I have a C-section scar -- can I still have DIEP flap surgery?

Like many women, you may have a large C-section scar across the lower half of your abdomen, and while this can be cause for concern when considering DIEP flap surgery, it doesn't have to mean that it isn't an option for you.

Most of the time, the vein and artery that are used in DIEP surgery have not been touched by the C-section procedure. Before surgery, your plastic surgeon will order an MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram), a special scan (with no x-ray exposure) that will provide an image of the blood vessels in your abdomen. If the vein and artery needed for a DIEP flap are in good shape, the DIEP surgery can go forward. If for some reason there has been damage during the C-section (or other previous abdominal surgery), don't worry -- there are still several flap options that are available to you, such as the PAP, TUG, S-GAP, or I-GAP.

For more information about DIEP flap or other reconstructive flap options, please feel free to call the Redstone MD offices at 973.867.8388 (NJ) or 212.249.1500 (NY).