Plastic Surgery Procedures, Reconstructive > DIEP Flap

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life changing event. Being told your treatment consists of a mastectomy is earth shattering. Dr. Fusi and his staff understand what you are going through and continue to offer you the most advanced breast reconstruction methods to date.

Breast cancer struck more than 178,000 American women & more than 2,000 American men in the year 2007*. When a mastectomy becomes part of the treatment plan, you should know that there have been great strides in breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy - DIEP Flap

DIEP Flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator) is a breast reconstruction alternative. The DIEP Flap procedure, performed by Dr. Fusi, uses skin and fat tissue to create new breasts.

The DIEP Flap is a surgical option for post-mastectomy patients who not long ago where only offered the choice of breast implants or procedures such as the TRAM Flap (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous). The DIEP Flap procedure uses an abdominal artery and vein (instead of the abdominal muscle) that is removed with the tissue and makes use of skin and fat, typically from the abdomen, to create a new breast.

Benefits of DIEP Flap vs TRAM Flap

Research shows, for most patients, the main benefits of the DIEP Flap procedure is the restoration of the body with:

• more natural looking breast.
• less post-operative pain.
• shorter post-operative rehabilitation.
• ability to regain the same exercises prior to the surgery.
• allows the surgeon more freedom in the creation of the shape and form of the new breast.

Unlike the TRAM Flap, the DIEP Flap DOES NOT sacrifice the abdominal muscle. The DIEP Flap procedure leaves the abdominal muscle and using micro-surgery, relocates an artery and vein in order to supply proper blood flow to the skin and tissue used to create the new breast.

Steps for the DIEP Flap include two surgeries:

Surgery One:

• A slim incision along the bikini line (similar to a tummy tuck incision)
• Removal of patient's skin, soft tissue, and blood vessels.
• Microscopic matching of small blood vessels at mastectomy site and reattachment.
• Reconstruction using skin and soft tissue to form the breast mound.

Surgery Two:

• 12 weeks after DIEP flap surgery.
• restoration of the nipple and areola.

Dr. Fusi spends a substantial amount of time during the consultation to assist the patient in selecting the best option based on the individual's specific diagnosis and relevant circumstances.

At the time of your initial office consultation, Dr. Fusi will discuss is great detail the procedure, associated risks and postoperative recovery.

* Estimates from cancer.org