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DIEP flap reconstruction on 6/28. It is still rock hard and painful. Will it get soft? My PS says just massage it?

mastectomy + immediate DIEP flap reconstruction on 6/28. 5 mm Small triple negative breast cancer in diagnosed in 3/2016 In lumpectomy scar bed from microcalcifications diagnosed 13 years earlier that was positive cancer. Had 35 rounds of radiation 13 years ago. After Diep surgery developed eschar.... Have healing problems. Breast is lumpy

Doctor Answers 4

September 18th, 2016

DIEP flap healing

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You need to be seen in person.  It could be related to the flap itself having some secondary healing or the radiation or both.  Best to follow with your surgeon.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast/breast-reconstruction/

Steven Wallach, MD


New York Plastic Surgeon
4.2 out of 5 stars 30 reviews

September 18th, 2016

DIEP flap healing

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Thanks for reaching out.  Your flap will go through many changes in the first 6 months after surgery.  Sometimes the vascularity sttuggles and may cause fat necrosis. If this doesn't get better these areas of harder fat can be removed.


I hope this helps :)

John Paul Tutela, MD

John Paul Tutela, MD
Livingston Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 51 reviews

September 19th, 2016

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

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There can be sweeping in the mastectomy skin, the flap or both.  I use lymphatic massage to treat this especially in mastectomy skin.Unfortunately if you are having wound healing issues this can limit the ability to have lymphatic massage treatment by a therapist.

Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

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September 18th, 2016

DIEP flap reconstruction on 6/28. It is still rock hard and painful. Will it get soft? My PS says just massage it

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Thank you for your question.  An examination would be needed to answer your question.   Hard lumpy areas may be just normal post op swelling, effects of radiation or fat necrosis.  Your still very early in ypur recovery and ypur the flaps will change over the next few months.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.  

Jeff Angobaldo, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.