DIEP flap breast reconstruction is considered to be a major surgery. Likewise, most reconstructive surgeries, including implants, can be considered major surgery as well. To avoid patients being put off by the idea of undergoing DIEP flap because it is a major surgery, we will explain why it’s deemed “major” in this article.
What is “major” surgery?
Any surgery which involves invasive, or a large resection is “major.” This means any procedure where the normal anatomy of the body is significantly altered. The level of difficulty of a surgery is also weighed when categorizing a major surgery compared to a minor surgery. Longer surgeries are also typically regarded as major.
How invasive is DIEP surgery?
DIEP flap surgery is performed by transplanting a patient’s lower abdominal skin and fat to the chest wall after a mastectomy. To do this, surgeons must make a football-shaped incision from hip to hip and ranging from just below the belly button down to the pubic hair line. This incision is almost identical to that of a tummy tuck. It is important to note however that NO abdominal muscles are removed or damaged during DIEP surgery. Unlike the more commonly known TRAM flap, DIEP reconstruction does not use any abdominal muscles. This means DIEP patients can heal faster, maintain core strength, and experience fewer abdominal complications compared to TRAM flap patients.
How difficult is DIEP flap breast reconstruction to perform?
Not any plastic surgeon is qualified to perform DIEP flap surgery. DIEP surgery requires microsurgery to connect the tiny blood vessels and nerves necessary to successfully transplant the abdominal tissue to the chest wall. Training in microsurgery is extensive. Along with training, experience is also important. At PRMA, our surgeons have over 100 years of combined experience performing DIEP surgery.
What is the surgery time for DIEP?
Surgery time can vary greatly for DIEP surgery depending on several factors. Surgery time can be longer if the DIEP is being performed at the same time as a mastectomy. Likewise, surgery will be longer if a patient is having bilateral surgery rather than unilateral. Surgeon experience and how many surgeons are performing the surgery can impact surgery time as well. At PRMA, we always use two surgeons during our DIEP cases to ensure the patient benefits from the expertise of two highly qualified microsurgeons as well as decreased surgery time. Typically, at PRMA, our DIEP cases range from 4-6 hours.
It is important for patients to understand that DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a major surgery, but in the right hands is a safe option after breast cancer surgery.
Leave Comment
-
-
There is no specific age when a woman becomes too old to undergo DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Age is one of the many factors that we take into consideration when determining if someone will be a good candidate. In general, an individual’s overall health is much more influential in deciding the best reconstruction route versus age alone.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for the DIEP flap is to be evaluated by one of our experienced surgeons. You can do this by scheduling a virtual consultation here https://prma-enhance.com/schedule-a-consultation/.
March 30,2022
-
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Do I Have to Wait Until After a Mastectomy Before Having Breast Reconstruction?
Do I Have to Wait Until After a Mastectomy Before Having Breast Reconstruction? April 05, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A common misconception we often hear at PRMA Plastic Surgery is, “You’ll need to wait until after a mastectomy before having breast reconstruction.” This is not always the case. After breast cancer, many women […]
Is DIEP Flap a Major Surgery?
Is DIEP Flap a Major Surgery? March 16, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is considered to be a major surgery. Likewise, most reconstructive surgeries, including implants, can be considered major surgery as well. To avoid patients being put off by the idea of undergoing DIEP flap because it is a […]
Will My Breasts Look Unnatural After Breast Reconstruction?
Will My Breasts Look Unnatural After Breast Reconstruction? March 09, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A common misconception we often hear at PRMA is, “My breasts will look unnatural after breast reconstruction.” The answer is no. Patients have many options when it comes to breast reconstruction today. These options range from “flap” techniques such […]
What is Micropigmentation?
What is Micropigmentation? March 03, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Breast reconstruction is an important part of the recovery process for many breast cancer patients. If you choose to undergo breast reconstruction there are options to help you achieve a natural-looking result. Breast reconstruction is typically performed in multiple stages. Patients can choose to […]
High-Definition DIEP Flap Live Q&A with Dr. Andrew Gassman
High-Definition Live Q&A With Dr. Andrew Gassman March 02, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We recently hosted a Facebook LIVE discussing high definition DIEP flap breast reconstruction. If you missed it, don’t worry! You can catch the replay below. What is high definition DIEP flap? Something that has been evolving in our practice is […]
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect February 22, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for DIEP flap surgery, or when weighing breast reconstruction options, knowing what to expect is important. DIEP flap reconstruction surgery uses the lower abdominal skin and fat to recreate a breast following breast cancer surgery. How is DIEP […]
Can Healthy Habits Decrease Your Risk Of Breast Cancer?
Can Healthy Habits Decrease Your Risk Of Breast Cancer? February 16, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin If you are worried about getting breast cancer, you might be asking yourself if there are any ways you can reduce the risk. Some risk factors, such as family history and genetics, are unavoidable. However, you can decrease […]
4 Tips for a Healthy Recovery after Breast Reconstruction
4 Tips for a Healthy Recovery after Breast Reconstruction February 04, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During the early weeks after your breast reconstruction procedure, it is important to maintain light activity and range of motion in your upper extremities with gentle stretching and exercise. Your medical team will give you special instructions for […]
How Much Fat Do You Need For DIEP Flap?
How Much Fat Do You Need For DIEP Flap? January 27, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Patients often ask how much fat is needed for DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery. Although there is no textbook fat requirement for DIEP flap surgery, there are three factors to consider when answering the question—BMI, how an individual’s […]
What are the Risks of Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction?
What are the Risks of Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction? January 24, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fat grafting surgery is an option for any individual seeking breast reconstruction following breast cancer. The procedure is performed by removing fat from one area of the body via liposuction and then reinjecting the fat into the […]
I had my right Breast removed in 2000 I didn’t get the reconstruction because I would’ve gone under the knife 4 times plus I didn’t want the silicone implant I’m
69yrs old is it to late for THE DIEP
Lillie Dean
March 21,2022