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PRMA Plastic Surgery

PRMA DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Research Makes the Cut

July 14, 2020

How does BMI affect complication rates after DIEP flap breast reconstruction?

Research performed by the surgeons of PRMA Plastic Surgery has made the cut for the latest Breast Reconstruction text book published by Springer. The book is titled Breast Reconstruction: Art, Science, and New Clinical Techniques and presents numerous new clinical techniques written by leading international experts. Offering a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in breast reconstruction, PRMA is honored to be included.

PRMA’s chapter is entitled “Abdominal Wall Stability and Flap Complications After Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: Does Body Mass Index Make a Difference?”

The research focused on how BMI affects complications rates in abdominal flap breast reconstruction such as the DIEP flap.

“Previous studies identified obesity as an important factor increasing flap and abdominal site complications following free and pedicle TRAM flap surgery,” said Ochoa. “However, after studying 639 DIEP flaps in 418 consecutive PRMA patients, we found that overall flap and abdominal complications remain similar across all body mass index groups. In other words, being overweight did not increase the risk of losing a flap or developing abdominal bulging or a hernia after DIEP flap reconstruction in our patient population.”

The research findings show DIEP flaps are safe in obese patients and may in fact be the recommended method of breast reconstruction in high BMI patients.

You can find more information on the book and the chapter by PRMA here.

Is DIEP flap surgery right for you? Find out by filling out our free virtual consultation form here.

Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd

After studying 639 DIEP flaps in 418 consecutive PRMA patients, we found that overall flap and abdominal complications remain similar across all body mass index groups. In other words, being overweight did not increase the risk of losing a flap or developing abdominal bulging or a hernia after DIEP flap reconstruction in our patient population.

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