You could but maybe shouldn't

Christopher L. Hess, MD answers: Mastectomy, breast reconstruction with tummy tuck?

I'm a BRCA positive 40 year-old in excellent health, normal weight. I'm having a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate, "one-step" reconstruction (using Alloderm and silicone implants).

Could I have a tummy tuck at the same time? I have lumpy results from a previous abdominal liposcution and a nasty appendectomy scar I'd love to be rid of!


Christopher L. Hess, MD
10 months ago

I understand the decision making process that you have undergone to get to this point and repect your decision.  However, I would suggest reconsidering a one-stage immediate reconstruction.  Rarely does this produce a result that rivals a two or three stage reconstruction.  In addition dermal grafts, such as Alloderm, need to incorporate into the the skin flaps.  If this doesn't occur, which is a known complication, the graft and implant will have to be remove and reconstruction will have to start over. 

Immediate reconstruction can be performed using the abdominal tissue, called a deep inferior epigastric [artery] perforator flap (DIEP). This is a more complicated reconstruction but gives the benefit of using your own tissue, which feels better and will also give you a tummy tuck at the same time.  You might what to find a surgeon in your area who specializes in this procedure.

 

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