Does Breast Reconstruction DIEP Flap procedure result in loss of body weight?

Question

I am a TNBC cancer survivor.. looking at a breast reconstruction.. Just wanted to know if the DIEP procedure will result i loss of body weight.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Joylmman,
In belly-based free flap reconstruction (DIEP, SIEA, msTRAM) surgery, the lower abdominal tissue is repurposed--it is moved from its existing position on the lower abdomen to the chest, and microvascular surgery to connect tiny blood vessels allows the tissue to survive.
The shape of your trunk will be positively impacted by the removal, but the skin/fat is moved to its new position. Your weight should be net neutral before and after the surgery (if you have concurrent mastectomies, your weight should be decreased by the weight of the mastectomy specimen(s)).
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, WA

Danielle Dumestre, MD · Answer

Hi Joylmman,
DIEP flap reconstruction doesn't typically result in substantial loss of body weight, as the fatty tissue from the belly is just repurposed to recreate the breasts. That being said, your contour can look amazing, given the fat is moved away the belly up to the breasts, and liposuction contouring is done to thin the low back and sides!

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Much like a traditional abdominoplasty procedure, the actual surgery does not result in weight loss as the skin removed from the abdomen does not weigh very much. However, if you have overhanging abdominal skin, many women feel relief from having this removed and will be more active following the procedure, resulting in weight loss. Although this is not an intended part of the procedure, it is a nice side effect that many women notice.

Lisa F. Schneider, MD · Answer

Good morning!

A DIEP flap procedure involves moving the skin and fat from the stomach and using that to create new breasts. It will not result in weight loss because the tissue is being saved - moved to create new breasts. However, your body will look as though you had an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck.

I hope this  helps!
Dr. Schneider

Does Breast Reconstruction DIEP Flap procedure result in loss of body weight?

Answers (4)

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