DIEP Flap Reconstruction

The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric artery Perforator) is an ideal option for breast reconstruction surgery because it can produce very natural results using your tissue. Skin, muscle, and blood vessels are taken from the abdomen and shaped into a breast mound that best fits the shape and size you desire.

Dr. Ergun Kocak, Dr. Pankaj Tiwari and Dr. Santosh Kale are considered the top board-certified plastic surgeons in Ohio. They have over 20 years of combined microsurgery experience and perform more than 250 successful breast reconstructions each year.

DIEP flap reconstruction in Columbus, Ohio, is covered by all health insurance providers under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

This typically includes all associated pre-op appointments and aftercare. Contact us to learn more about the overall process and next steps.

Most patients are suitable candidates for reconstruction using a DIEP flap. Previous abdominal surgeries, such as a hysterectomy and C-section, are typically not an issue. However, some operations, including tummy tuck and hernia repair with mesh, can be limiting.

Other factors, such as smoking and excessive body weight, may pose challenges but are not considered absolute contraindications to surgery. For patients who do not have an adequate amount of tissue on the lower abdomen, other perforator-based flaps (such as the GAP, TUG, or PAP flap) or breast implants are alternative options.

The DIEP flap procedure is only one of several reconstructive options. Here are some key differences to help you decide which technique is appropriate for you.

DIEP Flap vs. Other Flap Techniques

Compared to other flap methods, reconstructed breasts made from a DIEP flap end up feeling and looking more natural due to the presence of fat and absence of muscle in the replacement of breast tissue.

DIEP Flap vs. Implant Technique

Saline or silicone breast implants are an option for women who do not have much body fat present in the abdomen. They are also the preferred breast reconstruction method if you wish to have immediate reconstruction but still require follow-up cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

DIEP flap reconstructions are performed under general anesthesia and take 6 – 8 hours to complete.

First, skin and fat tissue with active blood vessels are taken from the abdomen. The blood vessels are often contained in a pedicle and are reattached to blood vessels on the chest with the help of microsurgery. Once blood flow is restored to the flap, it is reshaped accordingly and attached with dissolvable sutures around its perimeter.

Nipple and areola reconstruction follows as requested. The donor area is then closed with dissolvable sutures.

You will wake up with a surgical bra and a compression garment on your midsection. DIEP flap reconstruction requires a 3 – 4 day stay in the hospital, and you may return home once cleared by your doctor.

You need to wear your compression garments until swelling and bruising go down to a manageable level, usually after 6 – 8 weeks. Avoid long showers for one week. Driving and work may be resumed after two weeks. More strenuous physical activities such as the gym or heavy lifting may continue after 4 – 6 weeks, or when you are allowed to by your physician.

If you follow your post-op instructions, your scars will fade into thin white lines over 6 – 8 weeks, easily hidden beneath your underwear. You will find a new sense of balance and confidence thanks to your reconstructed chest, as well as a thinner and slimmer midsection due to the removal of fat and skin.