Benefits of Delayed DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction After Radiation

[@amycuaresma]

You two have such a great dynamic and it's great to witness.

[@upperleft3607]

This video was extremely informative and helpful! I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2020 at age 35. I went though 16 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy without reconstruction, followed by 25 rounds of radiation. I’ve been on the fence between reconstruction with small implants or DIEP flap. Both have pros and cons and deciding between the 2 is difficult. I do have tightness, range of motion issues, and painful scar tissue under the skin from radiation and had NO idea that a DIEP flap procedure could help in removal of some of the scar tissue in that area. Definitely adds more pros to the decision for a DIEP reconstruction. Thank you for this!

[@DiepCFoundation]

You are absolutely welcome and glad the information was helpful.

[@deborahlynn1988]

This video was so helpful. Thank you had TRAM flap reconstruction Sept 3.

[@DiepCFoundation]

Deborah, Great to hear! Hope you are doing well.

[@deborahlynn1988]

@@DiepCFoundation Well, the mesh its like I feel every millimeter. The rubbing on the inside. Am I supposed to feel it like that. I see the doctor tomorrow morning to let him know how uncomfortable I am is this normal?? I still have to take Tylenol in the morning and evenings.

[@sallyschafer6419]

I am considering the diep procedure, scared of looking chopped up and side effects Had double mastectomy, no radiation

[@DiepCFoundation]

Sally, this is a difficult process to go through. The key to successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction is finding a well-qualified, board certified, highly-skilled microsurgeon to perform you surgery. There have been many women who are very satisfied with their results but it takes research. There are resources via the Foundation here www.diepcfoundation.org/ and also on the blog tab. I hope you are able to find a wonderful surgeon. The surgeons interviewed on this channel are all well-qualified.

[@mysharona6754]

How much belly fat do they need ? I've spent two years working out and eating right and have gotten myself in pretty good shape...then I find breast cancer. I do not want implants. I don't want to gain weight but it's my only option. I was 36D before the mastectomy. I want to look the same. I know there's no way to know exactly how much fat would be needed but is there maybe some sort of estimate?

[@DiepCFoundation]

The most accurate way of making this determination is to consult with a well qualified, board certified plastic surgeon who performs DIEP flap and other autologous breast reconstruction. There is a link here to find a surgeon in your area. find.plasticsurgery.org/

[@surgememez3769]

It’s a great topic with dr. C I wish I can afford to travel to Texas for my diet reconstruction this coming November. Did you have radiation Terry?

[@DiepCFoundation]

Hello. Yes I did, 12 years prior to my DIEP flap. Dr. C removed the scaring and adhesions formed by radiation and replaced it with soft, warm, new tummy tissue from my DIEP Flap.

[@DiepCFoundation]

@@Linda-pq9uf I was researching for a Microsurgeon to do my DIEP flap and why I waited. No expanders. Skin sparing/ nipple sparing double mastectomy.

[@amycuaresma]

Your both equally awesome btw💓❤

[@3218lb]

Do you have to have mammograms now on your new real tissues? Is there a greater chance of cancer growing in this new tissue. I currently have 11 year old double mastectomy silicone implants which were put in 4 years after I had already lumpectomy and radiation on the right side only. These thing look and feel terribleI and I think they may need to be changed. The skin looks like it’s going to open up on the radiation side. I live in the New England area and wondered if you know of any one who specializes in this technique around here? Thank you in advance🤞

[@DiepCFoundation]

Hello Lynn, if you look at this video Dr. D speaks about surveillance after DIEP flap right around 3 minutes into the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaLTmqKXbNOnhZY Hope this helps.