommend delaying reconstruction surgery for a few months depending on how the chest skin is healing after radiation.
September 23,2020
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I’m having double mastectomy next week, I seen a plastic surgeon about a DIEP Flap Reconstruction, but was told because I smoked for about 45 years I can’t have it.
So if I stop smoking can I have it then?August 10,2021
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Hi Wanda, we highly recommend that patients do not smoke for at least six weeks before and six weeks after breast reconstruction surgery. Although giving up nicotine may be difficult, it will greatly reduce complication risks.
August 10,2021
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Terri
Dr. C, I wish all women considering DIEPFlap surgery could have this valuable information. Because I had a double whammy: 1. Delayed DIEP (7 months after my double mastectomy) & 2. A left breast that was radiated 12 yrs. prior to my DIEPFLAP my damaged, radiated skin that included scar tissue was replaced by healthy tissue. Women need to know it is possible and the inquiry is definitely worth it to see if they are a candidate. Additionally, I’d like to say that I am grateful I found a world class, skilled surgeon to perform my DIEPFlap surgery and that surgeon was you!! Thank you for your dedication, passion and always doing what you can to inform women about this life-changing surgery. ~ Terri
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Our pleasure Terri! Honored to play a part! Thank you so much for all you do to help others through your patient advocacy and diepcjourney.com!
Cheryl
I will soon be having a bi-lateral mastectomy for breast cancer and was wondering if I would be a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction. Two years ago I had abdominal surgery for LG-ESS and radiation to the abdominal area. I also have an umbilical hernia about 6cm. Would this radiation treatment prevent DIEP flap as an option for reconstruction?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Hey Cheryl! It is hard to say without a physical examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs the DIEP flap. I would recommend consulting with someone before your mastectomy if possible. If you are not a DIEP flap candidate, there are other tissue flap options such at the TUG or the GAP flap you may be interested it. Please reach out with any questions!
Anonymous
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely feel this website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!
Tina
This is good information and although my Plastic Surgeon told me that I’m not a candidate for DIEP, I was still holding out hope. My double mastectormy was in April 2014. It was suppose to be nipple and skin sparing but after 10 hours of surgery I woke up with NOTHING. My skin died during surgery so all plans were out the window…two years and 6 surgeries later and I hate the way I look and am looking for other opinions. I have a lat flap on my right side (the radiated side) and the scar on my back looks like I was in a gang knife fight, it’s horrible. In 2009 I had a lower body lift after accomplishing a weight loss of 130 pounds…much to my surprise I would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and then get pregnant in 2011. So, here I am…looking for options to once again feel “normal”.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Sweet Tina I hate to hear that you have gone through this! There are other options available using your tissue like the TUG or the GAP. We would be more than happy to set up a consultation with you with one of our board certified surgeons to discuss your options! Please give us a call any time at 800-692-5565
Elaine
I am thin and have small breasts and will be having a left side mastectomy. I weight a 110lbs. and am 5’3”. I think I am too thin to have a DIEP.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Hey Elaine! Thanks so much for reaching out. Your lower BMI does not necessarily impact whether or not you are a candidate for the DIEP flap or not. It really depends how you carry the weight you do have. It is always best to have one of our surgeons provide you with their recommendations. You can easily do this by setting up a consultation in the office, or you can fill out our free virtual consultation form found at https://prma-enhance.com/schedule-your-consultation/. Hope to hear from you soon!
Anonymous
wow… Its good blog and thanks to post it. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a great option for women who have undergone a mastectomy.
Jo Hodges
I am a candidate! 19 years post double mastectomy… anybody ever put off the procedure(s) due to anesthesia issues?
Sherry Stanisic
Diep possible? : Healthy 48 yr old 95 lbs,2 classical sections ‘97 due to hydrocephalic baby ,‘99, prophylactic mastectomy to take place soon….
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Hey Sherry! We would be honored to evaluate your needs and provide you with our opinion on if you are a DIEP flap candidate. Although weight and age are something we consider, it isn’t the full picture when determining what breast reconstruction may be the best option. We welcome you to fill out our free virtual consultation form at https://prma-enhance.com/consultation/. Once received, our board-certified plastic surgeons can review your needs and provide you with their recommendations.
Rebecca Glover
Hi, I am a AA cup and had a right side single mastectomy in 2017 ( herceptin and chemo, no radiotherapy ) I am a slim build, 51 kilos, 1.67m. I am hoping that although I’m slim, that I might be a suitable for a DIEP reconstruction. I am hoping to be a B cup on both sides. I know a surgeon would need to do a physical exam but just with my info, I wonder if you could advise if a DIEP could be a possibility? Thank you
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Hey Rebecca! We would be honored to evaluate your needs and provide you with our opinion on if you are a DIEP flap candidate. Although weight is something we consider, it isn’t the full picture when determining what breast reconstruction may be the best option and what breast size you should expect. We welcome you to fill out our free virtual consultation form at https://prma-enhance.com/consultation/. Once received, our board-certified plastic surgeons can review your needs and provide you with their recommendations.
Typicalcat51
Wow! This can be one of the most beneficial blogs we’ve ever come across on thesubject. Actually magnificent info! I’m also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work
Anonymous
What has to be an ideal weight for a DIEP surgery. I had a double Mastectomy this year.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Great question. There is no ‘ideal weight’ for DIEP flap reconstruction. Weight distribution and desired breast size is typically a better indicator on whether a patient is a good candidate for DIEP flap.
Anonymous
I’m looking to get a diep flat surgery done in about 6-8 months. What is an ideal weight you have to be to qualify for the surgery.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
There is no ‘ideal weight’ for DIEP flap reconstruction. Weight distribution and desired breast size is typically a better indicator on whether a patient is a good candidate for DIEP flap.
Suzy
How long after mastectomy and radiation must you wait before the possibility of having DIEP flap surgery for reconstruction?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Great question Suzy! DIEP flap reconstruction is a safe option following mastectomy and radiation. At PRMA we ask patients to wait at least 6 weeks after their last radiation treatment before undergoing surgery. In some cases, we may recommend delaying reconstruction surgery for a few months depending on how the chest skin is healing after radiation.