Women are the usually the ones who need breast reconstruction since they are the ones who usually have cancer in this area
. The procedure is a form of plastic surgery that has been practice for some time already. One of the newer methods is DIEP flap technique which requires some factors to be successful. The skin, fat and tissues of the woman is taken from the abdominal area and then integrated into the area where the mastectomy was done. For a successful operation, the woman needs to have an ample amount of excess skin and fat. Those who have not much fat but just enough excess skin can rely on implants to fill the void.
The Procedure and Post Operation
DIEP flap technique for breast reconstruction may be done at the same time as the mastectomy or at different times depending on the health and safety of the patient. The surgeon initially marks the areas where the incisions need to be made and commences with the operation when all is satisfactory. The first part to be done is dependent on the surgeon but most cases start with the mastectomy and ends with the DIEP flap attachment. It is important to get an artery and a vein from the abdomen to facilitate blood distribution when the flap is reattached to the chest area. This will ensure that the living tissue will continue to live and not rot away and die. Microsurgery is used to attached the blood vessels of the mastectomy area and the flap.
Recovery for patients who undergo the two procedures at the same time is the same with those who undergo it one at a time. This is because incisions still have to be made in the previously healed mastectomy area. Drains are placed in the breast reconstruction site and the tummy tuck area as well. The DIEP flap procedure may be very similar to an abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck. These drains help to get rid of the excess fluids that may accumulate in the sites.
Doctors will prescribe medications for the comfort of the patients and to help prevent or reduce the risks and complications that usually come with the breast reconstruction operation. Infections are the primary concern for incisions because these can complicate and endanger the health of the patient. The attached blood vessels should be monitored for flow to be able to circumvent any complications.