Rib-sparing DIEP flap refers to a technique used during Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction surgery where the surgeon preserves the rib and surrounding muscle when accessing the blood vessels that supply the flap.

Quick Breakdown:
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction:
• Uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a new breast after mastectomy.
• Preserves the abdominal muscles (unlike TRAM flap).
• Requires connection of the flap’s blood vessels (deep inferior epigastric vessels) to chest vessels, usually the internal mammary vessels (IMVs).
• Traditional DIEP:
• Often involves removal of a portion of rib cartilage (typically the 2nd or 3rd rib) to reach the internal mammary vessels for microsurgical connection.
• This can lead to post-op pain, risk of chest wall weakness, or delayed healing.
• Rib-Sparing Technique:
• Avoids rib removal by carefully dissecting around the rib or using intercostal spaces.
• Benefits:
• Less post-op pain.
• Preserved chest wall integrity.
• Potentially quicker recovery.
• More cosmetic outcome (less chance of chest wall contour deformity).

Clinical Note:
• Rib-sparing is technically more challenging and requires a skilled microsurgeon.
• Not all patients are candidates; it depends on anatomy, vessel quality, and other surgical considerations.

Connect with Midwest Breast on Instagram: Instagram:
Instagram: @MWBreast

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

🎧 this episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast, Dr. Mark Cripe and I explore what science tells us about reducing the risk of breast cancer—and what that means for you. From nutrition, social connections and physical activity to alcohol use, sleep, early morning sunlight and early detection, we break down practical, evidence-based steps that can help you feel more empowered in your breast health journey. Whether you’re a survivor, a previvor, or simply seeking clarity, this conversation is a reminder that knowledge is power—and action is strength.
🌸 Empower yourself to live a rich, meaningful life.

#TheBreastCancerPodcast #BreastCancerAwareness #PreventionMatters #SurvivorStrong#highrisk#non-surgicalriskreduction

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

On this Mother's dray, we honor the heart of every mother — the love she gives, the sacrifices she makes, and the quiet strength she carries every single day.

But today, we also pause to ask: how can mothers take care of themselves? How can faith and medicine guide them to nurture not just others, but their own beautiful, essential selves?

Whether you are a mother, lost a mother, hope to be one, or are simply someone who has been touched by the love of a mother, this episode is for you.

Together, let’s explore what it means to mother others — and to mother ourselves — through the lens of both faith and wellness.

Please join my two special guests on the podcast:

Dr. Shabana Dewani is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to! You'll be able to hear her passion for how takes care of herself and advocates for other mothers.

Pastor Jennifer Jackson offers faith perspective and self care for women. She provides us her learnings as she went through her own breast cancer diagnosis. She strives to help women through life, whether it's a book, her own radio show, or by mentoring them. You'll be uplifted by our discussion with Jennifer she talks about what faith says about women taking care of themselves.

Learn More About Jennifer Jackson here.
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If you want to buy my book, click the link below.

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

Please join myself and Dr. Tiwari as we discuss "How to get optimized for breast surgery" with Dr. Knackstedt, who is a plastic surgeon as well as a functional medicine specialist.

1. What does it mean to be truly “optimized” for breast surgery—both physically and emotionally?
2. What are some of the most important things patients can do in the weeks leading up to surgery to support healing and recovery?
3. How does nutrition play a role in surgical recovery, and are there specific supplements or foods you recommend—or avoid?
4. Do you integrate any alternative or complementary therapies, like acupuncture or stress reduction techniques, into the surgical prep or recovery process?
5. What lab markers or health parameters do you check or optimize before surgery (e.g., inflammation, blood sugar, hormones)?
6. How can patients advocate for themselves when they feel like their concerns—especially around whole-body wellness—aren’t being heard?
9. What common myths or misconceptions do patients have about breast reconstruction that you’d like to clear up?
Post-Surgery Support
10. What are some of the most under-discussed aspects of post-op recovery that you think patients should know about?
11. Are there any red flags during recovery that patients should watch for and not ignore?
12. What long-term lifestyle practices support optimal outcomes after reconstruction?

Dr. Tiwari of Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery has teamed up with Breast Cancer Surgeon and Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Deepa Halaharvi to bring you this new educational series.

Connect with Midwest Breast on Instagram: Instagram:
Instagram: @MWBreast

Rebecca Knackstedt, MD, PhD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and gender-affirmation surgery. Dr. Knackstedt is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a certified functional medicine practitioner. She incorporates her functional medicine expertise into her surgical practice, helping patients initiate lifestyle-based interventions before surgery to improve outcomes, minimize pain, and optimize recovery. Dr. Knackstedt received her degrees at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2015 and completed her medical residency at Cleveland Clinic. In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Knackstedt is an assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as the assistant program director for the plastic surgery residency affiliated with Duke University Medical Center and Duke Raleigh Hospital.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@surgical_recovery
Instagram: @surgical_recovery

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

Welcome to cutting-edge approach to Breast Reconstruction: "The Nerve Sparing DIEP flap"

A "Nerve sparing DIEP flap" refers to a surgical technique used in breast reconstruction where the surgeon carefully dissects and preserves the nerves that supply the rectus abdominis muscle when harvesting tissue from the lower abdomen using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, minimizing potential complications like abdominal weakness or bulging at the donor site by avoiding damage to these motor nerves; essentially, it prioritizes preserving the function of the abdominal muscles while taking the necessary tissue for breast reconstruction.

Key points about nerve sparing DIEP flap:
•Muscle preservation: Unlike older techniques like the TRAM flap, a DIEP flap aims to completely spare the rectus abdominis muscle, only taking the skin, fat, and blood vessels supplied by the perforating vessels from the deep inferior epigastric artery.
•Nerve identification: During surgery, the surgeon carefully identifies and dissects around the nerves that innervate the rectus muscle to minimize their damage.
•Benefits: By preserving the nerves, a nerve-sparing DIEP flap can help maintain abdominal wall strength, reduce the risk of hernias, and improve post-operative function and body contour.

Connect with Midwest Breast on Instagram: Instagram:
Instagram: @MWBreast

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

In this episode, Dr. Mark Cripe and I are joined by Dr. Kevin Hughes, the Director of Cancer Genetics at the Hollings Cancer Center and the McKoy Rose, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology in the College of Medicine at MUSC. Dr Hughes is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in breast cancer, breast disease management, genetic testing and the identification and management of patients with hereditary breast cancer risk. His research focuses on developing tools that make cancer genetic testing simple, safe, and efficient.

https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/patient-care/genetic-counseling-and-hereditary-cancer/hereditary-cancer-clinic

https://web.musc.edu/inourdnasc

You will learn:

1. What is the definition of “High Risk”?
2. What are some risk factors for high risk?
3. Discuss the different risk calculators? Will AI replace these models?
4. How do you counsel woman at high risk?
5. Understanding many obstacles in seeing and counseling patients (socioeconomic, access to quality care, etc) do you think that we can use AI to help us?
6. How does having a high risk (Hereditary cancer clinic) like the one you have benefit hospital systems?
7. Million-dollar question? Will AI replace physicians and surgeonsJ?

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

Please join Dr. Walton Taylor, Elaine Fielding from Impedimed and Mary Rose Gill, RN as we discuss:

What is lymphedema?
How does SOZO help with early detection of lymphedema?
What do the L-Dex scores mean?
What are the risk factors for developing lymphedema?
What are some ways to minimize lymphedema?

Dr. Walton Taylor is a general surgeon specializing in the care of patients with breast cancer and melanoma.

Dr. Taylor is a former President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. During his term as president, he oversaw the development of national guidelines for genetic testing and mammography. He continues to speak nationally on breast cancer, genetics, melanoma, and genomic testing.

An active educator for fellow health care professionals, Dr. Taylor serves on Continuing Medical Education committees for the Texas Medical Association, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, and is a member of Texas Health Physician Group’s Board of Trustees and Credentialing Committee. He also aids in developing educational tools for surgeons.

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

Please join Amy Durtschi, psychotherapist in Columbus, Ohio who discusses mental health during holidays, particularly with new cancer diagnosis, going through cancer treatment and someone suffering loss of a family or a friend. This podcast is filled with lot of good tips and Amy gives you a toolbox on how to navigate this difficult season.

You can find her at "Enliven Health and Wellness.
www.enlivenhealthandwellness.com
Ph: 614-940-4868

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast