Is DIEP flap better than implants?
Women who have undergone chemotherapy for months do not wish to get implants that would again require future surgeries or revision. The DIEP flap breast reconstruction technique is an extensive surgery, but in case of future radiation requirement, the implants would have to be removed and DIEP remains the best choice.
Is DIEP flap covered by insurance?
Will my insurance cover DIEP/GAP flap reconstructions? Yes. If your insurance covers mastectomy, they must by law cover the reconstruction method of your choice.
Can you get breast cancer after Diep reconstruction?
Conclusion: There is no increased risk in breast cancer recurrence after delayed DIEP flap reconstruction compared with mastectomy alone.
Can a DIEP flap failure years later?
Summary. Flap neovascularisation is generally believed to make free skin-containing flaps independent of their axial pedicle blood supply. A case of DIEP-flap failure 3 years after transfer is presented in a breast reconstruction patient in whom a lateral breast reduction for symmetry improvement was performed.
Who is a good candidate for DIEP flap surgery?
Generally speaking, you may be a candidate for DIEP flap if you: Have excess tissue in your lower abdominals. Want results that typically look and feel more natural than implants. Have realistic expectations for the procedure and are aware of the potential risks.
Is DIEP a tummy tuck?
While we often say that a DIEP Flap procedure is like getting a tummy tuck, the focus of the surgery is natural breast reconstruction. Some patients may see results with the same toning and tightening as a tummy tuck, but others may not see drastic changes to their midsection.
Is DIEP flap major surgery?
A DIEP flap reconstruction is a major surgery that takes place under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will begin by making an incision across your lower abdomen. Then, they will loosen and remove a flap of skin, fat, and blood vessels from your abdomen.
Who is a candidate for DIEP flap?
How much fat is needed for Diep reconstruction?
There is also an upper limit beyond which the risks of surgery typically outweigh the benefits – At PRMA we set an upper BMI limit of 40. Research performed at PRMA has shown that performing the procedure on women with a BMI over 40 significantly increases the risk of complications (especially wound healing problems).
How often do DIEP flaps fail?
Tissue rejection: Out of 100 people who have a DIEP flap, about 3 to 5 people will develop complete rejection or tissue death. This is called tissue necrosis, and it means that the whole flap fails.
What to expect after DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery?
Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast,but some feeling may return over a period of years.
Should you lose weight before DIEP flap reconstruction?
That means you won’t lose strength in your belly. And your recovery should be less painful than some other flap surgeries. Because DIEP surgery uses natural tissue, your new breast should change with your body. If you gain or lose weight, for example, you’ll see those changes in the breast, too.
How long does DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery take?
DIEP flap reconstruction surgery takes about 6 to 8 hours. After DIEP flap reconstruction surgery: You’ll be moved to the recovery room after surgery, where hospital staff members will monitor your heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. If you’re in pain or feel nauseated from the anesthesia, tell someone so you can be given medication.
What is a Diep procedure?
What is a DIEP Flap procedure? DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is an operation that uses your own fat and skin from the abdomen to make a breast mound. It can be done immediately following mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction).