What are the risks of flap surgery?

As with any major surgery, DIEP flap surgery also has risks. Common risks from major surgeries can include excessive bleeding, infection, the wound opening, asymmetry, and deep vein thrombosis.

How long does it take to recover from flap surgery?

For detailed information on how to care for the dressings, stitches, staples, and surgical drains, visit the Mastectomy: What to Expect page. It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to recover from DIEP flap reconstruction surgery.

How difficult is the recovery from DIEP flap surgery?

Healing and recovery after DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be significantly easier than most patients think. With the implementation of ERAS Protocols, most patients experience little discomfort after surgery, require little if any narcotics, and can be discharged from the hospital after 3 days or less.

Who is a good candidate for DIEP flap surgery?

Generally speaking, you may be a candidate for DIEP flap if you: Have excess tissue in your lower abdominals. Want results that typically look and feel more natural than implants. Have realistic expectations for the procedure and are aware of the potential risks.

How is flap surgery done?

Flap surgery is a technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery where any type of tissue is lifted from a donor site and moved to a recipient site with an intact blood supply. This is distinct from a graft, which does not have an intact blood supply and therefore relies on growth of new blood vessels.

How long does free flap surgery take?

Your head and neck surgeon will remove the tumor from your jaw and the soft tissue around it. At the same time, your plastic surgeon will remove the bone, tissue, and skin from your donor site. This will take 3 to 4 hours.

Is flap surgery painful?

Most patients experience some discomfort after a flap procedure. Depending on your needs, we may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medicine. It is important to relax after surgery, as strenuous activity may cause the treated area to bleed.

Do you lose weight after DIEP flap?

If you lose weight after DIEP surgery, your reconstructed breasts will likely decrease in size as well. This change may be minimally noticeable or drastic, depending on how your body reacts to weight loss.

How much belly fat do you need for DIEP flap surgery?

There is also an upper limit beyond which the risks of surgery typically outweigh the benefits – At PRMA we set an upper BMI limit of 40. Research performed at PRMA has shown that performing the procedure on women with a BMI over 40 significantly increases the risk of complications (especially wound healing problems).

Does flap surgery hurt?

What happens after flap surgery?

For most people, sutures will be removed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. If you had radiation to the area in the past, your sutures may need to stay in longer. Your sutures may also need to stay in longer depending on how well your incisions are healing. You may feel numbness or tingling at your surgical site.

What are the possible complications of breast reconstruction with flap surgery?

Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is a major procedure and carries with it the possibility of significant complications, including: 1 Changes in breast sensation. 2 Prolonged time in surgery and under anesthesia. 3 Extended recovery and healing time. 4 Poor wound healing. 5 Fluid collection (seroma). 6 (more items)

What is the difference between free flap and pedicled flap surgery?

Free flap surgery. The surgeon disconnects the tissue completely from its blood supply and reattaches the tissue to new blood vessels near your chest. Because of reattaching blood vessels, free flap surgery typically takes longer than does pedicled flap surgery.

What are the different types of breast flap surgery?

Types of flap surgery. Pedicle TRAM flap. Pedicle TRAM flap In a pedicle TRAM flap procedure, the surgeon cuts a section of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from your abdomen, tunnels the tissue underneath your skin to its new location, and uses it to form a new breast mound.