The DIEP flap procedure uses tissue from your abdomen to rebuild the breast mound.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is one of the most advanced microsurgical procedures available for breast reconstruction. The procedure derives its name from the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) vessels.
These blood vessels travel through the abdominal tissue and must be carefully removed and then reattached to vessels in the breast region during reconstruction. The success of any natural tissue breast reconstruction relies on the ability to provide blood supply to the tissue flap, which gives the reconstructed breast its warm, natural look and feel.
The DIEP flap is a popular breast reconstruction procedure in part because the abdomen is generally a good donor site for tissue. Once the tissue flap is removed, a woman will have a scar on her lower abdomen. Many women achieve an improved abdominal contour, similar to that of a “tummy tuck”, because the removal of excess tissue leaves their abdomen flatter after the procedure.
Dr. Smith is one of the world’s leading experts on the DIEP flap procedure and perforator flap reconstruction. Building on his decades of experience, he has developed an Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) to help speed up patient recovery, minimize pain and reduce the need for narcotic pain medications.
Dr. Smith is also one of a few surgeons that are now performing robotic-assisted breast reconstruction surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that is done with the help of robotic technology. Rather than directly touching the patient, the surgeon uses a console to guide the robot through the procedure. Learn more about this groundbreaking technology.
Although many women are good candidates for the DIEP flap procedure, Dr. Smith will review your medical history, body shape and desired breast volume and advise you on what options are right for you. Inadequate abdominal tissue, clotting disorders and damage to the blood vessels from prior surgeries, are reasons that some women might not be a good candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction.
The recovery from a DIEP flap procedure includes some tightness and soreness at the surgical sites. Walking is encouraged after surgery but strenuous activity should be avoided for six weeks. Each surgical site will have at least one drain for a week or two, which you’ll need to care for and record the drain output. Range of motion exercises begin after the first week and over time, as the initial discomfort fades, you should be able to return to normal activities.
If you want natural tissue breast reconstruction, you may consider another donor site for your tissue flap (e.g. thigh, buttock, lumbar region, or upper back). You may also consider implant reconstruction. A newer approach is hybrid reconstruction, which combines an implant with tissue to restore the breast. Dr. Smith will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to make sure you select the one that is right for you.
I didn’t have to take any pain medicine. It was just amazing. . . I had this major surgery and was home the next day.
I would 100% recommend Dr. Smith and just say there isn’t a better doctor out there for this.
I'm astonished. I am amazed at how Dr. Smith was able to create another breast for me from nothing.
Dr. Smith is the happy ending to this story. Everyone that I spoke to about him said, ‘you're in great hands.’
I can't believe I didn't feel any pain. I didn't really need any painkillers. Not at all.
He will always give you his best. He will help you to feel whole again. He will help you to feel like the person you were before.
I can tell you now 1,000% that I made the right decision...the way that they look, you cannot even see a scar.
I felt like this doctor is something. He has a good heart. He’s very gentle and very nice.
And I just knew how thorough he was, that he was prepared, that he was well informed, and that he knew his craft
Dr. Smith was very, very nice and friendly. He was very down to earth compared to some doctors. He's knowledgeable, of course. His credentials definitely spoke volumes.
He's even more impressive than I had first thought. He is very direct and he's smart. And he will explain things to you.
It's very important to me to have good bedside manner. And [Dr. Smith] took the time. He made me feel like he could do this 1-2-3, and I'd be good to go.
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