DIEP Surgery
DIEP BREAST RECONSTRUCTION BATON ROUGE, LA
DIEP Breast Cancer Surgery
DIEP Free Flap is a breast reconstruction procedure that can be performed pre- or post-mastectomy, meaning that a patient can have cancerous tissue removed at the same time as having the breast reconstructed or have the breast reconstructed at a later date. Many patients find the “pre-mastectomy” approach to be beneficial to their self-esteem, as they do not have to live with only one or no breasts after their mastectomy. The procedure itself involves removing a “flap” of complete tissue, including blood vessels, skin, and fat from the abdomen, usually from the lower belly-area, to the breasts. The abdominal muscles are not removed or used in this procedure, unlike some other reconstructive options. This puts the DIEP Free Flap breast reconstruction surgery in the category of a “muscle-sparing” procedure. The blood vessels of this tissue are then attached to the blood vessels of the chest through microsurgery before the tissue is shaped into a natural looking breast.
SOME BENEFITS OF DIEP FREE FLAP INCLUDE:
WAISTLINE REDUCTION – One of the unique benefits of the DIEP Free Flap procedure over other autologous flap surgical options is that it results in a slimmer waistline after surgery. The placement of the tissue donor site at the lower front of the abdomen is very similar to a “tummy tuck”, and the effect of taking the tissue from this site is much the same. The abdomen is left slimmer and tighter after the procedure, the same as it would be after a tummy tuck.
NATURAL LOOK – Aesthetically, autologous flap procedures, like the DIEP Free Flap, result in a much more natural and symmetrical breast appearance and feel than implant reconstruction because they use the patient’s own living tissue to reconstruct the breast. Appearance aside, the DIEP Free Flap procedure also results in a quicker recovery and more core strength retention. Additionally, you avoid all the high complication risks which may occur using a breast implant; such as, capsular contracture, infection or bottoming out. In order to correct any of these issues it would require a second surgery, which most women would like to avoid, and even then, it’s not a guarantee that complications won’t arise again.
MORE RECONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES
KEY INFORMATION
- The DIEP flap is the most advanced form of breast reconstruction available
- The DIEP free flap uses abdominal skin and fat tissue to reconstruct a more natural feeling breast
- The DIEP flap preserves all the abdominal muscles, unlike more dated procedures such as the TRAM flap
- Sensory nerve reconstruction is available for most patients
- Enjoy the added benefit of a “tummy tuck” for a flatter stomach
- Abdominal issues and complications such as hernia or bulging is very low.
- To treat arm lymphedema, Vascularized Lymph Node transfer can be performed in conjunction with the DIEP procedure.
- Two microsurgeons will perform the procedure to ensure meticulously efficient and optimal results.
- Dr. Theunissen’s success rate is over 99%
- To learn if you are a DIEP flap candidate or to schedule a consultation, please contact us here or call us at 225-218-6108
Plan Your Procedure
DIEP Breast Reconstruction surgery carried out by a breast reconstructive surgeon in Baton Rouge and New Orleans is 100% covered by insurance by law. Dr. Theunissen performs breast reconstructions for his patients at a hospital in a state-of-the-art O.R. in Baton Rouge or New Orleans with the support of another experienced surgeon and licensed staff. This also includes a full-time Anesthesiologist to ensure optimal care for each patient. Dr. Theunissen’s success rate exceeds 99%, which is higher than the national average. The National Average surgery time for a double breast reconstruction is 10 hrs. Dr. Theunissen performs most double DIEP reconstructions in 3 – 4 hours. This helps reduce risk and recovery time for his patients.
Average Cost
$0 OUT OF POCKET
Recovery Time
3 – 4 WEEKS
Average Procedure Time
DR THEUNISSEN: 3 – 4 HRS
NATIONAL AVG: 10HRS
Procedure Recovery Location
3 NIGHT HOSPITAL STAY
WHERE
BATON ROUGE OR NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL
INSURANCE
INSURANCE COVERS 100% OF ALL BREAST RECONSTRUCTIONS
KEY INFORMATION
- The DIEP flap is the most advanced form of breast reconstruction available
- The DIEP free flap uses abdominal skin and fat tissue to reconstruct a more natural feeling breast
- The DIEP flap preserves all the abdominal muscles, unlike more dated procedures such as the TRAM flap
- Sensory nerve reconstruction is available for most patients
- Enjoy the added benefit of a “tummy tuck” for a flatter stomach
- Abdominal issues and complications such as hernia or bulging is very low.
- To treat arm lymphedema, Vascularized Lymph Node transfer can be performed in conjunction with the DIEP procedure.
- Two microsurgeons will perform the procedure to ensure meticulously efficient and optimal results.
- Dr. Theunissen’s success rate is over 99%
- To learn if you are a DIEP flap candidate or to schedule a consultation, please contact us here or call us at 225-218-6108
