Surgical Flap Delay

Surgical delay is a preconditioning technique used in reconstructive flap surgery. During this approach, the competing vascular supply of the flap is disrupted in order to increase blood supply to the tissue. It allows a greater amount of donor tissue to be harvested than with other techniques. When used in the abdomen, it allows for a lower abdominal scar by augmenting flow to tissue in the lower abdomen. A larger more robust flap can then be isolated and transferred to the chest after a few weeks.

What is surgical flap delay?

Surgical flap delay is a method of improving an autologous flap’s survival and bulking up the tissue for a larger, more robust breast shape. Surgical delay requires a partial disruption of the blood supply followed by final reconstruction after four weeks. Dr. Zampell makes all the incisions for the flap, interrupting all competing blood supply, allowing the remaining vessel to dilate, and thus re-routing blood flow through the desired vessel. Dr. Zampell is among the few practicing surgeons offering this cutting-edge treatment option for selected cases.

Who is a good candidate for the surgical flap delay?

The best way to determine your candidacy for any type of flap procedure is to meet in private with Dr. Zampell at her Beverly Hills office. The surgical flap delay is just one of our many innovative surgeries designed to accommodate patients of all body types and backgrounds.

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What will my recovery entail?

Dr. Zampell will provide you with an in-depth aftercare plan that addresses eating, sleeping, exercising and returning to work. Typical recovery time is between four and six weeks. Dr. Zampell will see you regularly for follow up visits and is available around the clock for emergency concerns.

Zampell Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Why choose Zampell Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery?

Dr. Zampell works hard to remain on the forefront of medical science, frequently attending microsurgery symposiums, conferences and networking events. She is dedicated to solving even the most difficult of challenges when it comes to revitalizing quality of life and aesthetic appeal for her breast cancer patients.

Dr. Zampell trained with Dr. Robert Allen, a pioneer breast reconstructive surgeon who created the primary autologous flap surgery used around the world today. After graduating with honors from Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Zampell went on to pursue a demanding residency in plastic and general surgery at NYU Medical Center. She then completed an elite fellowship in the industrious field of microsurgery at the University of California Los Angeles.

Surgical Flap Delay

What is surgical flap delay?

Who is a good candidate for the surgical flap delay?

What are the benefits of surgical flap delay?

What will my recovery entail?

Why choose Zampell Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery?