Using Tissue From the Lower Abdomen To Reconstruct the Breasts

DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) breast reconstruction is the most commonly performed type of flap-based breast reconstruction because of its high success rate and its ability to restore the breasts without using muscle. During this procedure, the surgeon utilizes skin and fat from the lower abdomen (the donor site). Using microsurgical techniques, blood vessels within this removed tissue are then reattached to vessels in the chest.

By not using implants, DIEP surgery provides natural results that truly look and feel like a part of your body. Reconstructing the breasts without muscle also lowers the risk of muscle weakness and/or hernia at the donor site.

When the excess tissue is removed, the shape of the abdomen is often enhanced, giving the effect of an abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”).