DIEP Flap

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

A Natural, Muscle-Preserving Approach

DIEP Flap breast reconstruction offers a completely natural solution for women who seek to rebuild one or both breasts after mastectomy. This technique uses your body’s own tissue to create a breast that looks and feels natural—without sacrificing abdominal muscle, strength, or using an implant. This sophisticated approach to breast reconstruction is designed with your overall recovery and long-term well-being in mind.

What is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap procedure transfers skin and fat from the lower abdomen to the chest to recreate a breast. The skilled microsurgeons in our practice  carefully preserve the abdominal muscles to allow you to maintain your strength and core function.This approach that preserves your muscles is known as a “perforator flap” surgery, and our surgeons have combined decades of experience with these procedures.

Using advanced perforator flap microsurgical techniques, the blood vessels that are transferred with the skin and fat that will restore the breast are connected to blood vessels in the chest in order to restore circulation. Sensory nerves may also be connected to enhance recovery of feeling and sensation in the reconstructed breast; this technique is sometimes referred to as “Resensation.”

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(A) The DIEP Flap uses of natural tissue to restore a breast removed by mastectomy

(A) The DIEP Flap uses of natural tissue to restore a breast removed by mastectomy

Why Choose DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

• Uses your body’s own tissue to restore a natural look and feel.
• Provides a tummy-tuck-like abdominal contour as excess lower abdominal skin and fat are repurposed to restore your breast/s.
• Preserves abdominal muscle and therefore strength and the integrity of your abdomen.
• Potential for sensory nerve connection to enhance sensation recovery in the reconstructed breast.
• Leaves discreet scars that are easily hidden.
• Avoids potential risks and maintenance associated with breast implants.
• Minimal need for narcotics, with most patients going home within days.

Benefits of Muscle Preservation

A key advantage of the DIEP Flap procedure is the preservation of abdominal muscles. This technique minimizes postoperative pain and discomfort while protecting your core strength and functionality. With this approach:

• You’ll recover quickly, with minimal pain. Most patients require minimal if any narcotics for pain management.
• Many patients can return home just two days after surgery without the need for narcotic medication.
• You’ll maintain abdominal strength and movement thus facilitating your return to normal activities.

A Natural Look with Added Abdominal Contouring

The DIEP Flap procedure offers the bonus of improved abdominal contouring– with slimming and flattening of the lower abdomen–somewhat analogous to the contour produced following a tummy-tuck. While the abdominal scar is not typically as low as a cosmetic tummy-tuck, it is discreetly placed so as to best conceal it in clothing and swimwear.

Refining Your Results with Stage II Procedures

About three months after the initial surgery, optional outpatient procedures can be performed to refine the shape of the reconstructed breast/s and enhance overall symmetry and contours. This Stage II process ensures your results are tailored to your individual preferences and needs. Because these procedures are considered reconstructive in nature, health insurance benefits typically provide coverage for these outpatient procedures.

See the Transformation: Before and After DIEP Flap Reconstruction

View our before-and-after photo gallery to see the results achieved for other patients like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from DIEP Flap surgery?

Most patients recover well within a few weeks. You can expect to return to light activities in about two weeks and resume regular routines within six to eight weeks, depending on your individual healing process.

Am I a good candidate for the DIEP Flap procedure?

Ideal candidates have sufficient tissue in the lower abdomen and are in good overall health. Our team will evaluate your medical history and personal goals to determine if this procedure is right for you.

What happens if the flap doesn’t take?

While rare, if complications arise, we will discuss alternative reconstruction options and next steps to ensure the best outcome for you.

Explore All Perforator Flap Options

Not sure if the DIEP Flap is the right choice for you? We offer a variety of advanced perforator flap procedures as well as breast reconstruction using implants  to meet your personal needs and goals. 

View All Perforator Flap Procedures

We Are Here to Help

If you’re considering breast reconstruction surgery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how our expert team can help you achieve your goals.