DIEP Flap Breast
Reconstruction in Ohio
DIEP flap reconstruction restores your breast following a mastectomy using your own tissue for natural-looking results. At Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery, our surgeons bring over 20 years of combined microsurgical experience and perform more than 250 breast reconstructions annually.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator) reconstruction surgery uses your own skin, tissue, fat, and blood vessels from the abdomen to create a natural-looking breast mound that fits the shape and size you desire. It does not require implants or removing muscle from the donor site. This results in less pain and a more complete recovery compared to other flap techniques.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a DIEP Flap Surgery?
Most patients who have undergone or are planning a mastectomy are suitable candidates for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. During your consultation, your surgeon will review your full medical history to determine the approach best suited to your anatomy and goals.
Factors that May Still Make You a Good Candidate
- Previous C-section or hysterectomy
- Moderate body weight variations
Factors that May Require Further Evaluation
- Prior tummy tuck or hernia repair with mesh
- Active smoking
- Insufficient lower abdominal tissue (in such cases, GAP, TUG, or PAP flap alternatives can be considered)
DIEP Flap Reconstruction vs.
Other Techniques
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. TRAM Flap
While the DIEP flap uses only skin and fat from the lower abdomen, the TRAM flap uses skin, fat, and abdominal muscle with a pedicle flap. This can be done as a pedicle flap, which leaves some muscle attached, or a free flap, which fully cuts and detaches the muscle.
DIEP Flap vs. Profunda Artery Perforator
Free Flap (PAP Flaps)
PAP flaps use tissue from the upper thighs. This area will generally yield smaller flaps, preventing its widespread use and making DIEP flaps a preferred alternative.
DIEP Flap vs. Implant Technique
Implants are a suitable option for patients with limited abdominal tissue or those requiring immediate reconstruction while continuing cancer treatment. DIEP flap, however, produces more natural, longer-lasting results for eligible patients.
DIEP Flap vs. Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap (GAP Flaps)
When abdominal tissue is unavailable, the GAP flap uses tissue from the buttocks. It is an excellent alternative for patients with inadequate fat and tissue in the abdominal area.
DIEP Flap vs. Transverse Upper Gracilis Flaps (TUG Flaps)
The TUG flap uses skin, fat, and a small portion of muscle from the upper inner thigh. Its proximity to the groin crease can present wound healing challenges. DIEP flap spares the muscle and causes less pain, making it the preferred option when abdominal tissue is adequate.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction vs.
Other Techniques
DIEP flap reconstructions are performed under general anesthesia and take around 6-8 hours to complete. Here’s what patients can expect:
01
First, skin and fat tissue with active blood vessels are taken from the abdomen.
02
The vessels are microsurgically reconnected to blood vessels in the chest to restore natural circulation and enable natural blood flow.
03
Once blood flow is restored to the flap, the breast is reshaped accordingly and attached with dissolvable sutures around its perimeter.
04
Nipple and areola reconstruction is performed as desired by the patient.
05
The donor area is closed, tightening the abdominal skin and then closing the incision with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery Timeline
First Few Days
You will wake up with a surgical bra and abdominal compression garment. Drains are placed to manage fluid. Hospital stay is typically 3–4 days.
Week 1
Moderate pain, swelling, and bruising are normal. Walking is encouraged to promote circulation. Avoid long showers.
Week 2-3
Discomfort begins to ease. Light activity resumes. Avoid lifting arms overhead. Driving and desk work may resume.
Week 4-6
Swelling continues to resolve. Most patients return to non-physical work. Strenuous activity and exercise resume at physician’s clearance.
Months 2-3
Compression garments worn until swelling resolves, typically 6–8 weeks post-op. Sensation may begin returning to the breast.
Months 4-12
Breasts gradually settle into their final shape and position. Scars fade to thin, discreet lines, typically concealed beneath the underwear.
Resensation
For those who wish to restore the natural feeling to the reconstructed breasts, resensation is available as a part of the process. This helps reconnect chest nerves to reconstructed tissue, often using nerve grafts. Our surgeons will work hard to restore the natural feeling in your breast during reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIEP flap reconstruction covered by insurance?
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, DIEP flap reconstruction in Columbus, Ohio, is covered by all health insurance providers.
Contact us to learn more about the overall process and next steps.
Is DIEP Flap the same as Tummy Tuck?
No. However, the DIEP flap is usually taken from the same areas that a tummy tuck would also affect, resulting in a smaller and firmer midsection in addition to reconstructed breasts.
What if breast cancer returns after I have undergone breast reconstruction surgery?
Your surgeon will recommend that the flap be removed and reattached at a later time, so that you may undergo chemotherapy to remove any traces of cancer.
According to research, however, DIEP flap procedures are not linked to a higher cancer recurrence rate compared to mastectomy alone.
Can breast reconstruction restore sensation to the breasts?
DIEP flap reconstruction can be done, but note that the procedure is highly technical and intensive to perform.
*This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. Every patient is unique, and treatment recommendations and results vary. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your options.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re exploring a DIEP flap breast reconstruction, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and create a personalized treatment plan.