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How successful is a Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction? An important advancement in breast reconstruction surgery, the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap technique involves the use of the patient's own abdominal skin and fat to mould the breast of a patient who has undergone mastectomy. A question that every patient asks is ‘how successful is a DIEP flap breast reconstruction?’ Many reports say that the success rate is as high as 98-99%. A lot depends on the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure as well as the health of the patient.
Diep Flap Reconstruction – The Procedure In the DIEP flap or "free" flap procedure, tissue is completely separated from the abdomen and then transplanted in the chest. This procedure uses material from the spare skin and fat in the lower abdominal region to reconstruct a new breast or breasts. It is an option to having a breast implant. The steps involved in this procedure are: •
Skin, fat and blood vessels from the abdomen are harvested through an incision in the abdomen
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Microsurgery is used to transfer and reconnect the blood vessels to the chest area
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The flap or prepared tissue is used to construct the new breast
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
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Breast Surgery – The Success of DIEP In the DIEP flap procedure, no abdominal muscle is removed. This is in contrast to the TRAM procedure which removes muscle along with the skin, fat and blood vessels. The success of DIEP flap breast reconstruction compared to other methods can be measured in terms of its positive effects which include the following: •
Preserves all the abdominal muscles and helps patient maintain abdominal strength
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Patient gets the advantages of a tummy tuck when excessive abdominal fat and tissue is removed
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Minimizes adverse impact on donor site (the abdomen)
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Effective for women needing a large amount of breast skin to be replaced and reconstruction of both breasts. It is also the best option for women who had irradiation therapy, those with an active lifestyle, and those planning to have children
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Ideal for delayed reconstruction of a large, droopy breast
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Offers plastic surgeon greater freedom to design a breast(s) of the desired shape and size using the patient’s own tissue
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Improved abdominal wall strength contributes to less post-operative problems
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Involves shorter hospital stay (patients can usually leave 3-4 days after the surgery)
• Faster recovery compared to the TRAM procedure • Less adverse impact on daily activities • Less pain Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
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Effective long-term results
• Better patient satisfaction
Get the Procedure done by An Experienced Surgeon DIEP flap reconstruction has made its mark as a state-of-the-art technique of breast reconstruction. Its popularity is growing with its high rates of success. However, it is a complicated, technical procedure that has to be performed by a skilled surgeon as care must be taken to prevent the delicate tissues and blood vessels from damage. The success of DIEP flap breast reconstruction would also depend on the health of the patient. The procedure is not suitable for women with diabetes, lung or heart ailments or autoimmune disease, as all these conditions can disturb blood supply to the flap.
Contact Details: Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery 6400 Fannin, Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 Phone: 713-791-0700 URL: http://www.drseanboutros.com
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery