Tram or DIEP Flap Using Stomach Apron for Breasts After Weight Loss?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors.  The size of your abdomen and the excess tissue there are important factors related to whether you are a good candidate for a diep.

Three
basic forms of breast reconstruction exist. You can use your own tissue,
implants or a combination of the previous two techniques. Your own tissue can
be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP flap or fat grafting.
Implants can be done in one stage or two stage. Two stage reconstructions are
started by placing expanders at the time of mastectomy. Once they expanders are
placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final
time consists of combining any of the above techniques.



If
you are interested in being seen in Austin please give us a call. I know
this is a difficult time for you. The majority of my practice is devoted
to reconstruction for women with breast cancer or who are BRCA+

There are ways to tailor the abdominal flaps in order to make the tram a useable option.  I have operated on several women who have had a 100 pound weight loss.  I try to tailor the breast recon in the same way as an inverted T abdominoplasty by tailoring this tissue and taking the tissue directly over the rectus muscle leaving it attached.  I have plenty of tissue to fashion a breast and my patient has a nice abdominal contour afterwards.  As with any breast reconstruction for one side, the other breast is fair game for a small reduction or lift as well.  A latissimus flap is a very reliable source of tissue the only drawback is that you usually need an implant to achieve adequate volume.  Good luck with your journey of breast reconstruction.  Remember, the only bad question is the one that you don't ask.