Aesthetics of the Belly in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มี.ค. 2020
- DIEP flap breast reconstruction discussions often focus around the aesthetics of the breasts, understandably so. However, we speak to Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo from PRMA in San Antonio, Texas, about the aesthetics of the belly in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
There is somewhat of a misconception that the DIEP flap is like a tummy tuck. Although some similarities can be drawn, often a flatter tummy, so much more is involved when you take the underlying blood source, the "P" in DIEP flap, those important perforators. They are not created equal in all women. The position of the hip to hip scar (higher or lower on the tummy) varies from patient to patient in a DIEP flap.
Added to that, the most viable blood source must be located and this too, differs, for each patient. This is a detailed and fascinating discussion with Dr. C, as his patients call him, about the aesthetics of the belly in DIEP flap surgery.
Please like our channel and subscribe after watching to get notifications of more educational videos about breast reconstruction.
Your generous tax-free gift here www.diepcfoundation.org/donate/ will help us publish more educational videos. Thank you for your support.
www.diepcfoundation.org/ is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing education and resources to empower women and men with information to make an informed decision about options for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Follow us on:
/ diepcfoundat. .
/ 6state
/ diepcfounda. .
Blog: diepcjourney.com/
I so appreciate this. I never expected to have plastic surgery - so for me, my initial approach to mastectomy/autologous reconstruction was very technical. I’m thrilled to hear a surgeon embrace a holistic approach, to push both technical innovation and aesthetics that give us a chance for an increased “whole” self. Thank you for caring about our bodies, minds and hearts beyond surgery/healing 💕🙏
Thank you for responding Reiko. I appreciate the comments.
This philosophy sounds very much like the doctor I hope to use, Dr. Khoobehi in New Orleans. I found out I have cancer in both breasts, stage 1, but waiting for pathology on second breast. I hope everyone who needs this procedures gets the outcome they desire!
@@altl888 Wishing you all the best. Microsurgery is pretty amazing. We are fortunate to be living in a time when we can have these procedures.
This is absolutely good to hear a surgeon saying what he saying, but for me after breast cancer and surviving that just having a deep flap and having my breast again that’s good enough for me I’ll take care of the scars and fade with time and I’m just so thankful to my doctors my family
Having a "attitude of gratitude" is very healing and helpful in a breast cancer journey Kelley. I'm glad to hear this and thank you for your comment.
Great post - thanks! The belly button - that's what I was unprepared for. It's different, I swear it is off centre. I often teased my plastics team about it during my follow up visits (I had a lot of follow up visits due to partial flap failure and ongoing necrosis) - Plus they gave me a chevron shape - we never discussed that! I told them I felt like I was on Star Trek "beam me up Scotty". One resident tried to dismiss my comment then looked and sheepishly had to agree. In the overall scheme of things it wasn't a big deal which is why I could joke with them about it. Complications aside I had a great team looking after me!
I like to hear when women have a good team they trust. You seem to have a good sense of humor about this Beth. It takes that, patience, and a good team to get through reconstruction. Be well.
I had the same experience after my DIEP Flap. I said to my Dr. 3 days post op that one breast was smaller (the cancer breast) and my belly button was a little OFF center. Today, I am 1-1/2 years post op and was scheduled to have my 2nd surgery for asymmetry and due to Covid, that has now been re-scheduled three times to this coming May. Over all, the belly button issue, during that time, has now seemed NOT as OFF as in the beginning. I am wanting the one breast a little larger to match the other, but I am one very, very happy lady, who had cancer twice and has more beautiful breast than I ever had before. I couldn’t be happier.
Thank you Terri! Watching these videos I feel equipped to ask the right questions. Offering patients this education is so empowering. I feel a tremendous increase in my level of confidence and prepared to ask my micro plastic surgeon the questions I would not have know to ask!
I am so honored and really tickled pink to hear your comments. Thanks so much and I truly appreciate the collaboration with the surgeons who give their time to do these.
Thank you for all the information you give us.
Thank you Deb. It’s a true honor. 🌸
How to strengthen and somewhat flatten our bellies after DIEP
Thanks so much for reaching out Aileen. I do have a video on core strengthening exercises before and after surgery on the channel you can check out. It is under the playlist, "Additional Breast Reconstruction Support Services" titled, "Basic Core Strengthening Exercises".
I had an mastectomy on my right breast in February. Today I’m going to the plastic surgeon to schedule reconstructive surgery. I never had any children, is a DIEP flap good for me?
How are you doing Ani? I am just seeing your comment. I hope you were able to consult about your DIEP flap inquiry.
So if you have old (20 yrs) breast implants can you remove them & any scar tissue and do the reconstruction at the same time?
It is certainly a possibility but this should be discussed at a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Do you have resources to find a plastic surgeon in your area?
I have a friend who had bad implants (they melted) they were able to begin her reconstruction in the same surgery, but she only had fat transfer not diep flap.
With DIEP flap I would assume any radiation therapy is delayed until there is full healing of the incisions??
That would be a great question for your coordinated care team: plastic surgeon/breast surgeon/radiation oncologist.