Omental flap reconstruction/ other autologous reconstruction

lilisc

Hi there,

I see only 2 prior posts from 2022 and 2023 regarding Omental flap reconstruction with very limited responses. I am hoping someone here may have had this autologous reconstruction done and can share any feedback. My surgeon at Stanford is one of only a small handful doing this procedure in the US. She recommends it for me due to my thinner build, but I am a little nervous as it is still a uncommon approach being so new, and lacks long term follow up data.

Additionally, if there’s anyone here who has had a DIEP flap Construction with low body mass and fat availability, I would love to know how that went, please. And if any additional liposuction fat grafting was done either during the initial surgery or after in the future.

Also, if people have had a autologous reconstruction, the benefits or drawbacks of having it done at the same surgery time as mastectomy versus mastectomy first and going back in months later for the reconstruction.

Any help would be very appreciated!!

Lili

moderators

@lilisc - Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We’re sorry you’re facing these decisions, but glad you reached out. Reconstruction choices can feel overwhelming, and it’s smart to hear from others who’ve been through it. While you wait for responses, here’s a helpful section from our main site: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types

Also, take a look at this discussion, here: Anyone had omental flap reconstruction?

Hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing more from you soon.

The Mods

ratherbesailing

Hi Lili -

I wasn't super-thin, but the first plastic surgeon told me I didn't have enough abdominal tissue for DIEP. Got a second opinion, and he utilized both sides of my abdomen and stacked them. More complicated, and still only a B cup, but I'm happy. And, yes, they did go back a second time six months later for liposuction from the thighs to build it up a little more.

Usually reconstruction is delayed and a tissue expander is placed under the pec muscle. during the mastectomy. This is then filled with saline over the course of a couple of months in order to stretch the skin so that it will cover the new breast. I was originally a D cup, but they still felt they needed to do it. Also, if you plan on radiation therapy, reconstruction is usually delayed until the breast has settled after radiation - about six months.

I would ask the ps about how she covers the new breast mound. And I'd get a second opinion. The omentum procedure may be a great option for you, but you want to be comfortable with it. Good luck!