I had Prophylactic DMX w/ Diep Flap Recon. 8/15. On day 6 post-op I noticed the flap on rt. side was purple. PS watched it for 4 weeks, then cleaned out necrotic skin and about .25" deep of flap. 10 days later more died. I was put on a Wound Vac to close up the large hole. Now have scar tissue to be removed with less than 10% of my flap left & will have expander placed in 4/16. Is there a better alternative? Could I not try for a TUG or SGAP.
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Answers (6)
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Hi smipigfarm,
DIEP is possible after many abdominal surgeries. The most common are prior laparoscopic surgery, prior Pfannensteil (low transverse) c section scar, and prior vertical midline below the umbilicus. In addition to the benefits of tissue based reconstruction, the DIEP surgery will...
Your particular, situation
sounds as though it may be fat necrosis and possibly the return of an
infection.You may need to start
debridement, but these concerns should be discussed with your Plastic Surgeon.
Usually for my patients I try to perform the reconstruction so they have no revisions. But it is common to require one or two revisions including fat transfer to get a perfect result.
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