Frequently Asked Questions - DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

PRMA of South Texas understands that many patients will be nervous or have questions regarding their breast reconstruction. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions for DIEP Breast Reconstruction. While this list may not answer all of your questions please do not hesitate to contact our office and ask to speak with a member of our staff.

How many DIEP flap procedures have you performed?

Our surgeons have performed thousands of microsurgical breast reconstruction procedures, typically performing more than 500 DIEP flap procedures every year.

How closely will the reconstructed breast match my opposite healthy breast?

There will be aesthetic differences between your natural breast and your reconstructed breast, particularly at first. However, patients should not worry about this initially. Almost always revision surgery will be performed a few months after the reconstruction to ensure that your breasts are as aesthetically pleasing and matching as possible. Please also remember that most women are not 100% symmetric to begin with. Please visit our gallery to see our patients' before and after breast reconstruction pictures.

How long will my DIEP Flap surgery last?

Breast reconstruction surgery can take from 3-6 hours (not including mastectomy) depending on the type of procedure performed. For instance, a unilateral (one-sided) breast reconstruction will take less time than a bilateral (two-sided) breast reconstruction.

What's your success rate?

Top specialist centers boast a success rate of over 97%. The success rate at PRMA is 99%.

How many microsurgeons will be performing my surgery?

Since the DIEP flap procedure is so technically demanding it is preferable to have two microsurgeons performing the surgery (as is always the case at PRMA) rather than just one. Not only will this ensure you benefit from the expertise of two specially trained surgeons, but it will also significantly cut down the length of the procedure and anesthesia.

Do you have Residents or Fellows?

Some centers have surgeons-in-training known as "residents" or "fellows" that may be helping with your surgery or even performing part of it. This may or may not be something you are comfortable with considering the complexity of the surgery. We do not have residents or fellows at PRMA.

How often do you plan to perform a DIEP flap but convert the procedure to a free TRAM flap during the surgery?

This happens very rarely at PRMA.

How long will the recovery be?

Recovery from DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a gradual process which usually takes 4-6 weeks.

Do you accept insurance? How much will this cost?

Yes, we are in-network for most major US insurance plans. We do NOT balance bill. Costs vary depending on the type of reconstruction surgery chosen and your insurance coverage level of benefits. It is important to speak with a billing coordinator prior to your surgery so you are fully aware of your coverage and patient responsibilities. Our billing coordinators are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance coverage. You may also find answers to common DIEP insurance-related questions here.

What accommodations are available if I'm from out-of-town or state?

Our office is conveniently located near several hotels with easy access to the medical center. We have also partnered with the American Cancer Society and are now able to offer reduced/free hotel stays for out-of-town patients. Please click here for more accommodation details. We will be pleased to help you make any travel arrangements you need.

Are there support groups or websites that I can visit?

Yes, in addition to medical support it is important for patients to be able to interact with and draw support from each other. It is our hope that being able to connect with other breast reconstruction patients may lend you some extra support during this time. Our patients have found the following websites to be very supportive and informative:

PRMA's Breast Reconstruction Community on Facebook
The PRMA Pink Ladies Support Group
The Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog
PRMA Breast Reconstruction Blog
Reputable message boards and forums
Leslie Mouton's Breast Reconstruction Diary on KSAT12

If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons please feel free to contact us today.

Cosmetic Surgery FAQs


Home About Us Contact Us Breast Reconstruction DIEP Flap Find A DIEP Surgeon SIEA Flap TUG Flap GAP Flap Perforator Flaps TRAM Flap Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Implants & Alloderm One-Step Fat Grafting New Technology Message Boards/Forums Cosmetic Surgery Photo Gallery Abdominal Liposuction (Liposculpture) Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty) Body Lift Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) Breast Lift Surgery Breast Reconstruction Surgery Breast Reduction Surgery Liposculpture (Liposuction Surgery) Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Our Experience Testimonials Patient Online Forms More Patient Info Pink Ladies Support Group Travel / Lodging Insurance FAQs DIEP Reconstruction FAQs Cosmetic Surgery FAQs Publications / Media More Resources Breast Reconstruction State Laws Patient Safety Breast Reconstruction Blog Breast Cancer News Site Map	Over 4,000 flap reconstructions Superior results Excellent reputation In network for most US insurance plans NO balance billing Patients treated from Texas, across the USA and all over the World Follow Us: PRMA Plastic Surgery 9635 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240 Phone: 210-692-1181 Toll Free: 800-692-5565 Fax: 210-692-7584 Click here to view map.	Frequently Asked Questions - DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction PRMA of South Texas understands that many patients will be nervous or have questions regarding their breast reconstruction. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions for DIEP Breast Reconstruction. While this list may not answer all of your questions please do not hesitate to contact our office and ask to speak with a member of our staff. How many DIEP flap procedures have you performed? How closely will the reconstructed breast match my opposite healthy breast? How long will my DIEP flap surgery last? What's your success rate? How many microsurgeons will be performing my surgery? Do you have Residents or Fellows? How often do you plan to perform a DIEP flap but convert the procedure to a free TRAM flap during the surgery? How long will the recovery be? Do you accept insurance? How much will this costs? What accommodations are available if I'm from out-of-town or state? Are there support groups or websites that I can visit? How many DIEP flap procedures have you performed? Our surgeons have performed thousands of microsurgical breast reconstruction procedures, typically performing more than 500 DIEP flap procedures every year. back to top How closely will the reconstructed breast match my opposite healthy breast? There will be aesthetic differences between your natural breast and your reconstructed breast, particularly at first. However, patients should not worry about this initially. Almost always revision surgery will be performed a few months after the reconstruction to ensure that your breasts are as aesthetically pleasing and matching as possible. Please also remember that most women are not 100% symmetric to begin with. Please visit our gallery to see our patients' before and after breast reconstruction pictures. back to top How long will my DIEP Flap surgery last? Breast reconstruction surgery can take from 3-6 hours (not including mastectomy) depending on the type of procedure performed. For instance, a unilateral (one-sided) breast reconstruction will take less time than a bilateral (two-sided) breast reconstruction. back to top What's your success rate? Top specialist centers boast a success rate of over 97%. The success rate at PRMA is 99%. back to top How many microsurgeons will be performing my surgery? Since the DIEP flap procedure is so technically demanding it is preferable to have two microsurgeons performing the surgery (as is always the case at PRMA) rather than just one. Not only will this ensure you benefit from the expertise of two specially trained surgeons, but it will also significantly cut down the length of the procedure and anesthesia. back to top Do you have Residents or Fellows? Some centers have surgeons-in-training known as "residents" or "fellows" that may be helping with your surgery or even performing part of it. This may or may not be something you are comfortable with considering the complexity of the surgery. We do not have residents or fellows at PRMA. back to top How often do you plan to perform a DIEP flap but convert the procedure to a free TRAM flap during the surgery? This happens very rarely at PRMA. back to top How long will the recovery be? Recovery from DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a gradual process which usually takes 4-6 weeks. back to top Do you accept insurance? How much will this cost? Yes, we are in-network for most major US insurance plans. We do NOT balance bill. Costs vary depending on the type of reconstruction surgery chosen and your insurance coverage level of benefits. It is important to speak with a billing coordinator prior to your surgery so you are fully aware of your coverage and patient responsibilities. Our billing coordinators are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance coverage. You may also find answers to common DIEP insurance-related questions here. back to top What accommodations are available if I'm from out-of-town or state? Our office is conveniently located near several hotels with easy access to the medical center. We have also partnered with the American Cancer Society and are now able to offer reduced/free hotel stays for out-of-town patients. Please click here for more accommodation details. We will be pleased to help you make any travel arrangements you need. back to top Are there support groups or websites that I can visit? Yes, in addition to medical support it is important for patients to be able to interact with and draw support from each other. It is our hope that being able to connect with other breast reconstruction patients may lend you some extra support during this time. Our patients have found the following websites to be very supportive and informative: PRMA's Breast Reconstruction Community on Facebook The PRMA Pink Ladies Support Group The Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog PRMA Breast Reconstruction Blog Reputable message boards and forums Leslie Mouton's Breast Reconstruction Diary on KSAT12 If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons please feel free to contact us today. back to top Cosmetic Surgery FAQs
	If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our San Antonio plastic surgeons, please contact us today.
	DIEP Flap FAQs - PRMA of South Texas is one of the largest private practices in the nation specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction. Our board certified plastic surgeons perform several hundred microsurgical breast reconstructions in San Antonio each year. Techniques performed include DIEP flap, SIEA flap, TUG flap, and GAP flap procedures. Patients are routinely welcomed from across Texas, out-of-state, as well as from outside the USA (including Mexico). Most forms of US insurance are accepted.