Over 3.5 million women in America have a history of breast cancer, and for many of these women a mastectomy is a life-saving surgery. If this describes you, you may be considering breast reconstruction to restore your natural figure. At Anthony Echo, MD, with two offices in Houston, Texas, we can help.
Board-certified surgeon Dr. Anthony Echo specializes in DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap surgery to return your breasts to their natural size, shape, and appearance. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a technically challenging surgery, requiring skill and experience with microsurgery and peripheral nerve surgery for optimal results.
Take a moment to learn more about DIEP flap breast reconstruction and whether it might be the right option for you.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgically rebuilds your breasts using your own tissue after a mastectomy. Procedures that use your own tissue are called autologous reconstruction surgeries.
Unlike the older method of autologous reconstruction, DIEP flap surgery is a more refined method that preserves your abdominal muscles for better function after surgery and a faster, less painful recovery. Dr. Echo usually performs nipple reconstruction after you’ve healed from the DIEP flap surgery.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction uses tissues (skin and fat) and blood vessels from your abdomen to reshape your breasts, giving you back a natural appearance without implants.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers advantages over other types of breast reconstruction. DIEP flap surgery at Anthony Echo MD offers even more advantages thanks to Dr. Echo’s unique skill and training.
Here’s a closer look at why to consider DIEP flap reconstruction:
Because Dr. Echo constructs your new breasts from your own tissues, the results are more natural, and you don’t have to worry about breast implants.
Since the excess fat and tissues used in DIEP flap reconstruction comes from your belly, you’ll enjoy a tighter, flatter abdomen after your surgery. In addition, unlike older autologous reconstruction methods, with DIEP flap surgery the muscles in your abdomen and your abdominal wall remain strong.
Loss of sensation is one of the biggest complaints from women who’ve had breast reconstruction. Because of Dr. Echo’s training in peripheral nerve surgery, he can repair damaged nerves during your DIEP flap surgery.
Note that most plastic surgeons don’t complete fellowships in microsurgery and peripheral nerve surgery, meaning they cannot restore lost sensation with DIEP flap surgery.
If you’re considering breast reconstruction, call Anthony Echo, MD, at the Houston location most convenient to you to learn more about DIEP flap breast reconstruction and your breast reconstruction options. Or you can request an appointment online now.
