Q:What is the success rate for someone with: • a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in 2011; • encapsulation in 2016 with several fat graft attempts; • failed implant on radiated left breast site, removed in December 2016; and • removed right implant in February 2017? I am now am searching DIEP options.
Thanks, C
A:Hi C, I am sincerely sorry you have had so much trouble. Fortunately, none of your prior problems affect the success rate of DIEP flaps in our practice. We recently tabulated and presented our 15-year flap experience. After 1,362 DIEP flaps, the overall survival rate was 99 percent. Neither radiation nor previous failed implant reconstructions affects the flap survival rate. Many, many, many patients with a history of radiation and multiple implant failures have gone on to have successful DIEP flap reconstructions. I would be happy to meet with you and review your options, or chat with you by phone, just let us know how we can help.
Sincerely,
Richard M Kline Jr MD
