What Is The DIEP Flap?
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap consists of skin and fat from the lower abdomen, around and below the belly button, and its blood vessels which is used to reconstruct the breast.
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap consists of skin and fat from the lower abdomen, around and below the belly button, and its blood vessels which is used to reconstruct the breast.
The surgeon will take the skin and fat from the abdomen and transfer it to the chest. A special microscope will be used to reconnect the blood vessels. Once this is done, your surgeon will shape the fat into a new breast.
Other breast reconstructions such as the TRAM flap sacrifice the rectus muscle, the “six pack” muscle, of the abdominal wall. During DIEP flap surgery Connecticut plastic surgeons will carefully separate the blood vessels to the flap from the surrounding rectus muscle and leave that muscle in place to continue its function.
Many factors are taken into account for any surgery including our Fairfield County DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Additional therapies for breast cancer may affect the timing of breast reconstruction. Your surgeon will take into account all specific facets of your breast cancer care to create a unique breast reconstruction program for you.
After transfer of the abdominal skin and fat, the skin is closed much like a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
There are alternative areas of skin and fat that may be used to reconstruct a breast including the inner thigh and buttock area. Your Connecticut plastic surgeon can discuss these options with you.
The DIEP flap reconstruction may be performed at the same operation as the mastectomy. If the mastectomy has already occurred in the past then the DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed as its own operation. Patients may also elect to convert their prior implant reconstruction to a DIEP flap. These options may be discussed in detail with your surgeon.
The DIEP flap results in a breast reconstruction made from your own tissue so it looks and feels natural. Since it is living tissue, there is no implant that could break or needs replacement. Your surgeon will discuss in detail the options for the best reconstruction for you.
A federal mandate signed into law in 1998 provides coverages and protection for patients who wish to have reconstructive surgery following mastectomy. Our office will work with you on an individual basis to ensure your access to the reconstructive procedure you wish to pursue.
If you are considering plastic surgery in Fairfield County or anywhere in Connecticut, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons.
722 Post Road, Suite 202, Darien, CT 06820
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.
©2006 - 2024 David Passaretti, MD. | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Terms of Use | Accessibility Statement
