1 year after DIEP flap with Lymph Node Transfer – patient has no lymphoedema anymore and not using garments
2.5 Years after DIEP Flap with Lymph Node transplant-stable result with no sign of lymphoedema. Patient remains free of garments.
Natural breast reconstruction
DIEP FLAP (Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap) is the mainstay procedure today to reconstruct the breast with patients’ own tissue. This complex technique, developed by dr Allen (New York, USA) has recently been upgraded with adding vascularised lymphatic tissue to prevent lymphoedema in patients undergoing mastectomy and DIEP flap breast reconstruction by prof Masia (Barcelona, Spain). Same technique can be used for patients in need of breast reconstruction with already established lymphedema to their upper limb to treat it. Mr Kosutic is the only plastic surgeon in UK currently offering this technique of ‘total natural breast reconstruction’, as he has been trained by both prof. Masia (completed Fellowship in breast reconstruction, perforator flaps and microsurgery) and dr Allen in New York. Patients requiring mastectomy can now benefit from both natural tissue breast reconstruction and prevention of lymphedema in the same procedure. Patients who previously had mastectomy, can now get their surgical lymphedema treatment at the same time with natural tissue breast reconstruction.