The Ideal Candidate for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

1-713-791-070

The Ideal Candidate for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Many women who have a mastectomy or breast removal procedure due to cancer want to have a reconstruction procedure to restore the breast to near-normal shape.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is among the popular techniques for breast reconstruction. The first step is an evaluation by the plastic surgeon to determine the patient’s candidature for the treatment.

About DIEP Flap Surgery In this method, the patient’s own abdominal tissue is used to reconstruct the new breast or breasts. This technique is considered superior to others as it preserves abdominal strength by transferring only the tissues, leaving the stomach muscles intact. It also results in a softer, more natural-looking breast. With this method, patients usually experience less pain, enjoy a faster recovery, maintain their core strength long-term, and have a lower risk of complications.

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

1-713-791-070

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Candidates Having breast reconstruction is a very personal decision.

You may be a good candidate for the DIEP flap surgery if you • Prefer reconstruction using your own tissue • Have sufficient tissues in your lower abdomen to create the new breast • Have never had surgery on your abdomen • Have had radiation administered to your chest wall • Have had failed reconstruction using a breast implant You may not be a good candidate for undergoing this procedure if you: • Have diabetes • Have an overly large abdominal pannus (hanging flap of tissue) • Do not want a lower abdominal scar • Are obese • Lack sufficient lower abdominal tissue to create the breast • Have had abdominal surgery such as an abdominoplasty • Are a habitual smoker (or quit smoking only recently) • Cannot tolerate anesthesia over a long stretch

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

1-713-791-070

These signs can only give you hints about your suitability for the treatment and you need to consult a plastic surgeon experienced in this reconstruction procedure to determine your candidature. The surgeon will evaluate your present health status, past medical history, and surgical history to determine your suitability for reconstructive breast surgery.

Finding the Plastic Surgeon The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) offers helpful advice on choosing a plastic surgeon to perform the breast reconstruction procedure. Choose a surgeon who • Who is board-certified • Has completed graduation from an accredited medical school • Has completed at least six years of surgical training and minimum three years of plastic surgery residency training • Performs surgery in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facilities AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery centers in Houston, Texas have surgeons who are well-qualified to perform the surgery using the latest technology and techniques.