Improved Breast Reconstruction Surgery Available

A new breast reconstruction procedure uses the fat and skin from the abdomen that's discarded in a tummy tuck, while leaving the abdominal muscles untouched. Historically, breast reconstruction techniques use the skin, fat and muscle from the abdomen to construct a new breast. Recovery time may be a week or longer, and certain movements are limited because the stomach muscle has been cut.

The new surgery, called DIEP flap, or deep inferior epigastric perforator, is a microsurgical procedure in which skin and fat are transferred, with the blood supply coming from tiny vessels. The abdominal muscle, not needed to protect the blood supply, is left in place.

"The surgery can take place at the time of mastectomy or later on," Aldona Spiegel, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine said. "In most women, enough extra tissue is available to construct a B-cup sized breast. If there's not enough tissue, we can take some from the back. Since it's the woman's own tissue, the reconstructed breast has a natural shape and softness, and there are no risks from adding an implant."

Spiegel works closely with the Breast Care Center at Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital, where the procedure is performed by specially trained plastic surgeons.

"We counsel women on all the options available if a mastectomy is needed," she said. "It can be very traumatic for a woman to lose a breast. Reconstruction is a very successful method and provides psychological and emotional advantages."

- Lori Williams

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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