Had DIEP Flap Surgery - Incision on Belly Splitting Badly

It is an unfortunate complication with the low transverse incision used for tummy tucks and the DIEP flap.  This wounds have a tension when they are closed in the operating room.  In most instances this area relaxes over the next several week.  Breakdown most often occurs near the middle of the incision over the pubic area.  This point is now further from the blood supply and is usually under the most tension.  ALTHOUGH IT IS GREAT THAT YOU STOPPED SMOKING.  This happens even in patients who don't smoke although far less frequently.  Follow the instructions of your surgeon and with dressing changes and time this wound will heal.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+

you have a common complication after abdominal surgery on smokers. Do not worry and your wound will heal. May need to start wound vac. This a special wound care after the infection is resolved.