Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction in the setting of cryolipolysis

Abstract

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a safe and reliable autologous breast reconstruction option for patients undergoing surgical treatment for breast cancer. Success of the procedure relies on adequate flap perfusion from perforators that travel within the subcutaneous layer of the abdominal wall. Patients who have undergone invasive abdominal wall procedures such as suction-assisted liposuction may therefore be at increased risk of postoperative complications such as flap loss and fat necrosis. In recent years, noninvasive fat-reduction techniques such as cryolipolysis have grown immensely in popularity. However, there are no data regarding outcomes for patients who have undergone DIEP flap breast reconstruction after having previously undergone abdominal cryolipolysis. The current case demonstrates that free flap breast reconstruction can be performed safely in this patient population, and that adjunct imaging modalities may improve clinical decision-making.