DIEP Flap -- A Preferred Method of Breast Reconstruction

The DIEP flap procedure is a refined type of TRAM flap procedure in that it uses only fat, blood vessels and skin that comes from the abdominal region. However, this procedure differs from the TRAM flap in that it preserves the abdominal muscles and allows for preserving the integrity and strength of the abdomen. The DIEP procedure can be performed many years after a mastectomy is completed; however, it is usually performed immediately following a mastectomy.
The DIEP flap has become the preferred method of standard breast reconstruction. The DIEP is more complex than the TRAM, and requires a surgeon than has extensive experience in microsurgery. There are few plastic surgeons in this the U.S. that performs this type of breast reconstruction; however, a comprehensive breast reconstruction center is a great resource for a surgeon who has the ability to perform a DIEP procedure.

Through a thorough evaluation of your condition by a highly trained plastic surgeon, you can find out if you are a good candidate for the DIEP flap procedure. There are instances where a woman has received multiple abdominal surgeries that have resulted in extensive scarring, whereby the doctor prefers not to use the abdominal tissue. However, women who have undergone C-sections may still be good candidates for DIEP reconstruction. Through an examination, your surgeon will be able to assess if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

If you are looking for a surgeon to perform a DIEP procedure, it is important that you find a plastic surgeon that has successfully performed many of these surgeries.

During your consultation, you can discuss the following areas with your doctor:

- The number of DIEP surgeries they have performed
- The doctors failure rate for these procedures
- Whether the physician works with a surgical team where you have the opportunity to have a mastectomy them an immediate breast reconstruction
- How long the procedure takes
- If they can give you assess to before and after photos of DIEP surgeries they have performed

Many women prefer the DIEP flap because it usually has the least amount of complications, is less invasive than the LAT and TRAM flaps, and has the least pain when they are performed a plastic surgeon that is extensive knowledge and skill of the procedure. You can call and schedule a consultation with a reputable doctor from a comprehensive breast reconstruction center to see if you are a good candidate for the DIEP procedure.