How Closely Will The Reconstructed Breast Match My Healthy Breast After Diep Flap Surgery?

The development of breast reconstruction procedures for breast cancer patients has evolved significantly. The advent of DIEP flap surgery has allowed for an even closer match between the healthy breast and your reconstructed breast.

As experts in breast reconstruction, Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig have evolved procedures that further enhance the results of DIEP flap surgery through:

• Integrating techniques from notable experts at the forefront of breast reconstruction.
• Disciplined training of microsurgical methods that connect vital blood supply to the new breast mound.
• Specialization in various methods of breast reconstruction to provide the very best options for Houston patients.

Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig have dedicated much of their careers to providing patients in Houston to reconstruct a breast to closely resemble the natural breast and help women restore their sense of wholeness.

What Is Involved in DIEP Flap Surgery?

DIEP flap surgery removes a section of tissue, skin, and blood vessels from your lower abdomen to shape a new breast mound following the lost of breast tissue from a mastectomy. Many patients have struggled with the idea of breast reconstruction and are relieved to find that their breast can be restored using their own tissue.

Is DIEP Flap Surgery Right for All Patients?

Breast reconstruction relies heavily on matching the right option to the right patient. Some of the main factors considered during your initial consultation include:

• The amount of tissue required to restore your breast.
• Areas of your body with adequate tissue to shape a breast mound.
• When your DIEP flap surgery will be performed.
• Whether you require continued cancer treatment after surgery.

Ideally, your breast reconstruction will begin at the time of your mastectomy with Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig immediately restoring your breast. This will avoid additional healing time and allow you to simultaneously recover from your mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Alternatives to DIEP Flap Surgery

For women who do not have adequate tissue on their lower abdomen to accommodate DIEP flap surgery, there are several other possible options that Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig will discuss during your consultation. These include:

• Additional types of flap surgery that remove tissue from other areas of the body.
• Implant-based reconstruction, which places implants instead of tissue from your body to restore the breast mound.
• Oncoplastic reduction for women with large breasts who have breast tissue remaining and prefer a breast reduction.

Each procedure requires a consultation and physical examination to determine the best option for you. Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig offer consultations at their Houston practice for the convenience of their patients.

Are There Risks Involved With DIEP Flap Surgery?

Every surgical procedure has inherent risks. However, DIEP flap surgery has become one of the foremost choices for breast reconstruction surgery. Associated surgical risks can be reduced by choosing a plastic surgeon who is both experienced with breast reconstruction and microsurgery. Without this experience, risks such as infection, delayed healing, and tissue necrosis are significantly more likely to hinder your recovery.

We invite you to schedule a consultation at one of our offices by calling our Houston location at (713) 346-9909.