Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction revision using the DIEP flap in a 59-year-old breast cancer survivor. Her painful breast implant reconstructions were electively removed six months previously to give her body a break before she felt ready to proceed with free flap reconstruction.
Skin and fat was microvascularly transplanted from her lower abdomen to the chest by microsurgical techniques. At a secondary procedure six months later, implants were placed under the flaps to create more projection and volume, and bilateral areola tattoo helped to brighten her past nipple reconstructions.
Follow up photos are shown a year and a half after surgery. She feels whole again, and has restored her former breast size, body image and self-esteem after battling breast cancer.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
