Why is it so important to choose a highly qualified surgeon for the DIEP flap?
DIEP flap breast reconstruction in New York requires more time to complete than implant-based breast reconstruction because of the precision and technical expertise required. In addition, surgery is not only being performed at the breast, but also at the flap donor site (abdomen). Despite operating on the breast and abdomen, no body cavities are accessed during the surgery and the harvesting is confined to the skin and underlying soft tissue, which is more easily tolerated.
The careful managing of the blood vessels increases operating time, but the human body tolerates surgery on the skin and fat very well. Patients recover quickly with usually only a two or three-night hospital stay. The abdominal scar is low on the abdomen, like an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) scar. DIEP flap procedures should only be done by plastic surgeons who perform microsurgery regularly and have the necessary qualifications and training to perform microsurgery.