In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to shine a light on the types of procedures available to women who have undergone a mastectomy and are interested in the plastic surgery options available to reconstruct one or both breasts with natural and beautiful results. In this post, we’ll focus on the DIEP Flap breast reconstruction method.
Dr. O’Neill is highly trained and experienced with all types of breast surgery, and would be happy to walk you through the process of breast reconstruction after mastectomy and breast cancer.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator) Flap reconstruction is the type of breast reconstruction that uses a patient’s own abdominal skin and fatty tissue to rebuild the breast, as detailed in the video below.
Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
This is typically a very popular breast reconstruction method because:
- Patients like the “tummy tuck” that they get with this procedure
- The results are more natural since the patient’s own skin and tissue is used
- There are no risks associated with breast implants
- Significantly lower risk of hernia post-surgery
Post DIEP Flap Surgery
After the DIEP Flap surgery, patients will need to stay in the hospital for three to four days. Once you are released from the hospital you can begin normal daily activities, but avoid heavy lifting. Although there is not the hernia risk associated with this type of reconstruction, strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. A follow up with Dr. O’Neill can help retouch the original surgery, create complete symmetry, and reconstruct the nipple.
Other Reconstruction Options
Dr. O’Neill is highly qualified and experienced in many types of breast reconstruction. To read more about the other options for reconstruction after mastectomy, visit the following pages:
- Immediate vs Delayed Reconstruction
- GAP and Other Free Flap Reconstruction
- Latissumus Flap Reconstruction
- Implant Reconstruction
Contact us today by calling (843) 881-2130 or making an appointment online. We know you have many questions and concerns you have, especially during such an emotional time in your life. We’ll walk you though the entire process to make sure that you are comfortable and we meet all of your body-image goals.
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