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Posted underBreast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap q&a

Could I have moved something from my DIEP flap surgery 10 years ago that is causing this pain?

C
cjnov1960Sep 10, 2016

I had a DIEP flap 10 years ago and while scrubbing my tub I felt this pain and pop in upper rib area underneath my reconstructed breast. My pain still is there and I am having trouble getting comfortable. Could I have moved something that is causing this pain?

Answers (5)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 13, 2016
Answer
Dr. Kamran Khoobehi, MD
Dr. Kamran Khoobehi, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 11, 2016
Answer
Dr. Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS
Dr. Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 12, 2016
Answer
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 11, 2016
Answer
Dr. Anh Lee, MD, FACS
Dr. Anh Lee, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 11, 2016
Answer

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Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast)

Thanks for your question. Metal ‘Liga’ clips are routinely used during this procedure to prevent bleeding. They tend to be very small and are harmless. They do not migrate. The clips will likely have been used in areas that are not directly related to your scars, and I don’t think that the sympt...

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Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast)

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately you have a lack of breast volume but also a shortage of skin, which will means that creating a natural appearing reconstruction with a breast implant will be very challenging. The gold standard reconstruction in this situation would be to transplant skin...

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Rodger Shortt, FRCSC

The skin colour is not changed with a diep flap.  Whatever it is on the belly is what you will get.  The best match is in really light or dark skin.  Everything in between usually has a difference.  This is most commonly from increased sun damage to the skin of the breast versus the abdomen.Hop...

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Manish C. Champaneria, MD

Thank you for your question.Typically, after a DIEP flap reconstruction, one does not develop lymphedema. The groin lymph nodes are not harmed during the dissection of a DIEP flap. What you are likely experiencing is post-surgical swelling, that will likely subside with time. The pubic area and...

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