Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Delayed Reconstruction Questions about Delayed Breast Reconstruction. |
420 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6/2011 | I was dx'd with stage 3b breast cancer in Oct,06. I recently had a bilat. DIEP flap (8 weeks ago). I am happy with the breasts (although a little "tweaking" may be needeed during the next step). My concern, however is a bulge below the abdominal scar. At my last check up (about 2 weeks ago) my PS did not feel that it was a hernia. I am concerned that it may be a complication- poss. caused by the fact that I had several abdominal surgeries which may have weaked the muscles in the abdomen. Is this a possibility? And if it is, what can be done to repair it? I don't like the looks of the bulge and would like a flat stomach. There is also some pain below the bulge. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 1/6/2011 | If this was a true DIEP flap then no muscle was cut at all and no tunneling of tissue done either. bulges are a common problem with TRAM flaps but not DIEP flaps. We have our patients do core strengthening of their abdominal muscles prior to surgery so they are physically fit to embark on surgery and a smooth recovery. it's possible that the abdominal muscles are weak but not due to the surgery. keep in mind too that this bulge may have always been there but not noticed because it was inside of you. now that the tummy fat is gone the bulge is now noticable. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.