Breast reconstruction surgery is a major event in a patient’s life and can be a source of fear or anxiety. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we want you and your loved ones to feel prepared and supported throughout the entire peri-operative process. Time will be spent with you prior to surgery to review the risks of surgery, the expected hospital course and the details of your post-operative recovery. Here are some basic changes you can expect after DIEP flap breast reconstruction:

1. Swelling

• Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery.
• Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve.
• Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling.
• Swelling on one side of the body more than the other (such as one breast vs. the other or one leg vs. the other) warrants a call to your surgeon right away.

2. Scar Tissue

• Scars will continue to remodel and mature which changes their appearance for 1 -2 years after surgery.
• Topical therapies to improve the appearance of scars can be helpful. Please discuss with your surgeon the best options for you after surgery.
• Scar tissue can also cause some tightness and discomfort. This can be improved with stretching, physical therapy or massage therapy of the surgical sites. Your surgeon can discuss this with you after surgery if needed.
• We do our best to position scars in locations generally covered by most clothing/swimwear.

3. Sensory Changes

• Its normal to experience numbness of the breast mound and around the central part of the abdominal incision.
• Sensation can return to surgical site areas, but generally only partial return of sensation is achieved. If sensation has not returned after 6-12 months, the numbness is likely permanent.
• Sensory changes can make it difficult to detect if something is too hot or too cold which is why we discourage the use of ice packs or heating pads.
• We prefer you wait until you are 12 weeks post op to wear an underwire bra. Until that time, you may wear a post-surgical compression bra or a well-fitted sports bra.

Breast cancer patients now have a lot of options when it comes to reconstructive surgery. The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap, also known as DIEP flap, replaces the soft tissue and skin removed during mastectomy with abdominal tissues[sup](1)[/sup]. This is an advanced method of breast reconstruction; unlike the TRAM flap procedure, the DIEP flap preserves all the muscles of the abdomen.

The procedure is available at Breast Reconstruction Associates, your DIEP flap providers in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. Our goal is simple: we offer a state-of-the-art breast reconstruction option to women through a team approach of individualized and compassionate care.

The benefits of the DIEP flap vs. implant breast reconstruction are as follows:

1. The patient’s skin and fat are utilized to replace the breast volume that is removed during the mastectomy. This avoids the need to use an implant to recreate the breast volume.

2. Implant reconstruction patients may experience implant ruptures or capsular contracture, also known as breast hardening, that may need one or more maintenance surgeries years after their initial reconstruction. With DIEP flap reconstruction, the reconstructed breast tends to get softer and even more natural-feeling over time. After completing the DIEP flap reconstructive process, there is no anticipated maintenance necessary for the longevity of the reconstruction.

3. One advance in DIEP flap reconstruction is sensory nerve reconstruction of the flap. The hope with this additional step in a DIEP flap reconstruction is to provide sensation to the transplanted tissue. At this time, we are not doing this routinely in all cases, but rather it is offered in select patient scenarios. Your surgeon can discuss this option, review the pros and cons, and determine if sensory nerve reconstruction should be included as part of your reconstruction.

4. Post-operative pain is a common concern for patients considering DIEP flap reconstruction. It is often falsely assumed that implant reconstruction is less painful since it has a shorter operative time compared to the DIEP flap and does not involve surgery to the abdomen. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we utilize a post-operative pain protocol that effectively manages most patient’s pain without requiring the use of narcotic pain medication.

In our practice’s experience, patient’s recovery and healing after DIEP flap reconstruction are actually significantly easier than what most people anticipate. Many of our patients choose to go home after a two-night stay in the hospital.

Truly, the DIEP flap is an excellent breast reconstruction option for women which results in a natural-looking and feeling breast after mastectomy, especially in women who prefer to avoid the use of implants. If you want more information about today’s “gold standard” in breast reconstruction, feel free to contact us at Breast Reconstruction Associates, your DIEP flap experts in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas.

Sources:

1. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/autologous/diep

Even if you think you are prepared for breast reconstruction surgery, more often than not, you will still have questions for your surgeon. This is very understandable since patients are normally taking a lot and are feeling stressed during that period. 

For most patients, the diagnosis of breast cancer comes as a surprise with many associated uncertainties. Even patients who are considering delayed or prophylactic mastectomies and reconstruction have a lot of information to take in when making their reconstruction choices. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we have been caring for patients like you since 2014. We want you to feel comfortable and informed about what autologous breast reconstruction can offer you. Here are a few of the most common patient questions we receive to help you further process and understand your decision to undergo breast reconstruction.

Q: How much pain can I expect after surgery?

A: Most patients experience a very tolerable degree of post-operative pain. Our pain medication regimen which is aligned with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has proven remarkably effective. After surgery, most patients are able to do their regular activities of daily living and sleep with mild-moderate discomfort. The majority of our patients are no longer needing regular pain medications after 2 weeks.

Q: What will my breast size be?

A: During the initial reconstruction surgery, it is possible to control the width and the height of the flap when creating a breast. The depth, or projection, of the flap is largely dependent on the depth, or projection, of the abdominal tissue. Your surgeon should be able to estimate how close to your current breast size you will be after surgery at your consultation. It is possible to make adjustments to size and shape after the initial reconstruction surgery if needed.

Q: Will I have drains after surgery?

A: You can expect a drain in each breast that is operated on and 1-2 drains in your abdomen after surgery. Typically, patients will go home with all of their drains in place. While inpatient, your nurse will educate you regarding the emptying, recording of drainage and general care of your drains before you go home. Once at home, our team is available to address any questions or concerns that may come up. Most patients have their drains removed 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Q: What kind of bra should I wear after surgery?

A: You will be given a hospital-issued post-surgical bra after surgery. This eliminates the need to purchase a bra prior to reconstruction. After surgery, you may be fitted for a compression bra in our office for proper sizing and comfort.

Q: When can I start exercising again?

A: After surgery, we ask that you limit your activities to light walking, no core muscle use, and lifting weight less than 10 pounds. Once you are 4 weeks post-op, you may start cardio activities such as using the stationary bike or the elliptical machine. After this point, let your surgeon guide you as to how and when to get back into more strenuous activities. In general, most patients are free of restrictions and may use their core muscles again 12 weeks after surgery.

If you have additional questions, make a list! We are happy to be your resource for breast reconstruction information. Contact one of our offices in Fort Worth, Austin or Oklahoma City for more information or to schedule a consultation.