Before and after right breast delayed DIEP flap reconstruction and left balancing mastopexy (breast lift) in a 57-year-old breast cancer survivor. Following several large lumpectomies on the right, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, she had an implant-based reconstruction which failed due to recurrent infection and implant extrusion (it came through the skin).
She waited a couple of years before she felt ready to proceed with a new breast reconstruction plan. Tired of wearing an external prosthesis, she wanted to be able to swim without worrying her boob would float out of her swimsuit! Using her own tissue had not been offered to her previously, and she was excited to lose her lower belly “pooch” and get a new breast!
A recent biopsy on the right breast showed abnormal cells – she was tired of waiting for a new cancer, so we referred her to a Breast Surgeon who we work with often. A completion mastectomy removed the remaining breast tissue on the right, preserving the right breast skin, nipple and areola.
Skin and fat was microvascularly transplanted from her abdomen to her right chest as a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Blood vessels were isolated and dissected under the operating microscope, divided and then reconnected under the microscope to reestablish vital blood supply to the tissue in its new location.
Her left breast was reshaped using an auto-augmentation breast lift technique.
Follow up photos are shown 2 years after surgery, with mature scars and greatly improved symmetry. She “feels whole again!” She is a candidate for additional paramedical tattoo to bring further depth and a more natural look to her right nipple and areola, which is faded due to past radiation.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
