Before and after right DIEP flap reconstruction and bilateral breast revision in a 39-year-old breast cancer survivor. Years previously, she underwent a right nipple-sparing mastectomy with implants placed on both sides. She had failed two past attempts at surgical correction of right recurrent capsular contracture; she opted for a flap-based reconstruction instead, with removal of both implants.
Bilateral explantation was performed with a total capsulectomy on the right. Skin and fat was microvascularly transplanted from the lower abdomen to her right breast as a DIEP flap. A balancing mastopexy lifted the left nipple and reshaped the left breast to be more of a teardrop, and a left-to-right free nipple graft reconstructed the right nipple.
Follow up photos are shown 1 year after surgery. She committed to lifestyle changes after surgery and ended up getting fitter and losing some weight, but her flap volume remained proportional to her body. Her scars are fading; she is very happy with her decision to have breast revision surgery.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
