DIEP Flap Surgery with Nipple Sparing

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DIEP Flap Surgery with Nipple Sparing
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What is DIEP flap surgery with nipple sparing?

• DIEP stands for the name of the blood vessels
  used in the surgery Deep inferior epigastric
  perforators. They are blood vessels located in
  the abdomen.
• Flap refers to the use of your own skin, fat,
  blood vessels, and (in certain types of flap
  surgery) muscle to create the new breast.
• Nipple sparing refers to the fact that this
  surgery preserves the original nipple and areola.
  
• So, DIEP flap surgery with nipple sparing refers
  to a surgery during which the fat, skin, and
  certain blood vessels from your lower abdomen are
  used to reconstruct your breast (or breasts), all
  while preserving your original nipples.

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Why should I consider this type of surgery?

• Despite its somewhat intimidating name, DIEP flap
  surgery translates into a less complicated
  recovery for many women. The key is the fact
  that DIEP flap breast reconstruction does not use
  any muscle, unlike other types of flap surgery.
  Instead, it uses only abdominal skin, fatty
  tissue, and DIEP blood vessels to reconstruct the
  breast(s). 
• This technique means that you will not suffer the
  herniation or weakness that many women experience
  in the areas where their muscle was taken for the
  breast reconstruction. You will also not
  experience any muscle bulge due to manipulation
  of any muscle during your surgery. Perhaps just
  as importantly, this surgery is much less
  invasive than other types of flap surgery. As a
  result, you are likely to feel less pain as you
  recover, require a shorter hospital stay, and be
  able to return to your normal activities more
  quickly. These benefits have convinced many women
  to choose DIEP surgery with nipple sparing over
  other types of flap surgery for their breast
  reconstruction.

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What will my breast(s) look like after DIEP flap
surgery?

• DIEP surgery with nipple sparing can give you
  breasts that look and feel normal.
• While you will not have the same sensation as you
  did in your original breast, it will feel warm
  and natural to the touch. Plus, because your new
  breast will be made of your own skin, fat, and
  blood vessels, your breasts will change with you
  as you age, and you will never have to replace
  them as you would if you had implants. In
  addition, the nipple sparing portion of this
  surgery will leave you with a nipple and areola
  that may retain some sensation. Their
  preservation may mean more feeling in your breast
  than with other types of flap surgery, while also
  achieving a more natural look.

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What are the downsides to this type of surgery?

• DIEP flap breast reconstruction requires a high
  degree of skill in microsurgery (surgery using a
  microscope), because it requires the detaching
  and reattaching of tiny blood vessels. Because of
  the complexity of these procedures, you can
  usually expect a much longer surgery time
  (typically 6-8 hours total. However, Dr.
  Elisabeth Potter is known to perform such
  surgeries in shorter sessions).
• You will end up with a scar on your lower
  abdomen. And, if the surgery does not go well,
  you may be unable to pursue this type of flap
  surgery again. 
• Each of these drawbacks tends to be counteracted
  by the surgerys many benefits. For example, your
  scar will lie across an abdomen that is tighter
  and firmer than before, thanks to the removal of
  tissue for the breast reconstruction. 
• Potential complications include the clotting of
  an artery or vein that leads to the death of the
  tissue, herniation, or fat necrosis (when blood
  flow is cut off to the fat used in your DIEP flap
  surgery). However, these complications are either
  extremely rare (less than 2 percent), or easily
  corrected by a qualified breast cancer
  reconstruction surgeon.

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Who makes a good candidate for this type of
surgery?

• DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers many
  advantages for the right candidates.
• Generally, the best candidates for this surgery
  are women who have sufficient abdominal tissue to
  complete the breast(s). However, procedures such
  as stacked DIEPs are available for thinner women
  who lack excess abdominal tissue. Candidates may
  also need to have finished their chemotherapy or
  radiation treatments a certain amount of time
  before the surgery, though you should always
  consult with your treatment team about the
  best breast reconstruction timing.
• If you want to know more about whether or not you
  might make a good candidate, let us know. You
  should always consult with a doctor before making
  decisions about medical procedures such as this
  one. We would be happy to discuss your individual
  situation and suitability for this potentially
  life changing procedure.

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What is recovery from DIEP flap surgery like?

• In general, you can expect a hospital stay of 3-5
  days, and a total recovery time of 4-8 weeks.
  However, you will be able to walk and eat after
  the first day, and should experience a decrease
  in discomfort after the first week. Consult your
  doctor directly to learn details about your
  unique recovery plan.
• Summary DIEP breast reconstruction is a
  groundbreaking and complex surgery. As a result,
  there are only a few surgeons who have the
  ability to complete it successfully. Even many
  surgeons skilled in breast reconstruction are
  unable to master DIEP breast reconstruction
  because of the complex microsurgery required.
• Dr. Potter has successfully completed numerous
  DIEP flap surgeries and has the skill and
  experience to complete this surgery for you as
  well. If you think this type of surgery might
  help you to achieve the look and confidence you
  want after a mastectomy, let us know. We are both
  able and willing to help.

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Contact US

• Dr. Elisabeth Potter, MD
• 6818 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 204
• Austin, TX 78731
• Phone [phone]