Breast cancer reconstruction is one of the most challenging aspects of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The surgery often involves an oncologic component that requires close attention and may require chemotherapy before and/or after surgery that needs to be completed in a timely manner.
The DIEP flap uses microvascular soft tissue transplantation to transfer the skin and fat from the abdomen to the chest after mastectomy. When tumors are close to the skin it is best to remove the skin over the tumor to clear the anterior margin. In some cases, the skin over this area becomes de-vascularized and is replaced with the skin transferred from the abdomen.
The photograph demonstrates before and after right breast mastectomy and DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The abdominal skin and fat reconstructed the right breast with the skin paddle replacing the lateral skin.
