Breast DIEP Flap Reconstruction Helps Keep Cancer Survivors Strong

Breast cancer can be extremely traumatic both emotionally and physically, with added complications if you have to undergo a mastectomy.

Many women are left feeling depressed about their new appearance and often claim they don't feel "whole." Creating natural and balanced breasts is a difficult task for even highly skilled surgeons.

One technique that is helping many cancer survivors recover is breast DIEP flap reconstruction. This procedure uses the latest techniques to give the most natural feeling and appearing breasts possible.

In the past, TRAM flap reconstruction was the surgery of choice, but this left women with excessive pain, long recovery periods, and a loss of abdominal muscle. DIEP flap reconstruction uses the skin and fat from your stomach, no implants or muscle required.

During this procedure, the surgeon uses microsurgery to help create the flow of blood inside the newly transplanted tissue. Small veins and arteries are connected from transplanted abdominal tissue to the reconstructed breasts, negating the need to the traditional muscle transfer method.

This means that you don't have to lose the shape and strength of your abdomen, and you'll get a small tummy tuck in the process. This is often especially important to active and athletic women who don't want to sacrifice their lifestyle for their appearance.

Unlike breast implants, breast DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is using your body's own natural tissues, which means the breasts will look and feel accordingly. You also won't have to worry about potential leaks and ruptures of dangerous silicone, displacement of implants, or capsular contracture.

Breast reconstruction is all about helping the body and mind heal after living through a traumatic event such as cancer. Some survivors find that implants and other artificial methods of reconstruction intensify feelings of distress as these can cause additional physical complications.

Recovery from DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is quicker than TRAM flap because you don't have the pain associated with removing the muscle. There will still be discomfort and healing always varies by individual, but plastic surgeons find that it is a comparatively safe procedure to undergo. Scarring is similar to that of a tummy tuck procedure, as incisions are created near the pelvis and navel in order to extract the necessary tissue.

Be aware that although regarded as a safe procedure, all surgery is inherently risky. After recovering from cancer it is important that you feel both emotionally and physically ready to undergo another potentially traumatic experience. Discuss all risks and complications carefully with your plastic surgeon and doctor.

DIEP flap reconstruction surgery can help you achieve a feeling normalcy once again, boost your confidence, and start you on the long path to emotional and physical recovery after surviving through cancer and a mastectomy. There are many board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in this type of procedure and have the knowledge and patience to help guide you through the process.

By : A_Aaronson