DIEP reconstruction has proven to be a popular surgical procedure among women who want their breasts replaced as soon as possible after undergoing a mastectomy. The name of the procedure stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator, and consists of removing tissue from the abdomen to take the place of the missing breast.
The deep inferior epigastric blood vessels run beneath the abdomen, specifically the rectus abdominus area. The vessels in this area not only supply the muscles with blood, but also fatty tissues. These vessels are the ones that are transferred, along with fat, to the chest area.
When compared to the other surgical methods used to replace breasts, DIEP reconstruction provides several advantages. Breasts tend to be softer and mare natural looking, and since fat is transferred and not muscle, patients don't experience abdominal weakness or hernias. There is not muscle bulge due to folding or twisting, and the new breast receives a very strong supply of blood.
Patients typically get out of the hospital faster and are able to return to their normal routine more quickly because there is less trauma to the body, and the procedure can be done at the same time as the mastectomy. Patients who gain weight after this type of surgery typically see that weight distributed evenly across both breasts.
Afterward, the results usually require little to no maintenance. In comparison, patients who undergo an implant procedure usually have to have an additional surgery anywhere from eight to 10 weeks later. In many instances, implants have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. DIEP reconstruction, on the other hand, rarely results in any sort of follow-up surgery.
As with just about any other type of surgery, the success of this procedure depends upon the skill of the doctor performing the operation. When done correctly, patients are typically highly satisfied and notice improved contouring of their abdominal area. It is extremely important that you perform your due diligence in choosing your surgeon.
Implant operations are shorter in duration and don't require any sort of surgery on another part of the body. They may be recommended in patients who don't have enough abdominal fat to be good candidates for DIEP reconstruction. However, implants are typically not as natural feeling. According to studies, women tend to more readily accept a new breast made of their own tissue rather than an implant. Also, many patients actually view the removal of abdominal fat as a bonus, enhancing their attractiveness.
There are other procedures that transfer tissue from other parts of the body, such as the buttocks, to the chest area. But DIEP reconstruction is faster and does not require moving the position of the patient during the operation.
To learn more about DIEP reconstruction, speak with the doctors at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. For more information, visit: http://www.breastcenter.com.
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