Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction surgery is a newer option for women who find themselves confronting undergoing a mastectomy. Dr. Andres takes his extensive standard of skill and knowledge, and harnesses it so that he can perform what is considered some of the best DIEP flap reconstruction Phoenix has to offer.
About the procedure
While there are many different types of free flaps, we will cover two primary flaps below.
Firstly, the DIEP flap is one of the most common flaps used in breast reconstruction. It is performed by harvesting tissue from the abdomen and using it to reconstruct the breast. There are various methods for surgically performing DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction delivers benefits that other methods of reconstruction may not provide. As an example, a DIEP flap reconstruction procedure preserves any soft tissue and muscle.
In another flap-based procedure, called latissimus flap reconstruction, excess skin and fat and the latissimus dorsi muscle are collected from the upper back area, being the largest muscle of the back. Dr. Andres is versed in a modified version of a latissimus flap reconstruction, which is called the "volume-added" latissimus flap. This technique adds soft tissue when harvesting the latissimus dorsi muscle, increasing the amount of tissue that is used to reconstruct the breasts. This variation of latissimus flap reconstruction routinely results in a more natural looking breast.
This reconstructive procedure can be carried out with an implant or without, depending on what the patient prefers. A standard flap reconstruction surgery can take anywhere between 6-8 hours.
During Recovery
Most breast reconstruction patients spend a few days in the hospital after surgery. Recovery time depends on several factors. Patients who choose flap reconstruction generally have a longer recovery span, as they have two surgical sites--the new breast and the donor site--than those who choose reconstruction with an implant. Patients who choose implant-based reconstruction require between 2-3 weeks of downtime. Whereas recovery from flap-based reconstruction is approximately 6 to 8 weeks. After any type of breast reconstruction, arrangements to restore the nipple and areola areas can be scheduled, and may be performed after a few months from your final breast reconstructive procedure.
During your consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Andres, he will examine your body to be able to give his professional opinion of the best route to take, surgically. Dr. Andres will want to discuss your particular goals regarding reconstruction, so that he may aptly design a surgical plan that is tailored to your needs. It is important that during your consultation with Dr. Andres, you voice any questions or concerns you may have, so that he can address them accordingly. It is crucial that you feel completely secure in your choice. Dr. Andres strives to administer some of the top DIEP flap reconstruction Scottsdale can provide.
If you’d like to further discuss your options for DIEP flap reconstruction in Phoenix, you can request a consultation online. Or if you prefer, you may contact the office directly and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment.
