DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) Flap Breast Reconstruction

The DIEP flap procedure represents the most advanced form of breast reconstruction surgery available today and is the preferred reconstructive technique performed in our practice. The surgery uses the patient's own abdominal tissue to reconstruct a natural, soft breast after mastectomy without the sacrifice of any of the abdominal muscles.

The DIEP flap is similar to the muscle-sparing free TRAM Flap but only requires the removal of skin and fat. Unlike with the TRAM procedure NO MUSCLE is sacrificed. The blood vessels, or perforators, required to keep the tissue alive lay just beneath or within the abdominal muscle. Therefore, a small incision is made in the abdominal muscle in order to access the vessels.

After the skin, tissues and perforators (collectively known as the "flap") have been dissected, the flap is transplanted and connected to the patient's chest using microsurgery. The surgeons then shape the flap to create the new breast. Remember, even though an incision is made in the abdominal muscle NO abdominal muscle is removed or transferred to the breast. As a result, patients experience less pain postoperatively, enjoy a faster recovery, and maintain their abdominal strength long-term.

Many women who undergo this form of reconstruction enjoy the added benefit of a flatter abdomen, with results that mimic a “tummy tuck” procedure. The risk of abdominal complications such as bulging and hernia is also very small, much smaller than with the TRAM flap method of breast reconstruction.

The DIEP flap is the most common and preferred method of breast reconstruction performed by our surgeons. There are many doctors in the United States performing reconstructive breast surgery, however only about 40 US plastic surgeons routinely perform the DIEP procedure due to the technical difficulty of the surgery.

Most reconstructive breast surgery practices perform only 10-20 microsurgical reconstructions each year. To date, our surgeons have performed over 2000 microsurgical breast procedures and typically perform over 300 DIEP flap surgeries each year with a success rate of 99%.

PRMA Plastic Surgery is the only center in San Antonio, Texas and one of only a handful of centers worldwide to provide breast reconstruction on such a large scale. Our surgeons have treated patients from all over the US as well as from several countries across the world and have built tremendous reputations for breast reconstruction excellence. Due to this demand, our staff routinely facilitate out of town patients in terms of local accommodation for their visit. In addition, we are also "in network" for all major insurance carriers and do not balance bill.

If you are considering reconstructive breast surgery and would like to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons please contact our office today and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you. To view DIEP flap before and after photos please visit our Gallery.