At Snyder Plastic Surgery, our board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Ned Snyder IV, can replace the skin and soft tissue removed at mastectomy with soft, warm, living tissue. This is accomplished by borrowing skin and fatty tissue from another part of the body. One such flap is a DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap.
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Surgical Technique
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is for women who have lost their breasts due to mastectomy or other reasons. The procedure involves taking skin and fat from the abdomen, along with the corresponding blood vessels, and transplanting this tissue to create breasts.
Nipple Recreation
After your initial DIEP breast reconstruction surgery, you will typically not have a nipple. Fortunately, you will be a candidate for nipple reconstruction after completing your recovery period. You will be measured for symmetry and a small portion of skin from your new breasts is used to create a nipple. Some patients opt to undergo 3D nipple areola tattooing. Your surgical scars fade substantially with time and proper care.
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For additional information about our services, procedures, and the patient experience at Snyder Plastic Surgery, please explore our website or contact our office. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and support from the initial consultation through recovery. Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey towards a more confident and beautiful you.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction Step-by-Step
Before
Perforator flaps should only be performed by plastic surgeons who are specifically trained in microsurgery. Very few surgeons are capable of performing this type of reconstruction. Dr. Snyder at The Breast and Body Center of Austin is a pioneer in this technique; he has completed fellowships in microvascular surgery and has performed hundreds of perforator breast flap reconstructions.
During
The usual length of a unilateral DIEP breast reconstruction is 2 – 3 hours, and a bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction is 4 – 6 hours. The incision site is similar to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), allowing the abdomen to be contoured and can usually be hidden under normal clothing.
DIEP flap reconstruction is unique because it does not use any muscle. The rectus abdominus remains intact which allows patients full strength of the muscle. Drains are placed during the surgery to avoid fluid accumulation underneath the skin and tissue. They are located on each side of the abdominal incision site, and at least one additional drain is placed at each breast.
After
Expect to be admitted into IMC (Intermediate Care Unit) or ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for a total of 3 – 5 days following the procedure. Small sensors on your breasts connected to a bedside console are used to ensure the flap has adequate blood flow continuously.
After discharge, it is important to record the amount of drainage that is emptied from the bulb. The drainage will be dark red at first. As you start to heal, it may be a lighter red, eventually turning yellow or brown. Drains are usually ready for removal after they produce less than 30cc in a 24-hour period. An estimated time for drains to stay in place is 1 – 3 weeks.
Recovery periods vary for each patient. Typically, you are sore and tired easily for the first few weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks, you will notice an increase in energy levels each day. Generally, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 4 – 6 weeks after the procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
Discover the transformative benefits of DIEP flap reconstruction with our experienced team at Snyder Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX. We understand the profound psychological and emotional impact of breast reconstruction, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Patients in Austin, Cedar Park, Waco, Temple, and Georgetown, Texas, can schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring their confidence and reclaiming their lives.
