I'm BRCA1+, 2 months post-laparoscopic hysterectomy and preparing for a preventative mastectomy. After consulting with a leading breast surgeon in my area, I'm heavily leaning toward DIEP flap but was too nervous to ask about a tummy tuck at the time. The fat would be taken from my stomach, so could I have a complete TT at the same time? After 2 kids and an old back injury, it's been near impossible for me to lose the weight in my midsection. What steps would I need to take? Thank you!
July 23, 2019
Answer: Tummy Tuck + DIEP Flap Hello! Thank you for your question. When a plastic surgeon performs a procedure using a DIEP flap, the plastic surgeon takes tissue from your abdomen. This may sound like a tummy tuck, but it differs in some key ways. First, the location of the tissue that is removed as part of the DIEP flap is not exactly the same as the tissue that is removed for a tummy tuck. This results in a slightly different location of the final abdominal scar. In general, tummy tucks results in a lower scar than DIEP flap procedures. Second, a tummy tuck involves tightening your abdominal wall to narrow your waistline and get rid of central abdominal bulges. While some plastic surgeons do this during DIEP flap procedures, many do not.
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July 23, 2019
Answer: Tummy Tuck + DIEP Flap Hello! Thank you for your question. When a plastic surgeon performs a procedure using a DIEP flap, the plastic surgeon takes tissue from your abdomen. This may sound like a tummy tuck, but it differs in some key ways. First, the location of the tissue that is removed as part of the DIEP flap is not exactly the same as the tissue that is removed for a tummy tuck. This results in a slightly different location of the final abdominal scar. In general, tummy tucks results in a lower scar than DIEP flap procedures. Second, a tummy tuck involves tightening your abdominal wall to narrow your waistline and get rid of central abdominal bulges. While some plastic surgeons do this during DIEP flap procedures, many do not.
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July 23, 2019
Answer: A DIEP flap essentially includes a tummy tuck You don’t need to worry - a DIEP flap procedure essentially includes a tummy tuck. The tissue excised from your lower abdomen is used as ‘free flaps’ for breast reconstruction. The upper abdominal flap is undermined and repaired, usually with midline muscle plication, exactly as with a tummy tuck. The DIEP flap is a great procedure for natural tissue breast reconstruction and usually leads to a big improvement in the abdominal donor site. I am sure your surgeon will be happy to explain further. Good luck with you treatment!
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July 23, 2019
Answer: A DIEP flap essentially includes a tummy tuck You don’t need to worry - a DIEP flap procedure essentially includes a tummy tuck. The tissue excised from your lower abdomen is used as ‘free flaps’ for breast reconstruction. The upper abdominal flap is undermined and repaired, usually with midline muscle plication, exactly as with a tummy tuck. The DIEP flap is a great procedure for natural tissue breast reconstruction and usually leads to a big improvement in the abdominal donor site. I am sure your surgeon will be happy to explain further. Good luck with you treatment!
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