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Posted underBreast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap q&a

Can you have a PAP flap or other procedure after 50% success on a DIEP flap surgery?

Plucky444006Sep 29, 2024
Hi I had DIEP flap surgery and only one of my breasts was successfully completed and they had to place an implant on the other. I completely dislike the feel of implants and would like to know if it would be possible to consider a different type of flap procedure e.g. PAP flap for the breast with the implant? Also how many years do I need to wait after the DIEP flap to consider getting my second breast reconstructed with a different flap procedure. Thanks

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Dr. Danielle Dumestre, MD
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Answered on May 21, 2025
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Dr. David Branch, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Answered on Nov 19, 2024
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David Branch, MD

Thank you for your question. Sharp and transient pain around the scar is likely associated with nerve pain, though it is difficult to distinguish without a proper physical exam. Significant pain may indicate keloid scarring for which a steroid injection may be beneficial. Massage can also be...

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Ferit Demirkan, MD

The good thing about DIEP flap is the preservation of all the abdominal muscles and fascia when compared to a TRAM flap, which makes abdominal hernias less likely. Usually we do not need a fascial tightening during a regular DIEP surgery. But if you had had a rectus diastasis and it was repaired...

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Ryan Rebowe, MD

Issues with the abdominal donor site in the DIEP procedure are typically more likely in higher BMI patients. Although there may be a chance for an abdominal bulge or protrusion in a low BMI individual, it is not likely.

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