Cosmetic DIEP Flap Breast Augmentation

Cosmetic DIEP as a Solution for Capsular Contraction

Capsular contracture is an unfortunate complication of breast augmentation with implants, resulting from a hardening of the tissue around breast implants. When this happens, the breasts look and feel increasingly unnatural. Some women with capsular contracture choose to undergo breast revision surgery with new implants, but the truth is that capsular contracture can recur even with the latest implants. For patients with capsular contracture, the ideal solution is DIEP flap breast augmentation, which provides 100% resolution of the condition, prevention of future contraction, and the breast size and shape they desire.

Breast Augmentation Without the Risks of Implants

In recent years, a number of concerns have arisen about serious health concerns that may be associated with the use of breast implants.

The FDA has recalled multiple types of breast implants as part of an investigation begun in 2011 into a potential link between textured breast implants and a type of cancer called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, not breast cancer, and typically responds very well to treatment. Still, any form of cancer is potentially life-threatening, and BIA-ALCL understandably causes concern for women seeking breast augmentation with implants. Because of this, some women prefer not to undergo augmentation with implants, or seek to remove their existing implants out of an abundance of caution.²

Another potentially serious health concern associated with the use of breast implants is Breast Implant Illness (BII), an autoimmune condition. BII is associated with all types of breast implants and may cause respiratory problems, brain fog, gastrointestinal issues, muscle aches, hair loss, joint pain, anxiety, and fatigue. There is still debate in the medical community about the causes and treatments for BII, but according to the FDA, breast implant removal does reverse the symptoms of this condition.³

DIEP Flap Breast Augmentation: What to Expect

Preparing for the Procedure

The first step in preparing for DIEP flap breast augmentation is to attend a consultation with one of a few plastic surgeons experienced in the use of this procedure for augmentation. Whether you meet with one of My Houston Surgeons by phone, by video, or in person, he or she will thoroughly explain the procedure, the projected results you will see, and whether this form of breast augmentation is ideal to help you meet your goals. Once your procedure is scheduled, you will receive detailed instructions on what you can expect before, during, and after your DIEP flap breast augmentation.

The Cosmetic DIEP Flap Procedure

This procedure is performed at our DIEP flap center, which is specially-designed for this type of surgery. First, the surgeon will remove skin, tissue, and fat from your lower abdomen, following with liposuction to help you achieve ideal abdominal contours. Your abdominal muscles may also be tightened at this time to eliminate the appearance of diastasis recti, or the separation of the abdominal muscles.

The harvested tissue will be transplanted to your breasts, and your surgeon will meticulously perform microvascular grafting to ensure a successful transplant.

Recovery after DIEP Flap Augmentation

In the past, DIEP flap breast reconstruction was associated with a long recovery period. However, the experts at My Houston Surgeons have pioneered surgical techniques that dramatically reduce recovery time and discomfort, thanks in part to the necessity for much smaller incisions in the abdomen.

Following DIEP flap breast augmentation, you can expect to spend at least one night in our DIEP flap center before you are discharged to continue your recovery at home or a hotel. Most of our patients are able to return to 80% of their normal activities within two weeks of this procedure and can engage in even more activities the following week. You should be fully back to your routine within four to six weeks of the procedure.

DIEP Flap vs Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Traditionally, breast augmentation with fat transfer has been the procedure of choice for women who desire fuller breasts without silicone or saline implants. While effective, fat transfer breast augmentation provides results that are much more subtle than what our surgeons can achieve with DIEP flap augmentation. Additionally, over time, between 60% and 90% of grafted fat will be reabsorbed into the body, diminishing the fullness of breasts. With cosmetic DIEP flap breast augmentation, the surgeon transplants living tissues and blood vessels from the patient’s own body into the breasts, where the tissue becomes a soft, supple, and permanent part of the body in its new location.⁴

Who is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Augmentation?

If you desire fuller, more voluptuous breasts but would like to avoid capsular contracture and other issues potentially associated with breast implants, cosmetic DIEP flap breast augmentation may be ideal for you. In general, candidates for this procedure are in good overall health and have not previously undergone a tummy tuck. The best way to determine whether you are a candidate is to attend a private consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons.