DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
The
DIEP Flap makes use of a woman's abdominal skin and fat to reconstruct her
breast. Unlike the TRAM Flap which also makes use of abdominal skin and fat, the
DIEP Flap spares the abdominal muscles. This critical difference in the
procedures is a major advance for the active woman of 2000 and beyond.
It allows activity to be resumed earlier following surgery, and with virtually no chance for an abdominal hernia or bulge that is reported to occur in up to 20% of TRAM patients. No mesh or foreign material is required to close or reinforce the abdominal wall as may be indicated in TRAM patients. This is frequently required in women undergoing bilateral breast reconstruction. The fringe benefit for patients who undergo a DIEP Flap is the tummy tuck closure of the abdominal wall. The DIEP Flap exceeds the TRAM taking it to the next level.
There is no need for the breast to have a muscle incorporated in it, as the normal breast gland does not have muscle in it either. The rectus abdominus muscle sacrificed in the TRAM Flap is not functional in the chest. In fact, the abdominal muscle eventually atrophies, or withers away, once transferred to the chest. Therefore, the woman has forfeited the rectus abdominus muscle. Any bulk needed to create a breast can be obtained from the skin and fat of the abdomen.
Immediate DIEP Reconstruction
Delayed Reconstruction Following Radiation
Many surgeons are not trained in this new technique nor do they wish to invest the additional time performing it. Dr. Robert Allen, MD who is the leading authority on this procedure in the United States, popularized the DIEP Flap procedure. Dr. Rosenbaum studied under Dr. Allen for over two years learning the methods and techniques required to perform the DIEP Flap safely, efficiently, and successfully. Dr. Rosenbaum has been performing the DIEP Flap in Miami Beach since 1997. He is formally trained in advanced microsurgical technique, and the only plastic surgeon in South Florida trained by Dr. Allen in the DIEP flap. His experience in DIEP Flaps is most likely the largest of any plastic surgeon in the state.
Dr. Rosenbaum has dedicated a considerable portion of his practice to breast reconstruction. Incorporated into most of his reconstructive procedures is the use of the skin sparring mastectomy. He is one of only a small group of highly skilled plastic surgeons in the United States who is trained in performing the DIEP Flap. Recent studies have shown that the DIEP Flap results in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and improved abdominal wall function when compared to TRAM flaps. For those women who are seeking breast reconstruction using their own tissue the DIEP Flap offers a woman the most advanced method for achieving a naturally appearing and feeling reconstructed breast.
Email a patient to get
answers to your questions.
Dr. Gary J. Rosenbaum,
M.D., P.A.
Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Staff Office Pavillion
4302 Alton Rd, Suite 420
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone: (305) 538-7726
Facsimile: (305) 538-7725
Email: info@miamidiepflap.com
Please consult your own physician or call Gary J. Rosenbaum, M.D. for information on treatment options, medical questions or to schedule a private consultation. The content provided on this Internet site is for informational purposes only. In no way shall any of the information, articles, pictures and texts contained herein be regarded as medical advice or recommendations.