Stacked DIEP Flap

Jandali Plastic Surgery

Being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy can be life-altering experiences for women, leaving them with physical and emotional scars. Fortunately, breast reconstruction can help women regain their sense of femininity and self-confidence. One of the most advanced options for breast reconstruction is the Stacked DIEP flap procedure.

What is a Stacked DIEP Flap?

A Stacked DIEP flap is a type of microsurgical breast reconstruction that uses tissue from the patient’s own body to rebuild the breast. Unlike traditional breast reconstruction methods, the Stacked DIEP flap procedure does not rely on implants.. Instead, it uses a patient’s own lower abdominal tissue, including skin, fat, and blood vessels, to create a natural-looking and feeling breast.

What makes the Stacked DIEP flap procedure unique is its use of two DIEP flaps from each side of the lower abdomen, one stacked on top of the other, to rebuild the breast. This approach is performed for women who need to create a larger breast than what only one DIEP flap would be able to create for them.

Benefits of Stacked DIEP Flap Procedure

The Stacked DIEP flap procedure offers several benefits for women who are undergoing breast reconstruction, including:

Natural-looking result: The Stacked DIEP flap procedure uses a patient’s own tissue to create a new breast, resulting in a natural-looking and feeling breast that closely resembles the patient’s original breast.
Increased volume: Using two DIEP flaps can provide increased volume in the reconstructed breast, creating a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing result compared to the opposite breast.
No need for implants: Using two DIEP flaps avoids the need to use an implant for additional volume.

Ideal Candidates for Stacked DIEP Flap Procedure

Women who are considering the Stacked DIEP flap procedure should be in good general health and have sufficient abdominal tissue to use for the reconstruction. Women who have had previous abdominal surgeries or have abdominal hernia repair with mesh may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.

It is important to have a thorough consultation with Dr. Jandali to determine if the Stacked DIEP flap procedure is the right choice for you. During the consultation, Dr. Jandali will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your goals and expectations for breast reconstruction.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The Stacked DIEP flap procedure is performed in the hospital and takes approximately 7 to 9 hours to complete. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during the procedure:

Anesthesia: You will be under general anesthesia for the entire procedure, so you won’t feel or remember anything. In addition, the anesthesia team performs nerve blocks that help with postoperative pain control.
Incision: Dr. Jandali will make a lower abdominal incision to harvest the two DIEP flaps. There will also be scars on the breast in order to transplant the tissue for breast reconstruction.
Dissection of blood vessels and transfer of the tissue: The blood vessels are carefully dissected and connected to blood vessels in the chest area.
Molding the tissue: Dr. Jandali will use sutures and other techniques to sculpt the tissue into the desired breast shape.
Closure of incision: The incisions will be closed with sutures and drains will be placed.

It is important to follow all of Dr. Jandali’s instructions for aftercare, including wound care and limitations, to help you heal properly and achieve the best possible results. Dr. Jandali will also provide you with a schedule for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.

Recovery after Stacked DIEP Flap Procedure

The recovery period after the Stacked DIEP flap procedure will vary for each individual. Most women can expect to return to work within 2-3 weeks after the procedure. During the first few weeks of recovery, it is important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities to allow the tissue to heal properly. Patients can return to exercise with no limitations about 8 weeks after surgery.

Mild discomfort is common after the Stacked DIEP flap procedure and can be managed with pain medication. Dr. Jandali will also provide you with a schedule for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stacked DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

Stacked DIEP Flap is an advanced type of breast reconstruction that uses two sets of tissue flaps from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy, providing greater volume for women with more abundant abdominal tissue.

How does Stacked DIEP differ from traditional DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The main difference is the number of flaps used. While traditional DIEP uses one flap from the abdomen, Stacked DIEP uses two, allowing for greater volume in the reconstructed breast.

Who is a good candidate for Stacked DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

Women with more abundant abdominal tissue who desire a larger reconstructed breast are ideal candidates. As always, your doctor will help determine if this procedure is right for you.

What is the recovery process like for a Stacked DIEP Flap procedure?

Recovery from Stacked DIEP is similar to traditional DIEP, involving a few days in the hospital followed by a period of rest and gradual resumption of normal activities at home, based on your doctor’s guidance.

What kind of results can I expect from Stacked DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

With Stacked DIEP, you can expect a natural look and feel, as the procedure uses your own tissue for reconstruction. This procedure can also provide greater volume than traditional DIEP, especially beneficial for those desiring larger breasts. Results may vary based on individual circumstances.

Stacked DIEP Flaps for Better Breast Symmetry

In conclusion, the Stacked DIEP flap procedure is a highly-specialized option for women who are looking to rebuild their breast after mastectomy. With its use of two DIEP flaps, this procedure can provide a more natural-looking and feeling result with increased volume.

If you are a resident of or near Connecticut and are considering breast reconstruction, we encourage you to visit Jandali Plastic Surgery in Trumbull. Dr. Jandali will provide you with a thorough consultation and help you determine if the Stacked DIEP flap procedure is the right choice for you.

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I recently had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and Dr. Jandali is not only great at what he does, he is an amazing surgeon and perfectionist that is kind and warm with an exceptional staff. Each person I have met in his office is wonderful all across the board his office is a fantastic place that I highly recommend to anyone, you will not be uncomfortable or disappointed. All the girls on his team are truly the BEST he sure knows how to pick his staff, LOVE them!!! I look forward to my visits and am beyond grateful to be in the best care. Thankful to all of you for my experience I can't say enough. :-)

This is a wonderful place. I came to Dr. Jandali’s office after finding out I had breast cancer. It was such a scary time in my life but Dr. Jandali made me feel comfortable and explained my options for reconstruction after mastectomy. I opted for the DIEP flap and am very happy with the results. Dr. Jandali basically performs magic in making things look better. He and his entire staff are so professional and kind. The PAs Jennifer, Brielle, and Shelby are amazing. They spent so much time with me explaining everything along the way and answering any questions I had. Plus, it is obvious that they really care. I am actually going to miss seeing them.

I met Dr. Jandali and his team after making the decision to undergo a double mastectomy with reconstruction. At 32 years old, learning I was BRCA2 positive and having two toddlers at home, I was so scared and didn’t know what to expect. Between Dr. J & Shelby, I was immediately put at ease and walked through the entire process. Shelby, was and is, still my strength when I walk into the office. She has reassured me, talked me through all my emotions, and has been AMAZING on this journey. I can’t thank Shelby enough. And Dr. J and his expertise, made me feel like myself again, it’s like I came out of this better then ever! Thank you all!!

I cannot recommended Dr. Jandali enough for any women who are undergoing DIEP flap reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Dr. Jandali and his phenomenal staff are so not only knowledgeable and extremely capable but kind and sensitive to the situation that their patients are going through. They take their time to explain every step of the surgery, even taking the time to draw pictures and answer any questions I had. I was very well informed about what would take place and my expectations were well exceeded. Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a challenge but I cannot express my gratitude that I had Dr. Jandali and his team on my side.

I walked into Dr. Jandali’s office for a consultation with so much sadness and fear of what lie ahead for me. I had previously met with a few other plastic surgeons but knew after meeting with Dr. Jandali that he would be my surgeon. He was beyond thorough in his explanation of the whole procedure from start to finish and I could tell he would be overly cautious to prevent infection or any chance of something going wrong. He is a perfectionist in every sense of the word. In addition his staff was always so personal and professional and available to answer any and all questions.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer I was scared. I immediately felt at ease when I had my first visit with Dr. Jandali. He explained everything in detail about the breast reconstruction I would be having and made me feel at ease. On surgery day his amazing PA Brielle made sure I knew she was right there in the operating room with me and held my hand to comfort my anxiety until I was asleep. I’m so happy with my results after only 1 week post op. The entire staff is so friendly.