Breast Reconstruction

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure

This page offers insight into DIEP flap breast reconstruction, a surgical technique where tissue from the lower abdomen is used to rebuild the breast after mastectomy. Detailed medical illustrations and video narration provide clear understanding of the procedure.

About DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Donor Site: Abdomen

DIEP Flap breast reconstruction surgery is a type of natural tissue breast reconstruction that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to create a new breast. The acronym DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator, which refers to the blood vessels that supply the tissue used in the surgery.

DIEP Procedure:
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen and carefully removes the excess fat and skin, preserving the blood vessels that supply the tissue. The tissue is then carefully shaped and transferred to the chest to create a new breast. The incision in the abdomen is closed using dissolvable stitches, and the new breast is stitched into place.

DIEP Benefits:
The benefits of DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery include the use of a woman’s own natural tissue, which reduces the risk of rejection and complications. It also preserves the muscle in the lower abdomen, which means that women can retain their natural shape and function. Additionally, the surgery can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy, which can save time and reduce the overall number of surgeries that a woman needs to undergo. Overall, DIEP flap breast reconstruction can provide women with a more natural and safe option for restoring their breasts after a mastectomy.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Illustrations & Video

DIEP & SIEA Procedure Illustrations

DIEP Flap Procedure Illustration:
(click image to enlarge)

SIEA Flap Procedure Illustration:
(click image to enlarge)

DIEP Procedure Video

Illustrated DIEP Flap Procedure Video:
Narrated by Dr. Levine

In this breast reconstruction procedure video, Dr. Levine explains the DIEP flap.

The abdomen is the most common donor site in perforator flap breast reconstruction. Extra skin and fat is removed to reconstruct one or both breasts resulting in a flattened abdomen similar to that of a tummy tuck.

Common Questions about the DIEP
Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure

Most women with breast cancer have enough skin and fat in the stomach area (lower abdomen) to reconstruct one or two breasts. Even for patients who have had prior abdominal surgery, almost everyone is a candidate for this operation. The idea is to use extra skin and fat in the lower abdominal area, take this tissue along with the blood vessel that supplies it, and transplant it to the chest to make new, natural breast.

Usually, when a woman donates tissue from the abdomen, this has the same effect on the abdomen as a tummy tuck.

Gradually, blood vessels and nerves grow into the transferred tissue.  Scars fade, and the end result is a breast reconstruction that looks and feels and behaves exactly like a normal breast. The only difference is that there is no breast tissue inside it, and therefore no risk of breast cancer in the transferred tissue.

The photographs in this section are of actual patients of Dr. Joshua Levine. They have undergone various types of autologous breast reconstruction (perforator free flaps), i.e. DIEP/SIEA, PAP, GAP, delayed, immediate, with nipple-sparing mastectomy, etc. Keep in mind that each patient is unique and results may vary. To view more before & after photos, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Natural tissue breast reconstruction has several benefits compared to other methods of breast reconstruction. Here are a few key benefits:

  • It uses a woman’s own natural tissue, which means that it is less likely to be rejected by the body.
  • It doesn’t require the use of implants, which can cause complications such as scarring, infection, and hardening of the breast tissue.
  • It doesn’t sacrifice any muscle, which means that women can retain their natural shape and function.
  • It can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy, which can save time and reduce the overall number of surgeries that a woman needs to undergo.
  • It can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies, which can improve their quality of life.

Overall, natural tissue breast reconstruction can provide women with a more natural and safe option for restoring their breasts after a mastectomy.

“Dr. Levine is an outstanding Doctor. He is a wonderful human being and a highly skilled surgeon. My results are nothing short of miraculous. There is no one like Doctor Levine. He is an artist and a true professional.”

Dr. Joshua Levine Breast Reconstruction Surgeon Welcome Text

Dr. Joshua L. Levine, MD, FACS
World Leading Authority in Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction
Based in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

Meet Dr. Joshua L. Levine,
World-Renowned in the Art and Science of Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction

Dr. Joshua Levine is a world-renowned perforator flap breast reconstruction surgeon. Meaning, all of his breast reconstruction procedures, are muscle-sparing, using only your own natural tissue to restore your breast(s).

With his advanced techniques, such as stacked combination flaps, or utilizing the delay phenomenon in staged-immediate reconstruction, all women, no matter how thin and no matter what body type, are candidates for natural tissue, muscle-sparing, implant-free breast reconstruction.

As Seen On: US News & World Report, diepflap.com