Saving...

How long does a DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery last?

Cancel

Topics (Tags):

Breast Reconstruction DIEP Flap Surgery Plastic Surgery DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Topics:

Breast Reconstruction X DIEP Flap X Surgery X Plastic Surgery X DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction X

Done

Diseases:

Done

Answer Summary

Cancel

Answers (2)

member9324 (Current Patient) - 12 / 12 / 2011

I had a diep flap done on 11/15. Double mastecomies with reconstruction lasted 15 hours. Unfortunately, the flap on my rt side failed, so a decision was made to place an implant on the rt side. I like the look of the flap, and the feel. The flap feels more natural...the implant feels numb and tight.

The surgery was no joke, very intense. I was in the hospital for five days, and needed a lot of help for about ten days beyond hospitalization. I came home with 5 drains. I also needed a blood transfusion.

Make sure you consult with more than one plastic surgeon. Make sure you also have a plan B...what will be done if the flap fails. I don't have regrets about my choice, but I do wish I had 100% success.

Cancel

naturalbreastrecon (Physician - Surgery - Plastic (Verified) ) - 07 / 28 / 2011

Reconstruction of one breast with a DIEP usually takes 4-6 hours, and reconstruction of both breasts usually takes 6-8 hours. The individual patient’s anatomy accounts for most of the variability. The surgery is usually followed by a 4-day stay in the hospital. Just in case you meant "last" as in will you have to have it redone like with implant reconstruction, the answer is .....a successful DIEP breast reconstruction is designed to "last" a lifetime. You may desire aesthetic improvements over time as your reconstructed breasts will behave much like your natural breasts.

Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.

Cancel

Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.

Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.

Flag Content

Please expain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.

Cancel

Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.

Give a 'Thank you' to

Cancel

Add Answer

Question:

Optional: What context or background information is relevant to this request?

Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.

Submit

Thank you for sharing your question.

We will notify other members of your question. Responses will be sent to your email account as well as viewable at the following link:

We are finding other members now to join the chat.

Click here to start the chat.

Cancer questions and answers.

Personalized, helpful, and accurate health answers.

Join Via Facebook

Join Via Twitter

Question Statistics

Latest Activity: 12 / 12 / 2011
Views: 460
Followed By: 3 members