DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap breast reconstruction can help women who have experienced the life altering effects of breast cancer, trauma or congenital deformities. The DIEP is considered the Gold Standard in breast reconstruction, especially for those who have had radiation and failed implants. Also known as deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, this type of breast reconstruction involves state-of-the-art techniques. The procedure involves transfer of tissue from your abdomen to your chest wall, to reconstruct the breast.
Benefits from the DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction:
- Women who have undergone mastectomy on one or both breasts may benefit from this type of reconstruction
- Natural warm, soft looking breasts
- No need for implants
- Maintain core strength
- Lifetime surgery
- You get a Tummy Tuck!
Options for Breast Reconstruction:
During your initial visit with Dr. Lee, she will go over all your options including implants versus using your own tissues. She will examine you and go over your medical history to see if you are a good candidate for the DIEP procedure.
We will ask that you get clearance from your primary care doctor. This will require getting a chest X-ray, EKG, and lab work.
DIEP Info:
- No muscle is taken. Only skin and fat with its attached blood vessels get transferred to the chest and is connected to blood vessels up here. It is in essence a transplantation.
- Faster recovery versus TRAM flap where part or all of the muscle is taken
- Risk of bulges or hernias is lower compared to the TRAM
- Risk of partial or total flap loss in which Dr.Lee can discuss alternate forms of breast reconstruction
- The incision is placed low in the bikini area
What You Can Expect
Once you have decided to proceed with surgery we will go over in detail with you the procedure and recovery process.’
- Procedure length can vary from 6 to 8 hrs
- Hospital stay is 1 to 2 days and you will be discharged to home.
- You will have multiple visits in person or via Zoom with Dr. Lee in the clinic during the healing process.
- Recovery before going back to light duty at work varies between 4 to 6 weeks. Each patient is different and this process can be faster or slower.
- You want to maintain a high protein diet and make sure you are walking daily.
- Be on a stool softener to avoid constipation
- Avoid too much weight gain as constipation and weight gain causes increased pressure to the abdomen increasing your chances of getting a bulge or hernia
- You will be prescribed antibiotics, pain meds, anti-nausea meds, and possibly aspirin
- You will be given a sports bra and a girdle at the hospital
- You will refrain from any heavy lifting,sit ups, house chores, sex, etc until cleared by Dr. Lee
- You will sleep on your back only until Dr. Lee says otherwise
Remember – No matter which type of reconstruction you choose there will be 2 or 3 different phases of surgeries
Phase 1: building your breast mounds
Phase 2: a shorter surgery that is an outpatient procedure where Dr. Lee will revise your breasts to make them smaller, larger, or more symmetrical. She can also reconstruct your nipples during this phase. This usually includes liposuction and fat grafting.
Phase 3: areola tattooing if you choose to do so
Below are links to articles for educational purposes:
- DIEP Flap Surgery: Breast Reconstruction
- Hernia After DIEP Flap and TRAM Flap: Symptoms and Treatment
We are here for you on your reconstructive journey! Feel free to call or email us any time for questions or concerns.
