Autologous Breast Reconstruction With Diep, TMG & LD Flaps

By Elena Prousskaia MD, FRCS (Plast), FEBOPRAS

Carrying out breast reconstruction with your own tissue gives you a soft and natural looking breast for life.

To rebuild your breast Elena can use tissue from your tummy (called a DIEP flap), tissue from your thighs (TMG flap), or tissue from your back (LD flap). Choosing the best area to use as a donor site for your breast is very important and it depends on a number of factors.

In this page, we look at:
• How Elena Can Help With Your Breast Reconstruction
• What To Expect From A Consultation.
• Why Choose Elena Prousskaia

How can Elena help with your breast reconstruction

Following a long conversation and examination in the clinic, Elena will give you her recommendations and time to consider the different surgical options.

She will usually then arrange a second consultation to discuss the preferred option and for you to ask any further questions before we begin planning your surgery. Elena will talk you through all the necessary pre-surgery investigations, as well as the after-care required. She will also fully explain the risks associated with the procedure, only going ahead with the reconstruction operation once you are completely ready and happy with the choice you have made together.

What To Expect From A Consultation

Elena always offers lengthy, detailed consultations so she can fully understand the aims you are requesting. Elena can then talk through the available options, results and after care as well as the operation itself. You will then have a second consultation prior to your planned surgery to give yourself time to decide if you are happy to proceed.

Why choose Elena Prousskaia?

Ms Elena Prousskaia has been carrying out aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures for more than 20 years.

Elena trained for eight years in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and since then has held leading Fellowships around the world and specialised in breast surgery procedures, whether a patient is having the procedure for purely aesthetic reasons or as part of breast reconstruction. As an NHS Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Southmead Hospital, she dedicated several years to complex microsurgical reconstruction and general plastic surgery. During this time at North Bristol Trust, she particularly enjoyed rebuilding patients who suffered from breast cancer giving them their body and confidence back. At present, Ms Prousskaia runs her own successful private practice performing full range of plastic and aesthetic surgery for face, body and breast. Elena Prousskaia consults in several clinics around the South West. Please see the ‘Our Locations’ tab in the menu for exact addresses or call us to discuss your closest location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Recovery Time For Autologous Breast Reconstruction?

It can take about 6 months to recover from breast reconstruction surgery. We recommend that you wear a compression garment for up to 8 weeks after surgery. Ms Prousskaia will give you detailed recommendations for when you can start exercising, we would generally recommend at least 6 weeks out of work.

What Is The Aftercare?

The Elena Prousskaia Clinic prides itself on the quality of its aftercare so we’ll make absolutely sure you know what to expect, and how much rest is needed. We’ll give you specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with Elena.

How Much Does This Procedure Cost?

Please scroll down for more information on pricing.

Are There Any Risks With Having This Procedure?

Any procedure that requires a general anaesthetic comes with some risks. Like any major surgery, any surgery poses a risk of bleeding, infection, scarring and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure. Elena will provide you with further information with the risks and provide you with a detailed consent form during your consultations. This will help you to minimise the risks.

How Long Does Surgery Take?

Generally speaking breast reconstruction surgery timings may take from 2-8 hours, as this varies depending on the nature and complexity of the procedure.

Is Autologous Breast Reconstruction Painful?

After surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort, the level of which varies widely amongst patients. Your breasts may be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. You may feel soreness around the incisions, which may be red or pink for a few months. Numbness in your nipples, areolae and breast skin might last for a few months. There is rarely prolonged pain unless there is a complication and in all cases you will be prescribed pain medication.

Can Implants Be Used Together With Autologous Tissue?

Sometimes implants or expanders can be used in combination with Autologous tissue. The shape of implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop). Both can provide an excellent result. The outer shell and the filling may vary depending on the manufacturer. Miss Prousskaia has never used PIP implants in her practice and she will offer you high quality implants from the best manufacturers. You will discuss with Miss Prousskaia which specific shape and size of implant would give you the optimal result. You should know that in the European Union (EU) 95% of implants used for breast augmentation are made of silicone gel and only 5% contains other type of fillings such as saline. Mentor Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants are devices with shells constructed from silicone elastomer. The shell is filled with MemoryGel®, Mentor’s proprietary formulation of silicone gel.

Will I Be Able To Wear A Normal Bra Afterwards?

You will wear your support bra for 1-2 months after surgery – then you can look at purchasing your own ‘normal’ bras for everyday wear once fully healed.

What Would My Expected Results Be?

Elena prides herself on taking the time to truly understand a patient’s aims and discussing what result will work best given the patient’s body shape and size. Although good results are expected, the body is not symmetric and almost everyone has some degree of unevenness, which may not be recognized in advance. The more realistic your expectations as to results, the better your results will be in your eye. You will have at least two consultations with Elena where she ensures that she meets your expectations and she will always try to achieve your desired results.

Treatment Cost

The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.

The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.

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Initial Consultation...

££200 - £250 location dependent

Surgery Costs From...

£TBC at consultation

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See The Results For Yourself

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Treatment At A Glance

Surgical Time 4 - 8 hours
Hospital Stay 3 - 5 days
Initial Recovery Time 2 - 6 weeks
Anaesthetic General anaesthetic
Final Result 3 - 12 months
Follow Up 1, 4, 12 weeks & 1 year

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WHAT DO ELENA'S PATIENTS SAY...

Elena was recommended to me and as soon as I met her I felt entirely comfortable. Her explanations made sense in terms of expectations. Having made the big decision I did feel nervous but had absolute trust and confidence in Elena. I knew I was in the best hands. Elena's team is so supportive, my questions were answered with patience and understanding. My care at the McIndoe Centre was excellent. I am five weeks post op for abdominoplasty and liposuction and last week. Quite amazing to see the before and after pictures! I am so pleased that I was fortunate enough to meet Elena and have no hesitation in recommending her.

SM – Abdominoplasty & Liposuction

I have been both physically and mentally uncomfortable in my body since I was 12. I was born with ‘breast mutation’ and I first had surgery to correct this through the NHS at 16 years old. The surgery I have had with Elena, 17 years later, has removed the NHS implants, one of which had ruptured, and completely altered the shape of my chest. By doing this she has made me look and feel like a woman for the first time in my life. She is at all times quietly kind and fiercely adept. A true artist. She has surrounded herself with the most wonderful team and I cannot thank them all enough for the new lease of life that I have been given.

EG – Removal & Replacement of Implants

I have been self conscious for the whole of my adult life and I cannot express how much this surgery  has changed things for me. Both mentally and physically. I highly recommend Elena. She supported me throughout my journey from start to finish. Elena is very particular which for me is really important. Elena really took care of me from initial consultation right through to surgery and aftercare.My scaring is minimal and I am absolutely over the moon with my results. Thank you Elena!

JB – Breast Reduction

Elena is an OUTSTANDING surgeon. I had PIP implants and was looking to have them changed. I knew Elena was the surgeon to help, she put me at ease and explained my options. The lovely ladies in her office were helpful, I wanted to get sorted asap, when an alternative date was available contacted me straight away. I received outstanding care from start to finish from Elena, her team and the hospital. The aftercare is amazing, nothing is too much trouble, can call any time. I was so relaxed, I knew I was in great hands. The final results are fantastic. Elena has worked magic and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so glad I found her. I can’t thank her and her team enough.

LMS – implant Removal & Replacement

Had surgery with Elena in September, I was extremely anxious about the whole thing, but Elena and her whole team, from admin to the hospital staff were amazing with me and reassured me throughout my journey. I can not recommend Elena enough, and she has changed my life for the better! Already saving for my next operation with her!

SM – Abdominoplasty & Arm Lift

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