How do you know if your DIEP flap failed?

Signs and symptoms of tissue flap necrosis turning blue or black. feeling cool to the touch. developing open wounds.

Can you get cancer in a DIEP flap?

In a comparison with the older TRAM flap, the DIEP has not exhibited greater cancer recurrence [29]. Recurrence with DIEP flaps has been reported on the ipsilateral side rather than contralateral, 3–5 years post reconstruction [30].

What does DIEP mean in breast cancer?

A type of breast reconstruction in which blood vessels called deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP), and the skin and fat connected to them are removed from the lower abdomen and used for reconstruction. Muscle is left in place.

How often do DIEP flaps fail?

Although flap failure rates are typically cited as 1% to 2%, there are few scenarios among reconstructive breast surgeons that are as devastating to patients and the health care team as a failed reconstruction.

Should you lose weight before DIEP flap?

Should I gain weight prior to my DIEP flap breast reconstruction? For the majority of patients, the answer to this question is no. Because weight gain occurs fairly uniformly over the entire body, it does little to add volume to the abdomen and instead makes closure at the donor site tighter and more prone to problems.

Do you lose weight after a DIEP flap?

For patients with little to no excess belly fat, tissue can be removed from the back, buttocks or inner thighs. “If you gain weight after the surgery, the abdominal fat will come right back,” said Babcock, who added seven more pounds to her total weight loss following reconstruction.

What do you need to know about DIEP flap surgery?

According to BreastCancer.org , a DIEP flap surgery is a breast reconstruction method where “fat, skin and blood vessels are cut from the wall of the lower belly and moved up to your chest to rebuild your breast.”.

Is there a natural slope to the DIEP flap?

There is no natural slope to these humps I have, they are shaped a lot like a hamburger bun. I never went for nipple tattooes, just didn’t feel like they would change anything. The scar that goes all the way around me for the most part hasn’t faded all that much, guess I was one of the lucky ones.

What kind of bra to wear after DIEP flap surgery?

A post-surgery top seller, our wireless Front Closure Bra, is another recommended and easy choice after your DIEP flap tissue surgery. Front-closing bras allow for ease when dressing after reconstruction or mastectomy surgery, which is important when you have restricted range of motion in addition to your soreness.