Breast Cancer

DIEP Surgery

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure is another option for women who would like a breast mound present immediately after reconstructive surgery. The deep inferior epigastric perforator is a small branch of a major artery. To be a good candidate for DIEP flap surgery, the patient must have an adequate supply of blood to the skin and fatty tissue. If so, no muscle needs to be taken, and muscle function is maintained.

The DIEP procedure has several benefits:

• A faster recovery period than traditional TRAM flap surgery
• No loss of abdominal muscle tone
• The "effect" of a tummy tuck because excess tissue is removed from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast