DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction by Surgeons at Mercy in Baltimore

DIEP flap breast reconstruction, also known as Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap breast reconstruction, is one of numerous microsurgical breast reconstruction treatment options offered by top rated plastic surgeons at The Breast Reconstruction & Restoration Center at Mercy. Patients from Baltimore and across the Mid-Atlantic region seek Drs. Chang, Collins and Nigro for their expertise as some of the best plastic surgeons performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

What is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

DIEP flap breast reconstruction uses tissue, fat, and blood vessels from the abdomen to create a new breast following a mastectomy. The tissue flap removed from the abdomen is microsurgically connected to the mastectomy site forming a new breast. The advantage of DIEP flap breast reconstruction is the abdominal muscles are not cut or moved often resulting in a faster recovery.

Who is the best candidate for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a breast treatment option for most women who have some quantity of lower abdominal tissue. If there is not sufficient abdominal tissue or the tissue is scarred, the patient may be a candidate for SGAP flap or IGAP flap breast reconstruction.

Best Treatment Time for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed in conjunction with a mastectomy or can be delayed until completion of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.

How does DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction result in a tummy tuck?

During DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the abdominal tissue and fat is removed in the same fashion as an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. After the abdominal tissue and fat are removed, the incision is closed resulting in a tummy tuck.

Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction a treatment option following a double mastectomy?

DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be an option for women having a double mastectomy provided there is enough extra abdominal tissue and fat to create two breasts at the mastectomy site.

Are additional breast reconstruction surgeries needed following DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

Following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, additional minor surgery to revise the shape and symmetry of the breasts may be needed as well as minor surgery to create the areola and nipple.

How is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction coordinated with breast surgery?

Our breast reconstruction surgeons work closely with the expert breast surgeons at The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy, to coordinate breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Together, the team of breast surgeons and plastic surgeons work with each patient to determine the best breast reconstruction treatment plan.

What is Stacked DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

Stacked DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a microsurgical procedure that uses tissue from both sides of the abdomen to construct one new breast following a mastectomy. The stacked DIEP flap procedure can be performed in conjunction with breast surgery or delayed until chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment is completed.

How is Stacked DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction performed?

Stacked DIEP flap is performed like DIEP flap breast reconstruction except that two individual flaps of tissue with blood vessels are removed from the abdomen instead of one flap. The two DIEP flap tissues are placed on top of each other creating the stacked DIEP flap. During stacked DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the abdominal tissues and blood vessels are microsurgically connected to the chest, forming a new breast.

Stacked DIEP flap breast reconstruction is optimal for women who are thin and do not have enough abdominal tissue for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Women who have a vertical midline abdominal scar from previous surgeries also can be candidates for stacked DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

See Before and After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Photos >