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DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a modern, muscle‑sparing procedure that uses a woman’s own lower‑abdominal skin and fat to create a natural‑looking breast after mastectomy. Because the abdominal muscles are preserved, patients often experience better long‑term strength and fewer complications compared to older flap techniques. This advanced microsurgical approach delivers soft, lifelike results, avoids implants, and can even improve abdominal contour, making it a highly searched and preferred option for women seeking natural breast reconstruction.

in Phoenix & Chandler, AZ

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Introduction

Introduction to DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Breast implants are not the only way you can correct asymmetry or form a new breast for individuals recovering from a mastectomy to treat or prevent breast cancer. At Elite Plastic Surgery in Phoenix and Chandler, AZ, we proudly offer DIEP flap breast reconstruction to individuals looking to get realistic, symmetrical breasts that help them feel a restored sense of femininity and confidence. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is often chosen for its permanent results, preventing patients from worrying about potential implant removal down the line.

Before + After Gallery

  • Real patient results before and after plastic surgery results in Arizona, performed by Dr. TorabiReal patient results before and after plastic surgery results in Arizona, performed by Dr. TorabiReal patient results before and after plastic surgery results in Arizona, performed by Dr. Torabi
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What is a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

A DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reduction is an advanced microsurgical technique designed to rebuild lost breast tissue from a mastectomy, the surgical removal of one or more breasts to treat or prevent breast cancer. The procedure can also be combined with a mastectomy if you haven’t already received one. The technique involves harvesting skin, fat, and blood vessels from the patient’s own body and transferring them to the breasts to restore the natural, soft breast tissue. Individuals with more slender figures often have tissue taken from the lower abdomen, but tissue may also be taken from the thighs, buttocks, and back.

This transfer of skin and fat is called “free flap reconstruction,” which ensures a gentler recovery, preserves strength in the area where tissue is removed, and allows patients to return to an active lifestyle more quickly. This is in contrast to older breast reconstruction techniques like “TRAM” and “Latissimus flaps”, which cut through the muscle and reduce your core strength and stability, and have a longer recovery.

What Are the Benefits of a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

When you get DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Elite Plastic Surgery in Chandler or Phoenix, you can experience several benefits to enhance your physical and emotional state. Some of these benefits include:

  • Natural-looking breasts that feel and move like real breasts
  • Natural breast shape that implants may not offer
  • Core strength retention from avoiding cutting muscle
  • Lower likelihood of long-term abdominal weakness and hernias
  • More comfortable recovery period
  • No need to worry about risks and complications that come with implants, like implant rupture, leakage, or encapsulated implant
  • Natural blending into your body due to the transfer of the patient’s own body tissue
  • Boost in confidence from having symmetrical breasts

Who Are the Best Candidates For a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

DIEP flap breast reconstruction can help several types of people regain their confidence and self-esteem by providing even, natural-looking breasts with minimal discomfort and a speedier recovery. If you have some or all of the following characteristics, you may be a great candidate for the procedure:

  • Available skin and fatty tissue in your lower abdomen, back, butt, or thighs that can be taken and transferred to create new breasts
  • You prefer to use your own breast tissue instead of synthetic implants
  • Good overall health
  • Do not smoke
  • You have recovered from a mastectomy or will get one in the near future
  • You understand the limitations of the procedure and how it can help you
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What’s the First Step?

Book a private consultation at Elite Plastic Surgery in Phoenix or Chandler. You will meet our experienced team to go over how you want your breasts to look, review your medical history, and receive an in-depth examination of areas of excess fat and skin that can be used for the transfer, such as your lower abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. You’ll also go over the procedure in great detail to make sure you fully understand what you are signing up for, including the benefits and risks. We understand that this is a vulnerable procedure, so we make sure each of our patients feels supported and clear on the information. If our team determines that DIEP flap breast reconstruction will meet your goals and is safe to perform based on your health status and medical history, you will be given a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation.

What to Expect on the Day of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery

This is the big day! Our team will warmly welcome you into our pristine office in Chandler or Phoenix and take you to the operating room for the surgery. You may ask any remaining questions before the surgery begins to help ease any anxiety or concerns, and we will be happy to answer them and reassure you so there are no surprises.

Before the surgery begins, you’ll be marked with surgical markers on the designated areas discussed in your consultation, such as your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or back. This is where the incisions will be created with precision to ensure exact results. When you are ready for the surgery to begin, you’ll be given general anesthesia, where you will peacefully transition into a steady state of rest, unable to feel the incisions and surgical instruments.

The surgery will take around 4-6 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and if you are also getting a mastectomy. The surgery will begin with an incision in the lower abdomen (or other targeted area), where a flap of tissue will be removed, including skin, fat, and blood vessels. This tissue will be transferred to the chest, where it will be molded and shaped to create the new breast(s). Tiny blood vessels will be attached to the chest’s blood vessels via microsurgery to shape the tissue. When the new breasts are set in place, we’ll close the incisions with stitches or staples.

Buccal Fat Removal - Expectation

Combining Your DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction with Other Procedures

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is commonly combined with other procedures to improve breast symmetry, increase volume, or optimize abdominal contours. Some of these procedures include breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. A mastectomy is also frequently done at the same time as DIEP flap breast reconstruction when the patient desires immediate reconstruction.

Breast Lift

A breast lift can be combined with DIEP flap breast reconstruction to improve breast position, shape, and symmetry after a mastectomy or significant tissue changes. While the DIEP flap rebuilds volume using your body’s own tissue, a breast lift helps reposition the breast mound and nipples for a more youthful, balanced contour. Combining these procedures can create a more natural overall appearance while helping both breasts look proportionate and symmetrical.

Tummy Tuck

Because DIEP flap breast reconstruction commonly uses tissue from the lower abdomen, many patients appreciate the added contouring benefits that resemble a tummy tuck. In some cases, additional abdominal contouring may further refine loose skin or improve the shape of the waist and midsection after healing. This combination can help patients feel more confident not only in their reconstructed breasts but also in their overall body contours.

Liposuction

Liposuction may be combined with DIEP flap breast reconstruction to improve body proportions and refine areas of stubborn fat not used for tissue transfer. Some patients choose liposuction to contour the flanks, thighs, back, or abdomen, creating smoother transitions and enhancing their final silhouette. In certain cases, liposuction can also help fine-tune breast symmetry and contour during later stages of the reconstruction process.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Your Guide to Post-DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Care

After your DIEP flap breast reconstruction, you will need to take plenty of rest as you recover in the hospital in Chandler or Phoenix for a few days. Don’t worry–you won’t be lying in bed the entire time. After the first day or two, short walks are highly encouraged to encourage healthy blood circulation. We’ll provide you with a support bra and abdominal binder to keep your new breasts stable, so gravity doesn’t weigh them down. You’ll need to wear these for about one month.

The incisions will be sensitive for a few days to a week, so avoid touching them and getting them wet for the first couple of days. When you shower, do not scrub the incision areas, as this can reopen them.

Expect some fatigue, swelling, and soreness during the first 3 weeks. You can take prescribed pain medication as directed to tolerate this discomfort. Regular activities may be gradually resumed over the next few weeks, but make sure to listen to your body and avoid overexertion. You’ll be able to return to work after 1-2 months, so plan for a time when you can take this time off.

How Much Does a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Cost in Chandler and Phoenix?

The cost of a DIEP breast reconstruction in Chandler and Phoenix varies per patient. Some factors that contribute to the cost include whether one or two breasts are reconstructed, whether additional procedures (such as a mastectomy) are added, and how much tissue is being removed and transferred. Some insurances cover more than others, so it’s important to check with your insurance ahead of time.

Why Choose Elite Plastic Surgery?

Elite Plastic Surgery is a one-of-a-kind place founded upon family. Led by brother Drs. Rozbeh, Radbeh, and Ramyar Torabi, all of whom are board-certified, Elite Plastic Surgery is a space where you can truly feel like you are treated like a member of the family. From the first meeting to follow-up appointments months after your surgery, our team works with you to understand your goals and unique circumstances, so your experience is tailored to your individual needs and expectations.

You can rest assured that your DIEP flap breast reconstruction will be performed with the most up-to-date techniques, equipment, and experienced plastic surgeons to give you the most realistic, natural-feeling breasts that look exactly how you want. Whether you’re a Chandler or Phoenix local or traveling from another country, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you with your DIEP flap breast reconstruction journey or exploring another procedure to achieve your goals.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S

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Schedule Your Consultation

The consultation is the first step you will need to take to get DIEP flap breast reconstruction. It’s the best time to ask clarifying questions to make sure it aligns with your goals. We will never pressure you to get the procedure if you are not fully committed, and we will happily help you find a different procedure that works better for you. You can schedule your private consultation by heading to our contact page or calling (480) 535-9867 for our Chandler location or (480) 500-6332 for our Phoenix location.

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