DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction - Gina's Story - Nebraska Medicine

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be both physically and emotionally draining. Nebraska Medicine offers some of the most sophisticated breast reconstruction options to help women feel whole again after treatment is over.
Gina Westfall received DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Nebraska Medicine. DIEP flaps use only skin and fat for reconstruction, which is less physically demanding on a woman. A DIEP flap approach is best performed by a reconstructive plastic surgeon who has advanced knowledge and training in microvascular surgery due to its complexity. Nebraska Medicine is one of only a few breast programs in the region with microvascular-trained surgeons.
"I felt like someone was finally listening to me and I was given more options than just getting a double mastectomy and implants and moving on - because that's not what I want. I wanted to be as close to normal as possible. That's what we deserve as cancer patients in my opinion. We've been through so much," says Westfall.
To schedule an appointment, call 402.559.5600.

[@ngpoct123456789]

I am currently 1 week post op from DIEP flap surgery. I can’t even believe how good I feel. Nebraska Med and Dr Wong are an amazing medical/surgical team. I, too, had issues with implants initially. It’s been a long road but I feel I may be able start moving forward. Many thanks!

[@italysnena812]

I’m having this surgery this month. I decided against an implant because of the extra surgeries and implant illnesses I’ve heard of. Hoping it goes as well as yours 🙏🏼

[@music.medication]

I was diagnosed earlier this year at 24 years old. Had a double mastectomy with expanders. Had problems with both of them on separate occasions, my incisions opened up and I had an infection on one side. Now I'm flat. I hadn't even heard of flap surgeries so I'm thinking this may be the route to go. Thank you for the informative video!

[@karenshort3880]

I had my DEIP Flap surgery on February 3, 2021. I was diagnosed with cancer on October 16,2019. Got my Double Mastectomy on January 9, 2020. I can’t wait to feel normal again. I’m still on Bed Rest.

[@Mizzv247]

Beautiful story ❤

[@carmelita2475]

I’ve been waiting for just over a year now for my reconstruction and still waiting 😢. I’ve had double mastectomy in jan 2020. Have breast expanders in right now for over a year which is starting to hurt . I really just want them out now and have my own tissue so I can feel normal again 😢😢

[@HighLive4Today]

I have been on a waiting list for 2 years for this surgery. Since my cancer is gone I’m not a priority. I’ve been walking around with 1 breast for 3 years. That’s just not right.

[@butterfly1411]

Is there a risk of blood clotting with the transfer of the abdominal artery to the new Breast tissue and fat?

[@Dandelion_flight]

It is wonderful being able to use our own body fats. But I want to ask how would the transplanted fats be viable in the breasts, since I understand that fat cells need blood supply. In plastic surgery, nano fats are used as 'fillers' for people's faces and it seems like the results are not reliable because the fat cells will eventually die. To replace the breasts would mean even more fats. How do the fats survive long term? Thanks.