DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Rhode Island: The DIEP Group at Kent Hospital
For women in Rhode Island, particularly in Providence and surrounding areas, who are considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, DIEP flap breast reconstruction is one of the most advanced and natural-looking options available. At The DIEP Group, we specialize in providing expert DIEP flap surgeries at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, giving women access to world-class care close to home. This blog will explain the DIEP flap procedure, compare it to traditional implant-based reconstruction, and address common concerns and questions from patients across the state.
What is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) breast reconstruction is a type of surgery that uses a woman’s own abdominal tissue to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy. This procedure involves removing skin and fat from the lower abdomen and transferring it to the chest, where it is used to create a new breast.
Unlike older flap techniques such as the TRAM flap, which takes muscle from the abdomen, the DIEP flap procedure preserves the abdominal muscles. This muscle-sparing approach reduces the risk of complications and results in faster recovery with less postoperative pain.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, our surgeons at The DIEP Group have perfected this technique using the latest microsurgical methods. Our goal is to provide women in Rhode Island with a breast reconstruction option that offers long-lasting, natural results.
Why Choose DIEP Flap Over Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction?
Many women facing mastectomy opt for breast reconstruction to restore their body’s appearance and improve their emotional well-being. While breast implants are a common option, the DIEP flap procedure offers several distinct advantages, especially for women who want a more natural-looking and feeling breast or who have experienced complications with implants.
Here’s how the DIEP flap compares to traditional implant-based reconstruction:
1. More Natural Look and Feel
Since the tissue used in a DIEP flap is your own, the reconstructed breast has a more natural feel and appearance compared to implants. Over time, the tissue ages naturally with your body, avoiding the potential for unnatural movement or positioning that can sometimes occur with implants.
1. No Risk of Implant-Related Complications
Breast implants, whether saline or silicone, come with the risk of several complications, such as:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens, causing the breast to feel firm or distorted.
- Implant Rupture: Implants can rupture or leak over time, requiring replacement surgery.
- Infection: Some women experience infection after implant surgery, particularly following radiation therapy for breast cancer.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Implants typically need to be replaced every 10-15 years, meaning additional surgeries over your lifetime.
The DIEP flap eliminates these risks because it uses your own tissue, which is naturally accepted by your body. It also avoids the need for future surgeries to replace implants.
1. Ideal for Patients with Implant Complications
For women who have already had implant-based reconstruction and are experiencing issues such as infection, capsular contracture, or implant rejection, DIEP flap surgery is an excellent option. The tissue used in a DIEP flap can withstand complications from radiation better than implants, making it ideal for women who have undergone radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment.
Women who are dissatisfied with their implant results or are dealing with persistent problems can turn to The DIEP Group for a long-term, reliable solution. Our group works with the plastic surgeons at Kent Hospital, and we specialize in converting problematic implant-based reconstructions into successful DIEP flap surgeries.
4. Simultaneous Tummy Tuck Benefit
In addition to providing a natural breast reconstruction, the DIEP flap procedure offers the added benefit of an improved abdominal contour, very similar to a tummy tuck. Since the tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, many women appreciate the improvement in their abdominal contour after surgery. This makes DIEP flap surgery a two-in-one procedure, reshaping both the breast and the stomach area.
5. Long-Lasting Results
While breast implants typically need to be replaced over time, DIEP flap reconstructions are permanent and last a lifetime. This means fewer follow-up surgeries and no long-term maintenance.
Common Questions About DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Who is a good candidate for DIEP flap surgery?
Almost all women are candidates for DIEP flap surgery, unless they are extremely thin. Women who have enough tissue in their lower abdomen to create the breast mound are good candidates for DIEP flap reconstruction. This surgery is ideal for those who wish to avoid implants or have experienced complications with implant-based reconstructions. Additionally, women who have undergone radiation therapy or who have issues with capsular contracture or infection may benefit from the DIEP flap procedure. Good overall health is essential for the surgery, and candidates must be non-smokers, as smoking affects the healing process.
How long does DIEP flap breast surgery take?
DIEP flap surgery is a complex microsurgical procedure that typically takes 5-6 hours for one breast and 8-10 hours for both breasts to be reconstructed. The surgeon must carefully connect the tiny blood vessels from the abdomen to the chest, ensuring that the transferred tissue has a healthy blood supply.
What is the recovery process like after DIEP flaps?
After surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for 48 hours. Full recovery takes about 8 weeks, though many women feel able to return to light activities within a few weeks. During recovery, patients will need to avoid pressure on the chest, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other activities that could put strain on the abdominal area.
Because the DIEP flap preserves the abdominal muscles, many patients find that recovery is easier and less painful than with older TRAM flap procedures that involve muscle removal.
Are there any risks or complications with DIEP flap surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, or problems with the blood flow to the transferred tissue. However, the skilled surgeons at The DIEP Group take every precaution to minimize these risks, and our team at Kent Hospital is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to ensure a smooth and successful hospital stay and recovery.
What are the scars after DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
There will be scars from both the mastectomy and the abdominal tissue donor site. Our surgeons make every effort to minimize scarring by placing incisions in less visible areas on the breasts and very low on the abdomen. Over time, most scars fade significantly, and patients are generally pleased with the cosmetic outcome, especially given the benefit of a flatter, more contoured abdomen.
Can DIEP flap surgery be done immediately after a mastectomy?
Yes, for many women, DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, known as immediate reconstruction. However, for others, delayed reconstruction may be recommended, particularly if they require radiation therapy following their mastectomy. Your surgeon will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and cancer treatment plan.
Can I have my current implants replaced with DIEP flaps and is that covered by insurance?
Yes, whether you have problems with your current implants after mastectomy, or just want a more natural feel or shape, you can have your implants removed and replaced with DIEP flaps. This is still covered by insurance and is a great option to avoid multiple future sutures for implant exchanges.
Why Choose the DIEP Group and Kent Hospital for Breast Reconstruction in Rhode Island?
The DIEP Group is known for its expertise in performing DIEP flap breast reconstructions, a procedure that requires specialized training and precision. Our team of highly experienced and fellowship-trained micro surgeons brings the latest microsurgical techniques to Kent Hospital in Warwick, ensuring that patients from Providence and throughout Rhode Island receive the best possible breast reconstruction.
Kent Hospital is a leading medical facility in Rhode Island, providing advanced surgical care in a comfortable and supportive environment. With state-of-the-art operating rooms and a focus on patient-centered care, Kent is an ideal location for women seeking breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Contact Us Today
If you’re considering breast reconstruction and want to learn more about the DIEP flap procedure, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule a consultation. Our expert microsurgeons are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process, helping you make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Contact Us
⦁ Phone: (203) 200-0828
⦁ Info@thediepgroup.com
We proudly serve patients from Providence, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island.
