stacked diep

gillhame

Has anyone ever heard of a stacked diep?  Why is it done?  How does it look?

TammyLou

I would get the surgeon to define it for you, exactly.

In a typical bi-lateral procedure, the harvested abdominal flap is cut in half (approximately) and each half is shaped to create a breast mound.  (TWO breast mounds.)

What I think the surgeon could be talking about is "stacking" the flaps on top of each other (a "double" flap / breast mound) to create a single breast (ONE breast mound from "stacked" DIEP flaps).  This would be desirable if there is insufficient fat in the abdominal area to create an adequately sized breast mound.

I have also seen people use this term to refer to placing an implant under the muscle in conjuction with an abdominal flap, but I don't think that it is an entirely correct use of the term.

Tammy Lou

TammyLou

Initially, it looks alot like this (on one side only).  The scarring will be alot less on the chest if you have an immediate skin-sparing procedure.  (This is delayed AND Bi-lateral.)

My photos won't show on this board.  To see them, go to

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/28Oct20071.jpg

(that's the direct link...maybe it will work)

Note that this is stage 1.  They are assymetrical (the cancer side is "higher" because there was less skin available.)  This is relatively common...and is easily corrected.

Here's the tummy:

(Sorry...the images aren't showing) 

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/28Oct20072.jpg

This will all look better later (when it heals).  I am currently 25 days out of surgery.

There are some really good pictures and stories at

http://www.breastreconstruction.org/PersonalStories.html

cbl

Wow your new DIEP breast look great.  I have never seen incisions like these before.  Your abdominal scar looks especially good and healing quickly. 

kathyv

those do look great, there is hardly any bruising.  My RT side is still pretty black and it was 5 weeks ago

TammyLou

Thank you.

I am really pleased with the abdomen.  No dog ears...nothing.  (Smooth).

The left breast has a jagged edge.  Some of that is because there was alot of damaged skin that had to be removed.

It is interesting that the incisions are curved.  Great with a tank top.  (Spaghetti straps...here we come!)

I think I could wear quite a low V neck without any scars showing.

All things considered, I am very pleased.  (Surgeon got "creative"...and, I'm glad...it was a mess.)

Tammy Lou

lexi4

TammyLou,

You look soo good! I am just so happy for you! Thanks again for always being so willing to share your pics. You have been through some tough stuff. I am proud of how you have stuck it out and now are getting the fabulous results you should have gotten the first go around.

HUgs,

Lexi

rubytuesday

Tammy, AWESOME!!!  You look GREAT!  I am so glad for you!  Best wishes

TammyLou

Thanks for your support.  It has been a long, difficult road.

And, I am VERY HAPPY!

Revisions in January.

xx

Tammy Lou