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

[BACKGROUND] 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.

[METHODS] 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.

[RESULTS] 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 ( = 0.6381) or Instagram ( = 0.27). However, Instagram posts about complications received significantly more comments ( = 0.0124), whereas Facebook did not ( = 0.0969).

[CONCLUSIONS] 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.