DIEP Flap

In free DIEP flap , excess abdominal skin and fat from the lower part of the abdomen is used. The blood vessels (which run through the abdominal rectus muscle) are meticulously freed beforehand, to transfer to the chest and reconnect the tiny blood vessels. This requires microsurgery.

The tissue is then shaped to fit the mastectomy defect, with a small skin patch from the abdomen which will be used later to reconstruct the nipple. For patients who are having delayed reconstruction, the abdominal skin is used to replace the missing breast skin.

The abdominal muscle is preserved with minimal damage to enable it continue to support the tummy. Because your own tissue is used to rebuild your breast, this method optimally achieves the shape and feel of the opposite breast. This procedure leaves a horizontal scar on the lower abdomen, similar to that created in a cosmetic tummy tuck. DIEP flap is successful in >96% of patients.