Procedure: “baby-sitter” tissue expander and DIEP flap
This 51-year old lady was diagnosed with left breast cancer. She underwent left mastectomy with “baby-sitter” tissue expander placement. After a period of 6 months, allowing additional cancer treatment to be rendered, the tissue expander was replaced for a DIEP flap derived from the patient’s abdomen. This surgery resulted in immediate improvement of the abdominal contour. After one more additional surgery consisting of left breast liposuction, right breast reduction, and left nipple creation her reconstruction was complete. She is very pleased with the breast and abdominal contour. In fact, she is now able to buy clothes that are several sizes smaller than before the surgery.