Can you get a tummy tuck years after having the DIEP Flap breast surgery?

Additional skin and fat can be removed and plication may be reasonable based upon exam.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  It is possible to have a TT after a DIEP flap reconstruction, with results depending on the amount of excess skin you have developed.  Hope this helps.

A DIEP flap will leave you with a large area of skin resection on the lower abdomen and a wide transverse scar that is likely to be slightly higher than a typical tummy tuck incision.  Yes it is possible to further excise and tighten some of the skin, however some modifications will likely have to be made. It really just depends on how much excess skin there is.  Seek a consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes to you!

It all depends on how much excess skin you have; A photo will be very helpful. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and figure out your options.

Dear shadajah2:   I am assuming that you are seeking to improve your tummy contour appearance after having a DIEP flap many years ago.   This could involve a revision tummy tuck, liposuction, or simply a scar revision.  A formal consultation and physical exam is required to give you any meaningful advice.  Please visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.  Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Excellent question! While some types of breast reconstruction surgery can significantly impact the ability to perform a tummy tucks, DIEP flaps leave the native muscles and their blood supply intact. While your plastic surgeon may want to do a little more workup to make sure everything is ok, the majority of DIEP flap patients can undergo tummy tucks with little to no difficulty, provided you have adequate residual skin for closure and no issues occurred in healing.

yes, there is no reason that you couldn't have an abdominoplasty after a Diep flap. I would discussed this with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who will be able to tell you the specifics of the operation you may need. Best of luck! 

Theoretically, the answer is yes - but it really depends on how much excess skin remains.  Some would have been removed with your breast reconstruction.

Thank you for your question. It depending on the findings during physical exam. It can be done if you have excess skin and laxity in muscles. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation

Technically during a DIEP the equivalent to the skin removed in a full tummy tuck is excised. You may have developed more loose skin over time and likely have excess fat. You could absolutely revise your tummy with liposuction and some amount of skin excision along with muscle plication. It would be best for you to have an in person consultation as your situation is a little bit different than the norm.