Using Social Media to Understand Patient Perceptions of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Reconstruction

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is considered the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction due to its muscle-preserving technique and favorable outcomes compared with the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. With rising interest in DIEP flaps, especially amid concerns over silicone implants and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous-related complications, understanding patient perceptions through social media has become increasingly relevant.

A retrospective analysis of 1000 social media posts from Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) was conducted to assess patient perspectives on DIEP flap reconstruction. Posts, collected between January 2015 and June 2024, were analyzed for demographics, reported outcomes, complications, and overall tone.

Most posts (94.0%) were made by women, predominantly White (74.0%), with 63.7% written postoperatively. Tone was largely neutral (49.9%), with Instagram showing higher positivity (50.0%) than Facebook or X. Reported complications appeared in 159 posts, with cosmetic issues and wound healing being the most common. Engagement metrics showed no significant difference in likes for complication-related posts on Facebook (P = 0.6381) or Instagram (P = 0.27). However, Instagram posts about complications received significantly more comments (P = 0.0124), whereas Facebook did not (P = 0.0969).

Social media offers a valuable lens into patient experiences with DIEP flap reconstruction. The majority of posts reflected neutral-to-positive sentiment, though cosmetic concerns and complications were frequently discussed. These findings can help clinicians better understand patient concerns, improve preoperative education, and enhance recovery support.