DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is an advanced microsurgical procedure that helps restore the breast after mastectomy, trauma, congenital differences, or previous failed reconstruction. DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap.
This procedure uses your own lower abdominal skin and fat to create a natural breast shape—without removing abdominal muscle. The tissue is carefully transferred to the chest and connected to blood vessels using highly specialized microsurgery techniques.
For many women, DIEP flap reconstruction is considered the gold standard in autologous (your own tissue) breast reconstruction because it provides natural results while preserving strength and function.
Why Women Choose DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Natural Look and Feel
Your reconstructed breast is made from your own living tissue, often resulting in a softer, warmer, and more natural appearance compared with implants.
No Implant Required
Many patients prefer to avoid implants, especially after radiation, implant complications, rupture, or capsular contracture.
Preserves Core Strength
Unlike older TRAM flap procedures, the DIEP flap preserves the abdominal muscles whenever safely possible.
Lower Risk of Hernia or Bulge
Because the muscle is spared, the risk of abdominal weakness may be reduced compared with muscle-sacrificing flap procedures.
Abdominal Contouring Benefit
Because tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, many patients appreciate a flatter abdominal contour similar to a tummy tuck.
Long-Term Reconstruction Option
Your own tissue ages naturally with your body and can provide durable, long-lasting results.
Advanced Reconstruction Options
During DIEP flap breast reconstruction, Dr. Anh Lee may also discuss nerve grafting / nerve repair techniques when appropriate. These advanced techniques can help support the return of sensation over time to the transferred breast tissue and, in select cases, the nipple-areola area after reconstruction.
While sensation recovery varies from patient to patient, nerve coaptation during reconstruction may improve the potential for feeling compared with reconstruction without nerve repair. Dr. Lee will review whether you may be a candidate for this option during your consultation.
Who May Be a Candidate?
Women who have had:
- Single or double mastectomy
- Breast cancer treatment with radiation
- Failed implants or prior reconstruction complications
- Desire for a more natural reconstruction
- Adequate lower abdominal tissue for transfer
Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Lee will review:
- Your medical history
- Prior surgeries and treatments
- Implant vs. flap reconstruction options
- Goals for symmetry and appearance
- Recovery expectations
You will need medical clearance from your primary physician, which can include labs, EKG, imaging, or other testing depending on your health history.
How the Procedure Works
During surgery:
- Skin and fat from the lower abdomen are carefully harvested.
- Important blood vessels are preserved.
- Tissue is transferred to the chest.
- Microsurgery is used to connect tiny blood vessels.
- A new breast mound is shaped.
No abdominal muscle is routinely removed in standard DIEP flap reconstruction.
What to Expect After Surgery
Surgery Length
Typically 6–8+ hours, depending on whether one or both breasts are reconstructed.
Hospital Stay
Usually 1–3 days, depending on recovery and monitoring needs.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients return to light activity in 4–8 weeks, though healing varies by individual.
Follow-Up Care
You will have regular visits with Dr. Lee, either in-office or virtual when appropriate.
Recovery Tips
- Walk daily as instructed
- Eat a high-protein diet to support healing
- Stay hydrated
- Use stool softeners if recommended
- Avoid heavy lifting until cleared
- Sleep on your back as instructed
- Wear your support garments as directed
- Take prescribed medications exactly as instructed
Stages of Breast Reconstruction
Phase 1 – Initial Reconstruction
Creation of the breast mound using DIEP tissue transfer.
Phase 2 – Revision / Refinement
A shorter outpatient procedure to improve symmetry, contour, nipple reconstruction, liposuction, or fat grafting if desired.
Phase 3 – Areola Tattooing
Optional finishing step for added realism.
Why Patients Travel for DIEP Reconstruction
DIEP flap surgery requires advanced microsurgical expertise and is not offered everywhere. Many women travel to seek surgeons experienced in this specialized procedure.
Serving El Paso & Surrounding Areas
Dr. Anh Lee proudly helps women from El Paso, West Texas, New Mexico, and surrounding communities, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, and other regional cities, navigate breast reconstruction with compassionate, individualized care.
Scheduling & Insurance Information
We offer in-person and virtual consultations for patients traveling from outside the area or those who prefer to begin the process from home. Virtual appointments can be a convenient first step to discuss your reconstruction options with Dr. Anh Lee.
We accept most major insurance plans for medically necessary breast reconstruction procedures. However, at this time we do not participate with Medicare plans, TRICARE, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plans.
If you have questions regarding your coverage, our team is happy to help review your benefits and discuss available options.
We’re Here for You
If you are exploring reconstruction after breast cancer or prior failed reconstruction, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Below, you’ll find educational videos and articles and patient testimonials to help you learn more about the DIEP flap reconstruction journey.
- DIEP Flap Surgery: Breast Reconstruction
- Hernia After DIEP Flap and TRAM Flap: Symptoms and Treatment
We are here for you on your reconstructive journey! Feel free to call or email us any time for questions or concerns.
