DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What You Should Know

Facing breast cancer is an emotionally and physically challenging experience. From diagnosis to treatment, every step can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when it comes to making decisions about what comes next. For many women, deciding on breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a personal and emotional part of the healing process.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is one option that offers a natural, lasting result. It uses your own tissue, rather than implants, to rebuild the breast. It’s a choice that helps restore physical appearance and supports emotional recovery and confidence.

Here’s what to know if you’re considering DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

What Is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

DIEP stands for deep inferior epigastric perforator. A DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a surgical technique that uses fat, skin, and blood vessels from the lower belly. The tissue is used to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy, without removing abdominal muscles.

This approach preserves core strength and provides a more natural outcome. It also gives the lower abdomen a slimmer appearance, similar to a tummy tuck.

Benefits of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Many women choose this procedure over implants because of the unique advantages it offers:

Natural look and feel: The reconstructed breast often feels more natural since it uses your own tissue.
No implants required: Avoids long-term risks like implant rupture, shifting, or the need for future replacements.
Improved sensation: Surgeons may be able to reconnect nerves, which can help restore feeling to the breast over time.
Abdominal contouring: The tissue removal from your belly also results in a flatter, more contoured midsection.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

DIEP flap breast reconstruction may be right for you if:

You have some extra lower belly fat or skin.
You prefer a reconstruction option without implants.
You’re healthy enough to undergo a longer surgery and recovery.
You haven’t had previous abdominal surgeries that could impact blood vessel access.

Each patient’s anatomy and medical history are different. A consultation with a breast reconstruction surgeon will help determine if this option is the best fit for you.

What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery

DIEP flap breast construction is a complex surgery. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete. Recovery from a DIEP flap tends to take longer than an implant-based reconstruction. This is because both the chest and the abdomen need to heal.

Most people will spend a few days in the hospital after the surgery, followed by a few weeks of recovery at home. Pain is an expected and normal part of the healing process. However, your doctor will partner with you to provide pain relief to keep you comfortable. You’ll likely be able to resume most of your normal activities after a few weeks. You can expect to be completely healed after about six to eight weeks.

This is a major surgery, and recovery can be challenging at times. But many women say the long-term results, both physically and emotionally, make it worthwhile.