This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.
Question: I had bilateral mastectomy in Dec 2009. Is it possible for me to have bilateral DIEP now?
Answer: Thanks for your great question! There is no limit on the time elapsed from your mastectomies for you to have DIEP flaps. In fact, it is not terribly unusual to reconstruct people who, for various reasons, have delayed reconstruction for 10-15 years. Generally speaking, they do at least as well as patients who have immediate reconstruction, and sometimes better. If you have a suitable donor site (which most people do), and you are in reasonably good health, it is very likely that you could have reconstruction with your own tissue.
I would be more than happy to speak with you by phone, or, if you are able, evaluate you in person. If you wish, we could have our NP Lindsey or PA Audrey contact you to get more information.
Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!