DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

A microsurgical technique developed in 1994 called DIEP allows the surgeon to provide the patient with the most natural looking reconstructed breast as close to the natural breast, with the same color, texture and evolution over time as the original breast.

Reconstructed breast will increase or decrease in size when the patient gains or loses weight with the skin quality that matches patients normal breast. A breast does not need new interventions or alterations and does not interfere with any cancer therapy. There are no restrictions to normal everyday activities including sports fairly soon after surgery.

The DIEP is a surgical technique that allows transplanting only the excess of skin and fat tissue from the abdomen without altering the function of the area nor muscle strength of the abdominal wall. The vascularization of the transplanted tissue is performed by a very small vessels called perforators. Dissection is extremely precise, and meticulous planning is important to achieve results with minimal functional consequences and the best cosmetic outcome.

The abdomen is closed as in an aesthetic abdominoplasty, an operation that seeks flat stomach effect by removal of abdominal fat.

The process leaves intact abdominal muscles and nerves. By avoiding the loss of function of these muscles, the patient enjoys full mobility and strength of the abdomen, which allows a full range of activities and completely normal life after surgery.

The operation times is about 6 hours and all steps must be executed with the utmost precision and care. In spite of the operative time, due to a minimal morbidity to the patient, postoperative recovery is very rapid and patients are discharged within 4 days from surgery and can return to normal activity after 3 or 4 weeks.

The reconstruction of the new nipple-areola will be held for 3 to 4 months, once the transplanted tissue has become less inflamed so as to achieve complete symmetry with the contralateral breast. This will be done under local anesthesia and requires no room in the clinic.