Breast Cancer

DIEP Surgery

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure is an option for patients who want a breast mound present immediately after reconstructive surgery.

In DIEP surgery, skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen are used to restore the breast without removing or moving any abdominal muscle. To be a candidate for DIEP flap surgery, the patient must have an adequate supply of blood to the skin and fatty tissue so no muscle needs to be taken and muscle function is maintained.

Advantages of the DIEP procedure include a faster recovery period with fewer complications than traditional TRAM flap surgery and the effect of a tummy tuck (surgery that tightens the skin over the stomach) because excess tissue is removed from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast.