Aesthetical outcome after breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: Personal techniques.
BACKGROUND
Now-a-days, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is widespread throughout the world. The aesthetical result is very important in breast reconstruction and its improvement is mandatory for plastic surgeons.


METHODS
The most frequent problems, we have observed in breast reconstruction with DIEP flap are breast asymmetry in terms of volume and shape, the bulkiness of the inferior lateral quadrant of the new breast, the loss of volume of the upper pole and the lack of projection of the inferior pole. We proposed our personal techniques to improve the aesthetical result in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Our experience consists of more than 220 DIEP flap breast reconstructions.


RESULTS
The methods mentioned for improving the aesthetics of the reconstructed breast reported good results in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The aim of our work is to describe our personal techniques in order to correct the mentioned problems and improve the final aesthetical outcome in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Department of Plastic Surgery, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Chiara
C
Gelati
Department of Plastic Surgery, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Luca
L
Negosanti
Department of Plastic Surgery, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Erich
E
Fabbri
Department of Plastic Surgery, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Riccardo
R
Cipriani
Aesthetic refinements; breast reconstruction; deep inferior epigastric perforator flap