Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy can be a difficult decision for women to make. There are many options available to suit each individual person tailored to womens needs. Broadly speaking reconstruction involves Implants or using patients own skin and fat also known a free flap.
Implant or Free Tissue Transfer
Free Flap Surgery
including DIEP
Ms Dhalia Masud is one of the most experienced microsurgical breast reconstruction surgeons in the UK, having performed over 300 free flap breast reconstructions.
Microsurgical breast reconstruction uses your own natural tissue to recreate a breast after mastectomy. Skin and fat with its blood supply are transferred from another part of the body and the tiny blood vessels are reconnected under a microscope using sutures finer than a human hair.
This technique creates a soft, natural breast using your own tissue rather than implants.
DIEP Flap
The most common reconstruction is the DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator flap).
In this procedure, skin and fat from the lower abdomen are transferred to the chest to form a new breast while preserving the abdominal muscles.
Other Flap Options
If abdominal tissue is not suitable, other options include:
• PAP Flap – tissue from the inner thigh
• Lumbar Flap – tissue from the lower back / love handle area
During consultation, Ms Masud will assess which technique is best suited to your body and goals.
Length of Procedure
3-8 hrs, depending on whether one side or both sides are reconstructed and type of flap.
Length of Hospital Stay
3-7 days
Risks Include
Flap failure or partial flap failure 1%, infection, bleeding scarring, pain. numbness, fluid accumulation (seroma) assymentry
Recommended Time Off
6-12 weeks depending on the nature of surgery and the individual
Watch the series on Breast Reconstruction and contact us for discussion on breast reconstruction after breast removal (mastectomy)
Refinement After A DIEP Reconstruction
Following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, additional procedures may be required to optimise symmetry and refine the final result. These stages are an important part of achieving a natural and balanced outcome. These will be performed consultant led by Ms Masud. The waiting time for these procedures can limit and delay psychological and physical assessment the option to have this completed at Dalia UK by MS Masud can help with this acceptance and recovery
Nipple Reconstruction
Nipple reconstruction can be performed under local anaesthetic at Cutane Clinic. Miss Masud will carefully assess the position, symmetry, and overall breast shape before completing the reconstruction. This procedure is tailored to each patient, with a focus on achieving a natural appearance and improving the final aesthetic outcome following breast reconstruction.
Breast Uplift on the remaining breast
Breast uplift on the remaining breast can be performed to improve symmetry and overall balance following reconstruction. Miss Masud will assess breast position, shape, and proportion to plan the procedure. This is tailored to each patient, with the aim of achieving a natural, balanced result that complements the reconstructed breast. This can be performed as a day case
Refinement and contouring of the reconstructed breast
Refinement and contouring of the reconstructed breast can be performed to improve shape, symmetry, and overall appearance. Miss Masud will assess volume, contour, and position to plan the procedure. This is tailored to each patient, with the aim of achieving a smooth, natural result that complements the opposite breast.
Implant Based Reconstruction
Sometimes ladies may not have enough fat to reconstruct a new breast. In these situations they may opt to use implants to create a breast.
It is important to have an in depth conversation with your surgeon to see what option is suitable for you.