Before and after bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction in a 59 year old breast cancer survivor. Her previous implant reconstructions had failed due to left nipple and areola necrosis and severe infection. Once her infection and edema (firm swelling and tissue engorgement) had resolved, she sought breast reconstruction using her own tissue.
Skin and fat was harvested from her lower abdomen and transplanted to the chest via the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and its accompanying veins. 6 months after her microsurgical breast reconstructions, the left nipple was reconstructed by the local flap technique. Medical tattoo created an areolar circle on the left.
Follow up photos are shown 7 months after her DIEP flaps and one month after nipple and areola reconstruction. She is being treated for an unrelated right shoulder injury – hence the white tapes on her shoulder.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
