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DIEP flap breast reconstruction, highlighting benefits of natural tissue use and long-term advantages.

DIEP Flap vs. Implant Breast Reconstruction (Updated For 2024)

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Implants, Breast Reconstruction, DIEP Flap Reconstruction. No Comments on DIEP Flap vs. Implant Breast Reconstruction (Updated For 2024)

Breast cancer patients now have a plethora of options when it comes to reconstructive surgery. Choosing the right type of breast reconstruction can be overwhelming but understanding the differences between the DIEP flap and implant breast reconstruction can help you make an informed decision.

What is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is an advanced method of breast reconstruction that uses your abdominal tissue to replace the soft tissue and skin removed during a mastectomy. Unlike the TRAM flap procedure, the DIEP flap preserves all the muscles of the abdomen, resulting in a less invasive and more natural reconstruction.

Why Choose DIEP Flap Over Implants?

  • Natural Tissue Use

With DIEP flap reconstruction, the patient’s own skin and fat are utilized to replace the breast volume removed during the mastectomy. This eliminates the need for implants, providing a more natural look and feel.

  • Long-term Benefits

Implant reconstruction may lead to complications such as implant ruptures or capsular contracture (breast hardening), often requiring maintenance surgeries over time. In contrast, DIEP flap reconstruction tends to result in softer, more natural-feeling breasts that typically do not require further surgical interventions.

  • Sensory Nerve Reconstruction

One of the advancements in DIEP flap reconstruction is the potential for sensory nerve reconstruction, which aims to restore sensation to the transplanted tissue. While not performed routinely, it is available in select cases, and your surgeon can discuss its pros and cons to determine if it should be included in your reconstruction plan.

  • Pain Management

Post-operative pain is often a concern for patients considering DIEP flap reconstruction. Contrary to popular belief, our experience at Breast Reconstruction Associates shows that recovery and healing post-DIEP flap reconstruction are often easier than anticipated. We employ an effective post-operative pain protocol that usually manages pain without the need for narcotic pain medications.

What to Expect at Breast Reconstruction Associates

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art breast reconstruction through individualized and compassionate care. Located in Fort Worth, Austin, Oklahoma City, Bozeman, our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.

Many of our patients choose to go home after a one or two-night hospital stay, and they often find the recovery significantly easier than expected. We strive to make your experience as comfortable and seamless as possible, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

The DIEP flap is an excellent breast reconstruction option for women, providing a natural-looking and feeling breast after mastectomy while avoiding the use of implants. If you’re looking for the “gold standard” in breast reconstruction, look no further. For more information and to discuss your options, contact us at Breast Reconstruction Associates, your DIEP flap experts in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas.

Sources: BreastCancer.org

Feel free to reach out to us and take the first step toward a natural and confident you.

How to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon | Breast Reconstruction Associates - Dallas Forth Worth, Austin and Oklahoma City, OK

How to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Implants, Breast Reconstruction, DIEP Flap Reconstruction.

What are the top things to consider when looking for a breast reconstruction surgeon?

1. Credentials.

Your surgeon should be board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it is important to choose a surgeon that has completed the certification requirements of their country. Members of the ASPS meet very strict standards (1): 

  • Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS)
  • Complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
  • Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
  • Graduate from an accredited medical school
  • Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
  • Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facilities

2. Works with your breast surgeon.

Your breast surgeon should have a good working relationship with your plastic surgeon. The two surgeons should communicate frequently and together formulate the best treatment plan for each specific patient. Therefore, it is important that your plastic surgeon is someone your breast surgeon feels comfortable working with. Typically, after a new breast cancer diagnosis, your breast surgeon will help narrow your decision by referring you to one or multiple plastic surgeons that may fit your reconstructive needs.

3. Discuss all of your options.

There are two main types of breast reconstruction, implant-based or autologous based. In the consultation with your plastic surgeon, both types of reconstruction should be discussed so you can fully understand your options. Some patients are better candidates for one type over the other, and your plastic surgeon will be able to provide data supporting why. Keep in mind that not all plastic surgeons specialize in or offer every type of reconstruction procedure there is and therefore you may want or need to consult multiple plastic surgeons.

4. Ease of communication.

Making an informed decision is important. You should feel comfortable asking your surgical team questions until you fully understand the procedure you are planning to undergo. By doing this, you are opening up the communication lines and establishing a good relationship with your doctor.

If you are looking for the best breast reconstruction surgeon for you, consider Breast Reconstruction Associates. They are a team of Fort Worth, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Austin breast reconstruction surgeons who not only have premier skills and credentials but also have high regard for quality patient care.

Sources:

(1) “How Do I Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Reconstruction?” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction/surgeon.

How Common is Breast Cancer? | Breast Reconstruction Associates

How Common is Breast Cancer?

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Breast Implants, Breast Reconstruction.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting American women with one in eight women diagnosed during their lifetime (12.5% risk). There are several risk factors that can affect a woman’s risk, some of which are modifiable while others are out of our control.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) – Weight can significantly increase a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer as adipose aka fat tissue stores estrogen. Being overweight or obese increases estrogen exposure as well as cancer risk. It is important to maintain a healthy BMI to not only lower your breast cancer risk, but also decrease the risk of cancer recurrence if you are a breast cancer survivor. Your diet plays into this as well so it is important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet and avoid processed foods.
  • Alcohol consumption – This is an exponential risk factor in that the more alcohol you consume, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. You should limit your intake to less than 3 to 4 drinks per week.
  • Tobacco use – As with most malignancies, nicotine use increases breast cancer risk. It also inhibits wound healing, so it is important to quit all nicotine products before undergoing surgical management.
  • Physical Activity – A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for breast cancer as well. Ideally, you should increase your exercise routine to 300 minutes per week, but risk reduction is observed at 150 minutes per week.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy – Combination HRT (estrogen/ progesterone) increases breast cancer risk. Most women must stop these medications once diagnosed. It is especially important to perform routine self-breast exams and screening mammograms while taking HRT.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Age – Breast cancer is an aging woman’s disease with a majority of cases diagnosed after the age of 50.
  • Gender – Women are overwhelmingly more affected by breast cancer than men, but men constitute 2% of all breast cancer diagnoses each year so it is important for men to practice breast awareness as well.
  • Genetics & Family History– Certain genetic mutations can increase a woman or man’s risk of developing breast cancer. Most people are aware of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but there are several other genes that increase this risk as well (CHEK2, PALB2, ATM to name a few). Even if genetic testing is negative for these mutations, patients are still considered to be at a higher risk than the general population if they have a family history of breast cancer.
  • Lifetime Estrogen Exposure – Starting menstruation before the age of 12, menopause at a later age, and delaying childbearing after the age of 30 or not having any children all lead to increased estrogen exposure and ultimately breast cancer risk.
  • Atypical breast cells – Not every breast biopsy is malignant; many are benign like fibroadenomas or cysts. There are some biopsies considered high risk lesions like atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ.

While breast cancer rates have been increasing over the years, the good news is that more and more women are surviving this diagnosis. This is largely due to increased patient awareness and early detection as well as improved and increasing treatment options. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or a genetic mutation and are considering breast reconstruction surgery, reach out to us at our Fort Worth, Austin or Oklahoma City offices. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we are committed to our patients’ overall health and reconstructive goals.