Can DIEP Reconstuction Be Done with a BMI of 22? (photo)

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  A DIEP flap is an option for nearly every woman following a mastectomy.  Size alone does not prohibit the ability to perform a DIEP flap, but it will limit the size.  However, following the procedure, various options are available to augment the reconstructed breast including fat grafting and possibly an implant.Microsurgical perforator flaps (such as the DIEP flap and SGAP/IGAP flap) are the newest and most-innovative procedures in breast reconstruction today.  As these are muscle-sparing flaps, the pain, morbidity, and complications such as those above, of these procedures are much less.  They are highly-complex procedures that few plastic surgeons performed and consult with one who is well-versed, trained, and skilled in these procedures if you are interested.   Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Hi BRACpositive,
Based on the photos, a DIEP would definitely be possible. The DIEP flap repurposes the excess lower abdominal skin and fat, from the bellybutton to the pubic hairline, with a blood supply to reconstruct and replace the missing volume of the breast. While the photos make it difficult to tell whether your excess in the lower abdominal region is excess skin and subcutaneous tissue versus lower abdominal bulge versus both, based on your baseline breast size it certainly appears that you have sufficient volume to make a reasonably sized breast with DIEP.
I would suggest meeting with a qualified board certified plastic surgeon who regularly performs DIEP flaps to discuss your best options.
I hope this helps
Sincerely,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

You are a DIEP flap candidate.  You need to be seen an examined by a surgeon who performs DIEP flaps.  You should not have to wait till December.  Any decrease in you current size and shape after you DIEP surgery can be improved with fat grafting. 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+