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Removing Implants and Opting for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction PRMA Plastic Surgery

What can patients do if they are unhappy with their implant breast reconstruction? 

17 months ago, Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer. She opted to have a double mastectomy, and like many women, quickly chose implant reconstruction before learning about ALL her reconstructive options. Soon after her surgery, Michelle began to experience discomfort due to her implants.

After taking time to research all her options, Michelle chose to travel from Cheboygan, Michigan to PRMA in San Antonio, Texas to remove her implants and undergo DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Immediately after surgery, she felt relief! She no longer felt the discomfort in her shoulders she had once endured.

Although implant reconstruction is a good option for many women, we routinely see patients from across the globe who are unhappy with their results. At PRMA, we recommend replacing implants with healthy living tissue through procedures like the DIEP flap.

The DIEP flap uses a patient’s own living skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdomen (similar to a tummy tuck) to reconstruct a breast. Providing patients with soft, warm and natural results, the newly reconstructed breast is also permanent and will never have to be replaced.

Thanks to our ERAS protocol, patients are healing faster and experiencing little pain following DIEP flap surgery. Just like Michelle, our DIEP flap patients are able to go home 2-3 days following surgery and rarely need to use prescribed narcotics for pain.

Michelle shares in the video below how she wishes someone would have told her the DIEP flap was an option for her from the beginning of her journey! We believe patients should be informed off ALL their options before having a mastectomy. By doing so, patients can be certain they are making an informed decision that best fits their needs.

Considering breast reconstruction and want to learn more about ALL your options? Fill out our FREE Virtual Consultation form today! 

Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd

After taking time to research all her options, Michelle chose to travel from Cheboygan, Michigan to PRMA in San Antonio, Texas to remove her implants and undergo DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

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2 Comment

  1. Colette

    I had silicone implants following b/c in 2001. I have hated them always but in more recent years have had inflammation on one side and musle pain in both

    I would like to explore the diep reconstruction but I am worried my ppo health insurance will not cover the cost. Can this be covered in health plan?

    1. PRMA Plastic Surgery

      Hello Colette! So sorry to hear you are experiencing all of these complications with your implants! You are not alone! Your insurance will likely cover the removal of implants and further DIEP flap breast reconstruction. We would of course request authorization from your insurance provider before surgery to be 100% sure. Please feel free to give us a call any time at 800-692-5565 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your options.