I had a bilateral mastectomy prophylactically almost 10 years ago. The implants remain fairly soft, but one has 'bottomed out', causing a significant amount of pain and discomfort. It makes wearing a bra impossible, as the underwire doesn't stay in place, and exercise is even more uncomfortable. Since insurance is very unlikely to cover a second reconstruction for 'pain' complaints. I am considering implant replacement vs diep procedure. What is the ballpark cost of a bilateral diep?
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June 26, 2013
Answer: Payment for a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap.
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear you're having problems after your breast reconstruction. A little bit of fat necrosis is not uncommon after DIEP flap - some studies put the figure as high as 15%. Sometimes, the hard lump softens on its own and doesn't need surgery. If a large area of fat (sometimes...
At least 4 months after the complete of radiation is a good rule of thumb. Implants should never be used alone in a radiated breast unless it is combined with another flap for coverage. To get more volume in a radiated field you need to use your own tissue. A TRAM flap is just one tool used in...
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...
