DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Tucson, AZ

Name: DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Brand: Tucson Plastic Surgery

DIEP flap reconstruction is an advanced microsurgical technique designed to restore the breasts after a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical conditions. Our Tucson plastic surgeons utilize a patient’s own abdominal skin and fat to create a soft, warm, living breast mound offering a natural look and feel without the need for implants.

three generations of women posing for a photo

A Team Dedicated to Personalized, Expert Care

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Dr. Silvia Kurtovic and Dr. Raman Mahabir offer a highly specialized approach to breast reconstruction. As board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons with extensive experience in microsurgery, they have helped thousands of women achieve natural, lasting results. Their unique two-surgeon approach enhances precision, shortens surgical time, and ensures the highest level of care. With an emphasis on patient well-being, they provide a supportive, empowering environment where women can make informed decisions about their reconstruction journey.

Dana's DIEP Flap Story

Martha's DIEP Flap Story

What is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

DIEP stands for deep inferior epigastric perforator, the main blood vessel supplying skin and fat in the lower abdomen.

This technique is an advanced evolution of the traditional TRAM flap method but with a key difference—DIEP preserves abdominal muscles, maintaining core strength while providing natural breast reconstruction.

During the surgery, skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to the tissue removed in a tummy tuck, are carefully relocated to the chest. The blood vessels within the tissue are reattached to vessels in the chest using sophisticated microsurgical techniques, ensuring a healthy, living breast mound that ages naturally with the body. This approach avoids implants while offering long-lasting, organic results that feel and look like you.

DIEP Flap Reconstruction Before & After

Breast reconstruction is more than just a procedure—it’s a transformative journey that helps restore confidence and a sense of self after mastectomy. Every patient’s story is unique, and we are honored to be part of that journey. Explore our before-and-after results to see how DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Tucson Plastic Surgery has helped women reclaim their bodies with natural-looking, lasting outcomes.

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The Benefits of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers a natural, permanent solution for women seeking to restore their breasts after mastectomy. By using the body’s own tissue, this technique creates a soft, warm, and lifelike breast that feels and ages naturally. Unlike the traditional TRAM flap, DIEP flap preserves the abdominal muscles, helping maintain core strength and significantly reducing the risk of complications. This advanced approach not only provides a more natural aesthetic but also promotes long-term well-being and comfort.

Additional benefits of DIEP flap reconstruction include the following:

Natural Look and Feel – Uses your own living tissue for a soft, realistic breast reconstruction.
Preserve Abdominal Muscles – Unlike TRAM flap surgery, this technique leaves the core muscles intact, reducing weakness and maintaining strength.
Ages Naturally with the Body – The reconstructed breast adapts and matures over time, just like natural tissue. It ages with the body and often does not need much revision over time. The DIEP flaps will change with large weight fluctuations similar to native breast tissue.
Lower Risk of Complications — This method decreases the chances of hernias and other abdominal issues.
No Implants Needed – Eliminates concerns about implant maintenance, rupture, or future replacement.
Enhances Abdominal Contour – Similar to a tummy tuck, this procedure removes excess lower abdominal fat and skin, creating a smoother, firmer midsection.
Long-Lasting Results with Less Revision Surgery – The transferred tissue fully integrates with the body, providing a lifelong solution. Most women who have had DIEP flap breast reconstruction do not require multiple revision surgeries over time as is typically seen with implant breast reconstruction.

DIEP Flap Reconstruction Candidacy

DIEP flap reconstruction is an excellent option for women in good overall health who have enough lower abdominal tissue to serve as a donor site. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking a natural, implant-free reconstruction with long-lasting results. Patients who have undergone prior significant abdominal surgeries, including tummy tucks, may not be ideal candidates but can explore alternative tissue-based reconstruction options using the thighs or buttocks.

The best way to determine if DIEP flap reconstruction at Tucson Plastic Surgery is right for you is through a personal consultation with one of our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons. During this visit, we will carefully go over your medical history, body type, and aesthetic wishes to create a tailored surgical plan specifically for you.

Feeling Restored: Sensation After DIEP Flap Surgery

Losing breast sensation after a mastectomy can be challenging, but some degree of feeling may return over time, particularly with DIEP flap reconstruction. Unlike implants, which lack nerves, DIEP flap reconstruction uses living tissue, allowing for some nerve regeneration. While full sensation may not return, many patients experience gradual improvements, with tingling or warmth as nerves “wake up.”

Factors like nipple-sparing mastectomy, radiation, and individual healing influence sensory recovery. Immediate reconstruction at the time of mastectomy may offer better potential for nerve regrowth. Though results vary, DIEP flap reconstruction provides the best opportunity for a natural, long-lasting breast restoration with the potential for improved sensation over time.

What to Expect During DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP flap surgery in Tucson is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 6-8 hours. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we utilize Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to optimize comfort, reduce pain, and promote a smoother recovery. One key component of this approach is Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic that helps block pain for 3-4 days, minimizing the need for narcotic medication.

Here’s an overview of what happens during the procedure:

Preoperative Marking: Before surgery, your reconstructive surgeon will carefully map out the tissue on your lower abdomen, ensuring that the final incision is placed low enough to be hidden by undergarments or a swimsuit.
Tissue Harvesting: The skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen are meticulously removed while preserving the abdominal muscles to maintain core strength.
Flap Transfer: The harvested tissue is then transferred to the chest, where the surgeon reconnects the blood vessels using advanced microvascular techniques.
Breast Shaping: The tissue is sculpted into a natural, symmetrical breast mound, restoring volume and softness.
Abdominal Closure: The lower abdomen is carefully closed, similar to a tummy tuck, enhancing the overall contour of the midsection.

DIEP Flap Reconstruction Recovery Process 6-8 Weeks

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights before being discharged home. Surgical drains are placed at the breast and abdominal donor sites to prevent fluid buildup, and they are typically removed within 1-2 weeks. During the initial recovery, patients should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and excessive stretching for at least six weeks. To support healing, we recommend:

Sleeping in a reclined position, similar to a beach chair, for the first two weeks to reduce swelling and tension.
Wearing light compression garments to support the abdominal area and minimize swelling.
Gradually resume normal activities, with most patients returning to daily routines within 6-8 weeks and unrestricted exercise by 2-3 months.

Our team provides comprehensive post-operative care and guidance to ensure a smooth recovery.

Why Choose Tucson Plastic Surgery for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a highly specialized procedure that requires precision, microsurgical expertise, and an artistic eye for natural results. Dr. Silvia Kurtovic and Dr. Raman Mahabir bring a wealth of experience as board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons with extensive backgrounds in complex breast reconstruction. Having performed thousands of DIEP flap procedures, they offer a collaborative, two-surgeon approach that enhances surgical precision, minimizes operative time, and optimizes safety and outcomes.

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, patient care is centered on more than just surgery—it’s about creating an experience that fosters healing, confidence, and emotional well-being. From the moment you step into our serene, spa-like office to the ongoing support throughout recovery, every aspect of care is designed to help you feel supported and empowered. With a deep commitment to excellence and compassion, Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir guide patients through every stage of reconstruction, ensuring they feel whole again—inside and out.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Tucson, AZ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from DIEP flap reconstruction?

Recovery varies for each patient, but most women can expect to return to normal activities within 6-8 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 2-3 months.

How long does abdominal swelling last after DIEP flap reconstruction?

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically subsides within 2-3 months. Light compression garments and lymphatic massage can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.

What happens if DIEP flap reconstruction fails?

DIEP flap reconstruction has a high success rate, but in rare cases, blood flow complications can prevent the flap from thriving. If this occurs, alternative options like implant-based reconstruction or tissue transfer from other donor sites, such as the thighs or buttocks, may be considered.

Will I regain sensation in my breast after DIEP flap reconstruction?

Many patients experience some numbness after surgery, as mastectomy disrupts the nerves supplying sensation to the breast. However, with DIEP flap reconstruction, some patients notice a gradual improvement in feeling over time as nerve regeneration occurs within the transferred tissue.

How do you prepare for DIEP flap reconstruction?

Preparing for surgery involves consultations with your surgeon and, potentially, your oncologist. You’ll receive detailed instructions on pre-surgical care, hospital stay expectations, and post-operative recovery. We also recommend bringing a family member or caregiver to your pre-op visit for support.

Is DIEP flap surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, DIEP flap breast reconstruction is covered by health insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage details.

Is DIEP flap surgery safe?

When performed by experienced, fellowship-trained, and board-certified plastic surgeons, DIEP flap surgery is safe and effective. Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic have collectively performed over 1,500 DIEP flap procedures and prioritize patient safety at every step.

What is the difference between a TRAM flap and a DIEP flap?

A TRAM flap removes a portion of the rectus muscle along with the skin and fat, while a DIEP flap preserves the muscle, reducing the risk of abdominal weakness and hernias.

How long is the hospital stay after DIEP flap surgery?

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights for monitoring before being discharged home with their caregiver.

Can DIEP flap surgery be performed after a tummy tuck?

Because DIEP flap surgery relies on lower abdominal tissue, it is generally not an option for patients who have already had a tummy tuck. However, alternative tissue donor sites may be considered.

Will I have drains after DIEP flap surgery?

Yes, surgical drains are placed at the breast and abdominal incision sites to prevent fluid buildup. They are typically removed within 1-2 weeks, depending on healing progress.