Weight Changes and the Impact to DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Results
Will my reconstructed breasts change size if I gain or loose weight after DIEP flap surgery?
We are often asked how future weight changes will impact final DIEP flap breast reconstruction results.
The general answer is that your breast size will most likely fluctuate with weight changes just like a natural breast would. However, every individual is different. Some patients may notice minimal change to their breast size following weight gain/loss. On the other hand, there are some patients who may end up wearing a completely different bra size following weight change.
Most patients find any change in breast size due to weight fluctuation to be proportionate to their new body size.
However, if you are unhappy with the breast size following weight change, there are options to help. For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have seen a large decrease in their breast size, fat grafting or adding a small implant can help achieve the desired size. Patients who have gained weight and have seen a dramatic increase to the size of their reconstructed breast may benefit from breast reduction surgery or liposuction to the reconstructed breast. Regardless of the change, we recommend patients be at a stable weight for some time before undergoing any additional revision surgery.
It is important to note that patients wanting to lose a few pounds after surgery should not start dieting until at least 6 weeks after all surgical wounds have healed. Wound healing requires adequate nutrition and protein. Cutting calories during this critical period could affect healing.
Author: Dr. Ramon Garza III and Courtney Floyd
The general answer is that your breast size will most likely fluctuate with weight changes just like a natural breast would. However, every individual is different.
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What happens to the lower and/donor site with weight gain? also, are you doing fat grafting for breast revision after mastectomy and implant, if implant removed.
ThanksSeptember 28,2020
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Just like after a tummy tuck, weight gain can occur in the lower abdominal area following a DIEP flap. We do also perform fat grafting during the “revision” or “stage 2” surgery following implant and/or flap-based breast reconstruction procedures.
September 29,2020
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Valerie
What happens to the lower and/donor site with weight gain? also, are you doing fat grafting for breast revision after mastectomy and implant, if implant removed.
Thanks
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Just like after a tummy tuck, weight gain can occur in the lower abdominal area following a DIEP flap. We do also perform fat grafting during the “revision” or “stage 2” surgery following implant and/or flap-based breast reconstruction procedures.
Elaina
DIEP surgery in 2016. I had a seroma across my entire abdomen 3 months later that required 2 surgeries with quilting stitches to close. I have been in pain ever since. The incision site feels like there is a very tight belt on me 24/7. My quality of life has been zero and I am over all of it. The original surgeon does not take my insurance now and does not want to see me. I feel lost and forgotten.
I wish I had gone to PRMA initially.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
We are truly saddened to hear you are going through all of this. Please know, we would be more than happy to schedule you a consultation to evaluate your needs and provide you with our recommendations to help improve your quality of life. Should you ever be interested, please call our office at 210-692-1181. We wish you all the best.
Maggie
Would you recommend delaying a prophylactic DMX and DIEP reconstruction (in the case of a genetic mutation) for a patient to get to their ideal weight? Or might it better to go ahead with the DMX and DIEP and work on weight loss after? Is obesity a roadblock to having DMX?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Good question Maggie! In this particular situation, we would recommend a patient get closer to her ideal weight before undergoing surgery. Obesity can increase the risk of complications with surgery in some cases.
Jennifer
My DIEP procedure was done in Oct. 2014. My question ~ is it possible to do upper body exercise to build up chest muscle to help lift and tighten thev reconstructed breasts?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Of course. This is a great idea to help build up chest muscles.
Jennifer
I have put on weight on my stomach eleven years after a diep flap operation. I feel very full and suffer from regurgitation. Can this be connected to my weight gain on my stomach area.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
It is unlikely that the weight gain in your abdominal area is contributing to this complication. We recommend consulting with your primary care physician for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Mary
I had a diep flat reconstruction on Thursday and i was 49 kilos on my admission day, today im 53 kilos and my thighs looks huge. Is that normal and will it last?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Mary, following breast reconstruction surgery, the body will naturally swell as part of the healing process. Although swelling can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is an important part of the body’s natural recovery.
Most patients will see the majority of their swelling diminish after about two to three weeks. However, slight swelling or a feeling of tightness can last for a few months.
If swelling is accompanied by redness, a fever, is warm to the touch, or becomes painful, we recommend you reach out to your healthcare team right away.
Mel S
If one has a lower BMI and lower skin/fat distribution on their lower abdomen, should they try to gain weight? Does any amount of weight gain help to provide more tissue for DIEP?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Hello Mel! At PRMA we have successfully performed DIEP flap reconstructions on women with BMI’s of 20 and even less. For reconstruction of one breast, all the available lower abdominal tissue can be used and either folded or “stacked”. We would be more than happy to review your concerns and provide you with our medical recommendations upon consultation. Please feel free to schedule a virtual consultation here: https://prma-enhance.com/schedule-a-consultation/.