DIEP Flap Reconstruction What to Expect
## What to Expect Before DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Before DIEP flap reconstruction, you will meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals for surgery and to develop a personalized treatment plan. During this consultation, your surgeon will:
* Examine your breasts and abdomen
* Take measurements of your body
* Discuss the surgical technique that is right for you
* Review the risks and benefits of surgery
* Prescribe antibiotics and other medications to help prepare you for surgery
In addition to your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will also need to:
* Get a mammogram and other imaging tests to rule out any underlying breast cancer
* Have a physical examination and blood work to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery
* Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after surgery
* Quit smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before surgery
What to Expect During DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be unconscious during the surgery. The surgery usually takes several hours to complete.
During surgery, your surgeon will:
* Make an incision in your lower abdomen
* Remove a section of skin, fat, and muscle from your abdomen (this is called the donor site)
* Transfer the donor site to your chest and sew it into place (this is called the recipient site)
* Connect the blood vessels in the donor site to the blood vessels in the recipient site so that the flap can receive blood and oxygen
What to Expect After DIEP Flap Reconstruction
After DIEP flap reconstruction, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be monitored closely. You will likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site. You may also have a drainage tube in place to help drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
You will typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery. During this time, you will be given pain medication and antibiotics to help you recover. You will also be taught how to care for your surgical site.
After you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to continue to follow your surgeon's instructions for care. This may include:
* Wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling
* Avoiding strenuous activity
* Keeping the surgical site clean and dry
* Taking medication to help manage pain and infection
What Are the Risks of DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with DIEP flap reconstruction. These risks include:
* Bleeding
* Infection
* Blood clots
* Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)
* Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
* Necrosis (tissue death)
* Rejection of the flap
* Scarring
What Is the Recovery Time for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
The recovery time for DIEP flap reconstruction varies from patient to patient. Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within 4-6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take several months for the full results of surgery to be visible.
What Are the Long-Term Outcomes of DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
DIEP flap reconstruction is a successful surgery that can provide women with a natural-looking breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The long-term outcomes of DIEP flap reconstruction are excellent, with most patients reporting high levels of satisfaction with their results.