What is a breast flap procedure?
Free flaps: A free flap moves tissue, fat, skin, and some or none of the muscle from one area of the body to make a new breast. This tissue is completely removed from the body and moved up to the chest. The blood vessels (arteries and veins) must then be reconnected to the chest wall vessels for the tissue to survive.
How long does breast flap surgery take?
DIEP flap or tissue flap breast reconstruction can be performed immediately following a mastectomy or as delayed reconstruction. Patients will be given general anesthesia before surgery. The surgery takes four to six hours, but it can take longer if performed along with a mastectomy.
What are the side effects of flap surgery?
Risks of having a flap reconstructionLoss of the flap. Blood vessels supplying the flap may kink or get clots, leading to bleeding and a loss of circulation. ... Problems with the donor site. After having an abdominal flap reconstruction, some women find it takes a while for the wound to heal. ... Hernia (abdominal bulge)
How long does it take to recover from TRAM flap surgery?
It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to recover from TRAM flap reconstruction surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a compression girdle for up to 8 weeks after surgery.
Does flap surgery hurt?
Most patients experience some discomfort after a flap procedure. Depending on your needs, we may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medicine. It is important to relax after surgery, as strenuous activity may cause the treated area to bleed.
Why is flap surgery done?
The Goals of Flap Surgery This allows diseased tissue to be removed from inside the pocket, and provides access to the teeth's root surfaces for a thorough cleaning, which helps to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus (tartar). Afterward, the “flap” is closed, sealing the area.
What is the safest breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast implants are a safe and popular choice for breast reconstruction. The main disadvantage of implants compared to free-flap surgery is that implants must be replaced at certain points in life due to age-related body changes, failure of the implant, or age of the implant.
What can you eat after flap surgery?
Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery. Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids.
How long do you stay in hospital after breast reconstruction?
With this procedure, the tissue is taken from other parts of your body, like the abdomen. Patients are usually discharged within five days after the procedure.
What is the difference between a TRAM flap and DIEP flap?
Where they differ is in the execution. TRAM flap focuses on using tissue from your abdominal muscles, as well as some soft tissue. DIEP flap spares the abdominal muscle and uses only soft fat tissue and local blood vessels. Each procedure has long recovery times, and similar side effects.
Do you have feeling in your breast after DIEP flap surgery?
Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You will be sore in the breast and in the area where the flap was taken. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in those areas.
What is better DIEP flap or implants?
Women who have undergone chemotherapy for months do not wish to get implants that would again require future surgeries or revision. The DIEP flap breast reconstruction technique is an extensive surgery, but in case of future radiation requirement, the implants would have to be removed and DIEP remains the best choice.
How painful is DIEP flap surgery?
You will be sore in the breast and in the area where the flap was taken. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in those areas. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two. You may get tired easily or have less energy than usual.
How long is hospital stay after DIEP flap surgery?
For a DIEP flap, you usually stay in the hospital for about 5 days. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow for your recovery, including detailed information on how to care for the dressings, stitches, staples, and surgical drains.
How long do drains stay in after DIEP flap?
Surgical drains The drains can help prevent the tissue from becoming swollen and will usually stay in the body for 1–2 weeks.
Do you have feeling after DIEP flap surgery?
Most women find that they cannot feel much sensation in the breast during recovery from DIEP surgery. Sometimes this sensation loss is permanent, but for many, some sensation will gradually return over time as nerves recover or grow.