Breast Reconstruction
with DIEP Flap
Breast cancer is a life-changing diagnosis that affects women around the world. For many women, the surgical removal of one or both breasts is necessary to prevent the spread of the cancer.
This can be a traumatic experience, but breast reconstruction surgery can help restore confidence and improve quality of life. One of the most advanced and innovative techniques for breast reconstruction is the DIEP flap procedure.
What is the DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator, which refers to the blood vessels that supply blood to the abdominal tissue. This procedure utilises skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a natural-looking breast. Unlike traditional breast reconstruction methods, the DIEP flap procedure preserves the abdominal muscles, which is important for maintaining core strength and preventing abdominal weakness.
How does the DIEP flap breast reconstruction work?
During the DIEP flap procedure, a plastic surgeon will use microsurgery to remove the necessary tissue from the lower abdomen and carefully re-attach the blood vessels to the chest area. This method allows for the creation of a new breast that closely resembles the natural breast in shape, size, and texture. The recovery period is typically longer than other breast reconstruction procedures, but the results are often more natural-looking and long-lasting.
Who is a good candidate for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
The DIEP flap procedure is an excellent option for women who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and want to restore their breast shape and size. It is also a good option for women who do not want to use synthetic implants for reconstruction. However, not all women are good candidates for this procedure. The surgeon will consider a patient's overall health, abdominal tissue, and previous surgeries before determining if the DIEP flap procedure is appropriate for them.
What are the benefits of the DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
One of the main benefits of the DIEP flap procedure is that it creates a natural-looking breast that closely resembles the patient's original breast. Additionally, because the procedure uses the patient's own tissue, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction to implants. The preservation of the abdominal muscles also reduces the risk of abdominal weakness or hernias. The results of the DIEP flap procedure are often long-lasting, and the reconstructed breast will age and change with the patient's body in a natural way.
Conclusion
Breast reconstruction surgery can help women regain their confidence and improve their quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis. The DIEP flap breast reconstruction procedure is an advanced and innovative method that creates a natural-looking breast using the patient's own tissue. While it may not be appropriate for all women, it is an option that should be discussed with a plastic surgeon to determine if it is the best choice for the patient's individual needs. Overall, the DIEP flap procedure offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for breast reconstruction.
