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DIEP Flap

At our Elite Plastic Surgery, we will discuss during a private consultation if you are a candidate for DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) or SIEP (superficial inferior epigastric perforator) flap reconstruction, as there are many techniques to choose from depending on your body type, and aesthetic goals.

in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Chandler, AZ

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Introduction

DIEP Surgery Overview

We are proud to offer DIEP flap surgery services, which is our most common autologous free tissue transfer breast reconstruction, to our breast cancer patients and survivors, and we want to help each one on their way back to living their lives beyond the diagnosis. Using microsurgical techniques, our plastic and reconstructive surgeons, Dr. Rozbeh, Dr. Radbeh, and Dr. Ramyar Torabi, can restore your breast(s) with this type of flap by removing tissue and blood vessels from the abdomen to create renewed, live tissue without sacrificing your abdominal muscles and nerves.

Pros Of Diep Surgery

When you choose to have a DIEP flap reconstruction, you will not have the same complications after the surgery as you would have with breast implants. This includes issues such as implant rupture, rippling, capsular contracture, or the need for multiple revision surgeries when the implants need exchanging.

The autologous tissue from your abdomen will have a natural look and feel to the breast that you would not achieve with a synthetic implant, especially if you only have reconstruction on one breast.

Cons Of Diep Surgery

The DIEP flap surgery does have drawbacks, as well. The surgery for this procedure is longer and will require the removal of tissue from other areas of the body. This will mean that you will also have multiple incision points with scarring. The good news is that your surgery is being performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon who will do his absolute best to limit your scarring and make each surgical site look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Keep in mind that there is also a risk of infection. If the DIEP flap fails, follow-up surgeries will be required to correct the reconstruction, and may involve the use of silicone or saline implants in place of your own tissue.

Diep Reconstruction Surgeons Requirements

 

Our DIEP reconstruction at Elite Plastic Surgery utilizes a muscle and nerve-sparing technique, where only excess skin and fat are harvested from the abdomen. Small blood vessels are left attached to an island of tissue that is transferred and reconnected to the vasculature at the mastectomy site. After it has been revascularized, the tissue is sculpted into a breast mound. This island of tissue, used to create the breast mound, is the same tissue that is typically discarded after a tummy tuck.

 

With this flap, patients achieve an improved abdominal contour they would have following a tummy tuck, in addition to a natural breast mound. Unlike a traditional TRAM flap, where the muscle is sacrificed, with a DIEP, the abdominal wall muscle is preserved, reducing the rate of abdominal wall bulges and maintaining core strength. For these reasons we preferentially perform DIEP reconstruction in our practice.

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Diep Surgery Recovery And Healing

You will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be monitored and cared for by our post-operation nursing staff. These nurses will monitor your pain, blood flow, and vital signs and care for your incisions. This procedure requires a stay in the hospital or surgical center. We suggest that your recovery period will be 1 – 6 weeks (including periods of breast tenderness), and you should attend all of your follow-up appointments. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a 6-week period, but light activity can begin as early as four weeks.

Follow-Up & Considerations After Diep Surgery

After your DIEP surgery in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, or surrounding Arizona cities, your reconstructive surgeon at the Aesthetic/Restorative Breast Center will require you to have a follow-up appointment in a week after your surgery to check your incision points, look for abnormalities, and to assess your progress.

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Where Compassion Meets Excellence For Diep Flap Surgery

At Elite Plastic Surgery, we believe in the power of empathy and understanding, and we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our patients. Our experienced surgeons and staff are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the highest quality of care. We prioritize open communication and transparency, so you can feel confident and informed throughout your surgical journey.

If you’re considering DIEP flap surgery, we invite you to book a consultation with our team today. We are here to support you and guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the individualized care and attention you deserve.

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Chandler | Call us at (480) 535-9867

Scottsdale | Call us at (480) 500-6332

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