DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction for Patients in Hartford, CT: The Best Option for Natural, Long-Lasting Results
If you’re considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy in Hartford, CT, or surrounding towns such as West Hartford, Glastonbury, Bloomfield, Farmington, Avon, Newington, and Wethersfield, you deserve the best options available. At The DIEP Group, we are proud to offer DIEP flap breast reconstruction at both Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, providing women throughout the region access to world-class surgical care. DIEP flap surgery is one of the most advanced techniques in breast reconstruction, offering natural results, reduced complications, and long-term durability.
What is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap breast reconstruction is a microsurgical procedure that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy. This tissue, which includes skin, fat, and blood vessels, is removed without taking any muscle, preserving abdominal strength and reducing the risk of complications associated with older techniques like the TRAM flap. The tissue is then transferred to the chest, where it is shaped to form a new breast.
At The DIEP Group, our surgeons at Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center are highly skilled in performing this complex procedure, ensuring that patients from Hartford and surrounding towns receive the highest quality care.
DIEP Flap vs. Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Many women considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy face the choice between implant-based reconstruction and flap surgery like the DIEP flap. While both options can restore the breast’s appearance, DIEP flap surgery offers several distinct advantages, particularly for women looking for a more natural and durable solution.
1. More Natural Look and Feel
DIEP flap reconstruction uses your own tissue, creating a breast that looks and feels more like the natural breast. Over time, the tissue continues to age naturally with your body, avoiding some of the issues associated with implants, which can shift or harden.
2. No Risk of Implant Complications
Implant-based reconstruction carries several risks that are not present with DIEP flap surgery, including:
– Capsular Contracture: The body may form scar tissue around the implant, causing it to harden and distort the breast’s shape.
– Implant Rupture or Leakage: Over time, implants may rupture, requiring additional surgeries to replace or remove them.
– Infection: Implants, especially in women who have undergone radiation, are more prone to infection.
– Need for Replacement: Implants generally need to be replaced every 10-15 years, leading to additional surgeries over the course of a lifetime.
DIEP flap surgery eliminates these concerns because the reconstructed breast is made from your own tissue, which is naturally accepted by your body.
3. Best Option for Women with Implant Complications or Radiation Damage
DIEP flap surgery is often the best option for women who have experienced complications with implant-based reconstruction. If you’ve suffered from implant infection, capsular contracture, or issues related to radiation following breast cancer treatment, a DIEP flap offers a more reliable, long-term solution. The tissue used in the DIEP flap is more resilient and can better tolerate the effects of radiation than implants, making it an ideal option for women in these situations.
Women with implant-related complications who are dissatisfied with their results can find a more permanent solution through the skilled surgeons at The DIEP Group.
4. Simultaneous Tummy Tuck Effect
One added benefit of the DIEP flap procedure is that it includes 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, providing both breast reconstruction and a flatter, more toned abdomen.
5. Longer-Lasting Results
Unlike implants, which need to be replaced, DIEP flap reconstruction is designed to last a lifetime. The transferred tissue becomes a living part of your body and does not require future replacement or additional surgeries, making it a durable, long-term solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIEP Flap Surgery
Who is a good candidate for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
Women who have enough tissue in their lower abdomen to create the breast mound are good candidates for DIEP flap surgery. This procedure is ideal for women who:
– Prefer to avoid implants.
– Have experienced complications with implants such as infection, capsular contracture, or implant rupture.
– Have undergone or plan to undergo radiation therapy, which can make implants less successful.
– Want a more natural-looking and feeling breast reconstruction.
Candidates should also be in good overall health and non-smokers, as smoking affects the body’s ability to heal after surgery.
How long does the DIEP flap surgery take?
DIEP flap surgery is a complex microsurgical procedure that typically takes between 5-6 hours for one breast and 8-9 hours for both breasts. The surgery involves reconnecting small blood vessels to ensure the transferred tissue survives and functions properly.
What is the recovery process like after DIEP flaps?
After DIEP flap surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for 2 days. Full recovery takes around 6-8 weeks, though most women feel able to return to light activities within 2-3 weeks. Since the DIEP flap preserves the abdominal muscles, the recovery is generally less painful and faster compared to older techniques like the TRAM flap.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and exercise, for the first few weeks after surgery. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will ensure that everything is healing properly.
Are there risks or complications with DIEP flap surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, or issues with the blood supply to the transferred tissue. However, the risk of long-term complications is generally lower with DIEP flap surgery compared to implant-based reconstruction, especially in women who have undergone radiation therapy.
At The DIEP Group, our surgeons are highly skilled in microsurgery, which helps minimize risks and ensures the best possible outcome.
Will I have scars after DIEP flaps?
Yes, you will have scars from both the mastectomy and the tissue donor site on your abdomen. However, our surgeons make every effort to place incisions in less visible areas and to use techniques that encourage better healing. Most patients find that their scars fade significantly over time and are happy with the cosmetic improvement to their abdomen as a result of the tissue removal.
Can DIEP flap surgery be done immediately after a mastectomy?
Yes, DIEP flap surgery can often be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, known as immediate reconstruction. This allows for breast reconstruction without the need for a separate surgery. However, it is often beneficial for some women to wait for delayed reconstruction, especially if there is a chance they may require radiation therapy after their mastectomy. Your surgeon at The DIEP Group will work with you to determine the best timing for your reconstruction based on your individual 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 Hartford Area Hospitals for Your Breast Reconstruction?
The DIEP Group is known for its expertise in performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction, a procedure that requires advanced training and precision. Our surgeons use the latest microsurgical techniques to ensure that women receive the highest quality care with the best possible outcomes.
Patients in Hartford, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Bloomfield, Farmington, Avon, Newington, and Wethersfield have convenient access to DIEP flap breast reconstruction at two leading medical centers: Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center. Both hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities, skilled surgical teams, and comprehensive post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Whether you’re dealing with complications from implant-based reconstruction or want a more natural-looking result after mastectomy, The DIEP Group is here to guide you through every step of your journey.
Contact Us Today
If you’re considering DIEP flap breast reconstruction and want to learn more about the procedure, contact The DIEP Group to schedule a consultation. Our expert surgeons are available to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you decide on the best course of action for your breast reconstruction.
Contact Us
- (203) 200-0828
- info@thediepgroup.com
We proudly serve patients from Hartford, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Bloomfield, Farmington, Avon, Newington, and Wethersfield.
