In a delayed reconstruction we usually need more skin to replace what was removed in the mastectomy. Abdominal tissue is a good choice in this situation as it provides both adequate skin and underlying fat to produce a soft natural breast without the need for an implant.
This 50 year old patient previously had a right mastectomy. A year later with David Floyd she had a delayed reconstruction using a DIEP. 4 months after this, she had a nipple reconstruction and the final result shows good symmetry at 18 months.
This 45 yr old lady had a previous right mastectomy and radiotherapy. She went on to have a delayed DIEP reconstruction by Mr Floyd. 6 months later her surgery was completed with a nipple reconstruction, lipofilling to the right sides and a left breast uplift. The final result is at 16 months.
This lady had a right mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A year later she underwent a delayed right DIEP by David Floyd. Surgery was completed with a nipple reconstruction and a left reduction 3 months later. The final picture is at 18 months, and she is awaiting tattooing.
(Please note that all images are original and un-modified and consent has been kindly given for their use)
| Length of surgery | 4-6 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthetic |
| In-patient stay | 4-7 nights and always in a fully equipped hospital |
| Frequent Complications | Bruising, swelling, numbness |
| Infrequent Complications | Infection, delayed wound healing, bleeding(haematoma), fat necrosis, flap failure |
| Recovery | 7-10 days before socialising with friends and family 8-12 weeks off work 1st dressing at 1 week driving 4-6 weeks return to the gym 6 weeks travel abroad 6-8 weeks |
| Follow-up | as required but usually: 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months |
