At Associates in Plastic Surgery, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy offers many women an empowering step toward restoring body image and self-confidence. In Baton Rouge, the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap reconstruction technique stands out, using the patient’s own abdominal tissue to create a natural-looking breast.
DIEP flap reconstruction involves utilizing skin and subcutaneous tissue from the lower abdomen to reconstruct one or both breasts. During this procedure, a careful incision is made in the lower abdomen, where the blood vessels supplying the tissue flap are meticulously separated from the underlying rectus abdominis muscle.
This muscle-sparing technique preserves abdominal strength and function, a significant advantage over other flap techniques like TRAM, which can lead to muscle weakness. Once the tissue and blood vessels are prepared, they are transferred to the chest area and reconnected to the recipient blood vessels, forming the breast mound.
Ideal candidates for DIEP flap reconstruction are women who have undergone mastectomy and wish to restore breast shape using their own tissue. Sufficient abdominal tissue is necessary for harvesting, and candidates should be in good overall health. Contraindications may include prior abdominal surgeries, certain medical conditions that affect healing, and insufficient tissue for reconstruction.
The DIEP flap reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes several hours for a single breast. For both breasts, the procedure may take longer.
Patients are first placed under general anesthesia for optimal comfort throughout the procedure. The surgeon then makes an incision in the lower abdomen, similar to that of a tummy tuck, providing access to the tissue needed for reconstruction.
Next, the surgeon carefully dissevers the skin and fat from the abdominal area, preserving all blood vessels, which is critical for the successful transfer of the flap. Once the tissue is harvested, it is shaped into a breast mound and connected to the chest’s blood vessels using microsurgical techniques to maintain proper blood flow.
After DIEP flap reconstruction, patients can expect a hospital stay of one to three days for monitoring. During this time, the surgical team will closely observe the viability of the flap and manage any pain. Patients may have drains placed in the reconstructed breast and abdomen, which typically remain in place for seven to 14 days.
Post-surgery, patients will have strict activity restrictions and will initially be on a clear liquid diet, progressing to a regular diet as tolerated. Full recovery generally takes about four to six weeks, during which patients should gradually increase their activity levels.
The overall cost of DIEP flap reconstruction can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, anesthetic fees, facility costs, and additional treatments. Most insurance plans cover a significant portion of the expenses associated with breast reconstruction, particularly when deemed medically necessary.
Your decision regarding breast reconstruction in Baton Rouge is deeply personal and should be made solely by you. If you feel that restoring your breasts would enhance your sense of femininity and well-being, we invite you to reach out to Associates in Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation. Dr. John A. Dean and Dr. Riley Dean are here to provide support and information as you explore your options.
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