Is a DIEP Breast Reconstruction Painful?

You can expect moderate to severe initial discomfort after the general anesthesia wears off after your surgery. This pain is primarily in the abdomen and chest, but we will give you ample pain medication to help ease the discomfort. This procedure is generally less painful than receiving implants, making it more appealing to potential patients.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

DIEP Breast Reconstruction is a complex procedure that requires several appointments over the course of 3 to 6 months. You can expect at least a couple of initial pre-surgery consultations, a surgery lasting several hours, staying overnight at the hospital for up to a week, and attending several follow-up appointments. You will go over the expected number of appointments during your consultations.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial improvements will begin to appear within a few weeks as swelling gradually recedes, but the final results typically settle in after 3 to 6 months or more. It’s important to remain patient and resilient, and to follow all post-surgery instructions properly to ensure you heal efficiently.

Can I Combine a DIEP Breast Reconstruction with Other Procedures?

Many patients combine their DIEP Breast Reconstruction with other procedures to achieve harmonious, balanced results in a single recovery period and save costs that would be incurred if the procedures were performed separately. If you are interested in combining procedures, you can go over the options during your consultations.

What Are the Risks Associated with a DIEP Breast Reconstruction?

Any procedure you receive will have some associated risks, though our expert surgeons’ extensive experience minimizes the following risks: Swelling Fatigue Soreness and tenderness Partial or total flap loss, such as tissue death due to blood flow issues Abdominal hernia or weakness Infection Fat necrosis Scarring Venous congestion Changes in shape or sensation Seromas or hematomas Scarring Blood clots Unsatisfactory results

Breast Reconstruction in Macon, GA

DIEP Breast Reconstruction

Introduction

Introduction to DIEP Breast Reconstruction

Though breast implants are a well-known option for adding volume to breasts, they are not necessarily required to form a new breast, especially for patients who have had a mastectomy to treat or prevent breast cancer. Working in tandem with Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire of the Center for Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction, Dr. Joshua R. Groves helps women across Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, and the surrounding area achieve permanent, safe, and natural-looking results with DIEP breast reconstruction surgery. Because this method uses your own tissue, the new breasts feel and move like your normal breasts, making it an extremely popular option.

What is a DIEP Breast Reconstruction?

A DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) breast reduction is an advanced microsurgical procedure that uses your own skin, fat, and blood vessels to rebuild a natural, soft breast after a mastectomy. There are several areas of your body that can be used for breast reconstruction, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and back, especially if the lower abdomen is not an option, such as with slimmer individuals. Taking spare skin and fat from the lower abdomen serves as a tummy tuck in exchange for a scar on the lower tummy and a new breast.

What Are the Benefits of a DIEP Breast Reconstruction?

Individuals across Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, and the surrounding area can significantly benefit from this procedure in several ways, including:

A new breast that feels, moves, and has the sensation of natural tissue
Results that provide a more natural shape and better symmetry compared to implants
Maintains core strength because no muscle is cut
Reduced risk of long-term abdominal weakness or hernias
Quicker and less painful recovery period
Flatter, tighter stomach as a secondary benefit
No implant complications, such as implant rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture
Tissue behaves as part of your body once healed
Increased confidence and feeling of being “complete.”

Who Are the Best Candidates For a DIEP Breast Reconstruction?

If you are in Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, or the surrounding area and meet the following criteria, you could qualify for a DIEP Breast Reconstruction.

You have enough excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdomen to create a new breast.
You have good overall health and do not smoke, as this reduces blood flow and healing potential.
Desire for natural results using their own breast tissue over synthetic implants
Have undergone or are planning on getting a mastectomy
You have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do to meet your breast goals.

What’s the First Step?

The first step each of our patients across Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, or the surrounding area must take is going to a private consultation at Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. During the consultation, you will have an in-depth conversation about your breast goals as well as receive a physical examination and analysis of your breasts, abdomen, and other possible areas where fat can be taken from to form the breast. You will also discuss your medical history and current health status to check if you are a smoker and have or have had any diseases that would affect your safety during or after the surgery. If you are approved for the procedure, you will get a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.

What to Expect on the Day of DIEP Breast Reconstruction Surgery

On the day of your DIEP breast reconstruction, you will come into our clean, beautiful office to check in with our welcoming staff and get situated for the surgery.

Your abdomen and chest will be marked for the areas where the incisions will be placed. You will change into a gown, go over any final questions, and get set up with general anesthesia to ensure you are asleep and the surgery is pain-free.

During the operation, your lower abdomen is lifted with the blood vessels that supply it. This provides blood to the new breast, which will keep it healthy. The skin, fat, and blood vessels are completely detached from the body, then transplanted and reattached in the chest area. The blood vessels can be attached to the vein and artery in the armpit. After the blood vessels have been reconnected to your body, the new breast can be shaped from the skin and fat. After the abdomen is reclosed with stitches, you will have a long scar across your lower abdomen, which will be hidden under the bikini line.

DIEP Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Patients recovering from DIEP Breast Reconstruction in Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, and the surrounding area will need to stay at the hospital to recover for the first 3-7 days. During this time, you will focus on monitoring pain management and early mobility, as walking is encouraged after 24-48 hours. You’ll need to wear a support bra and abdominal binder for about a month. Keep your incisions dry during this time until cleared.

Fatigue, soreness, and swelling are very normal for the first few weeks, even after drains are removed. You may gradually resume normal activities, but be cautious of pain while lifting objects and exercising after the first couple of weeks. You’ll need several weeks off from work, and most patients are able to resume work after 6-8 weeks.

How Much Does a DIEP Breast Reconstruction Cost in Macon, GA?

The cost of a DIEP breast reconstruction in Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, and the surrounding areas varies widely based on several factors. Here are some factors influencing the cost:

Both breasts are reconstructed compared to only getting one treated.
Combining the procedure with one or more procedures
Extent and complexity of the procedure
Need for revisions
Anesthesia fees
Operating room fees
Insurance coverage

Our Ethos

Why Choose Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery?

At Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we proudly serve our patients in Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, and the surrounding area to ensure they get the results they deserve. Whether our patients want to enhance or reduce breast size, reshape their bodies, or receive non-invasive anti-aging treatments, we will work with you to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Your safety and comfort are our top priority, and we understand that a DIEP breast reconstruction can be a vulnerable procedure. That’s why we always provide empathetic care and help you feel empowered and confident as you work toward your aesthetic goals.

The Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and our incredible team of highly trained professionals, is led by Dr. Groves, our plastic surgeon. Dr. Groves is affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Aesthetic Society, the Bibb County Medical Association, and the Medical Association of Georgia, demonstrating his dedication to the plastic surgery community.

For the DIEP breast reconstruction procedure, we work with Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire, an expert breast reconstructive surgeon who is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

DIEP Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S

DIEP Breast Reconstruction is a complex procedure that requires several appointments over the course of 3 to 6 months. You can expect at least a couple of initial pre-surgery consultations, a surgery lasting several hours, staying overnight at the hospital for up to a week, and attending several follow-up appointments. You will go over the expected number of appointments during your consultations.
Any procedure you receive will have some associated risks, though our expert surgeons’ extensive experience minimizes the following risks:
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Soreness and tenderness
- Partial or total flap loss, such as tissue death due to blood flow issues
- Abdominal hernia or weakness
- Infection
- Fat necrosis
- Scarring
- Venous congestion
- Changes in shape or sensation
- Seromas or hematomas
- Scarring
- Blood clots
- Unsatisfactory results

Real Patient Reviews

What our patients say

I highly recommend you use Dr. Groves and his team! I had my first plastic surgery ever done and they have been amazing calling and checking on me as well as they also have a way you can text the phone line number and your question will get answered pretty fast! I wish i remembered everyones names but Danielle,Babs and Groves plus the rest of his team is amazing! He will be who i always use if i want something else done! Im only 4 days out and i already love my results though im still very swollen

Kayla T.
My experience has been nothing short of amazing. The staff and Doctor Groves are very professional and welcoming. I had my breast reduction surgery not long ago and I am more than pleased with my results. It’s been a whole year now and I wanted to give a update, everything is amazing my healing was easy and my result are just what I expected, Dr. Groves is the best! Thanks again!

Shereka S.
My Experience with Dr Groves has been top Notch! His Staff is Really Outstanding! So Sincere & Caring . Never experienced a better all around Fantastic group. I recently had Surgery. He is the Best! Makes Absolutely sure he knows what you are looking for & He will Deliver the Best Results.

Warren M

Start your journey with trusted, personalized care.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have received or are planning to receive a mastectomy, have enough excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdomen to create a new breast, and are in Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County, and the surrounding areas, we would be thrilled to meet you and discuss your goals. All you need to do is schedule a consultation, and we will get you set up with a day and time to come in.

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