DIEP Flap Surgeryin Georgia

Name: DIEP Flap Surgery in Georgia
Brand: Florida Plastic Surgery Group
Rating: 5.0 (635 reviews)

The DIEP flap technique is a versatile enhancement option during breast reconstruction, as it allows patients to enjoy natural-looking results without the risks associated with implants. Patients in and beyond Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus choose Florida Plastic Surgery Group for its experienced providers, best-in-class technology, and uncompromising commitment to patient safety.

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Florida Plastic Surgery Group – Outstanding Care in a World-Class Practice Environment

Founded in 2009, the Florida Plastic Surgery Group not only houses among the most advanced equipment and technology available but is also staffed by compassionate, knowledgeable plastic surgeons who specialize in complex breast reconstruction cases. Patients travel from all over Georgia, the country, and the globe to undergo DIEP flap surgery with our team of insightful specialists. We provide concierge care, transparent pricing, easy-to-schedule appointments, and extensive follow-up after surgery, ensuring a seamless patient experience from start to finish.

What is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

A DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator) flap is a mound of autologous tissue, skin, and fat taken from the patient’s lower abdomen and used to reconstruct a realistic-looking breast on the chest wall. The stomach muscles are not affected by the tissue harvesting process. DIEP flap surgery can be performed immediately after mastectomy, or it can be delayed and performed at a later date after the patient has healed, both physically and emotionally.

What are the Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

For patients who desire reconstruction of the breasts after mastectomy but who do not wish to get conventional implants, DIEP flap surgery provides an array of advantages, including the following:

Reduces the Risk of Complications

Placing traditional breast implants in the body can lead to complications such as capsular contracture, BII (breast implant illness), and implant rupture, among others.

Provides the Most Natural Look and Feel

DIEP flap surgery uses the patient’s own skin, tissue, and fat to reconstruct the breasts, ensuring the final result is highly authentic. A robust blood supply to the flap, along with nerve preservation, means that sensation in the reconstructed breasts is optimized.

The Abdominal Muscles are Preserved

Unlike some other types of flap surgeries, the DIEP flap procedure has no negative impact on the stomach muscles, lowering the risk of hernia growth and accelerating the recovery process.

Minimal Scarring

During DIEP flap surgery, your surgeon takes great care to place incisions in areas where scarring will later be the least noticeable. Inconspicuous scarring is one of the biggest advantages of the DIEP flap approach over other kinds of autologous procedures.

Long-Lasting Results

While breast implants usually need to be replaced at some point, results after DIEP flap reconstruction can last the rest of your life. Patients do not need to worry about undergoing regular implant screenings.

Boosts Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction – either right after a mastectomy or at a later time – can enhance your confidence, allowing you to feel more natural and at ease in your body. You will be able to enjoy wearing your favorite outfits and feel comfortable being intimate with a partner.

Who is a Good Candidate for DIEP Flap Surgery in Atlanta, Savannah, or Columbus?

The best way to determine your candidacy for DIEP flap surgery is to consult with our team of dedicated healthcare professionals at FPSG in Georgia. During your consultation, we will conduct an in-depth physical evaluation, as well as a thorough review of your medical and surgical history. You may be an ideal candidate for DIEP flap surgery if:

You have enough tissue in the abdomen to support a flap transfer
You seek a natural-looking transformation using your own tissue, fat, and skin
You are free from any uncontrolled medical concerns
You are in search of a viable alternative to implants
You have not undergone stomach surgery in the past
You have an optimistic yet realistic attitude toward your results

Patients need to understand that once DIEP flap breast reconstruction is performed, it cannot be repeated down the line. If an additional flap surgery is required at a later date, the donor tissue will need to be harvested from another area of the body, such as the thighs or back.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

DIEP flap surgery is performed in a series of steps and typically takes 6-8 hours to complete.

STEP ONE – Anesthesia

Our board-certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia, ensuring you are asleep during the procedure and experience no pain or discomfort. Your vital signs will be continuously monitored throughout the surgery to ensure your utmost safety at all times.

STEP TWO – Harvesting the donor tissue

Your surgeon will create a strategic incision in the lower belly. They will then extract the raw materials needed to form the DIEP flap: tissue, skin, fat, and blood vessels.

STEP THREE – Closing the abdominal incisions

Next, your surgeon will close the abdominal incisions using advanced suturing techniques, completing the donor tissue extraction portion of the surgery. The abdominal skin is redraped and the navel is repositioned to ensure an aesthetically pleasing final result.

STEP FOUR – Transferring the DIEP flap to the chest

At this phase of the process, your surgeon will transfer the harvested tissue, fat, and skin, using consummate artistry to create a balanced, natural-looking breast mound.

STEP FIVE – Connecting the blood vessels

Microsurgery is performed to connect the blood vessels in the flap with the blood vessels in the chest. With this strong connection forged, the new breast mound can continue to thrive. Additionally, microsurgery ensures the possibility of a returned sensation in the chest after surgery.

STEP SIX – Closing the chest incisions

Now that the breast mound has been secured and the blood vessels attached, your surgeon is ready to close the final incisions using fine sutures. Postoperative scarring is minimized as much as possible.

Recovery After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

After DIEP flap surgery, patients may need to be hospitalized for several days before returning home to complete their recovery. DIEP flap surgery is a complex undertaking and it is important for patients to be monitored extensively after their procedure. Upon discharge, our team will provide a detailed aftercare plan with instructions for wound care, bathing, sleeping, resuming physical activities, and returning to work or school. You will also receive prescriptions for pain medications to ensure your healing process is stress-free and comfortable.

Because DIEP flap reconstruction involves not only the chest region but the abdomen as well, the procedure usually requires a longer recovery period. Most patients feel that the benefits of autologous tissue transfer outweigh the lengthy downtime associated with DIEP flap surgery. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and acts of intimacy should be avoided for 4-6 weeks after DIEP flap surgery. However, patients can benefit from taking gentle walks that improve both circulation and mood while minimizing the risk of complications.