Achieve natural-looking breast reconstruction with the advanced DIEP flap technique at New York Group for Plastic Surgery. This procedure uses your abdominal tissue to restore breast shape after mastectomy. Performed by Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs, it offers lasting results without implants, while also tightening the midsection for added contour.
Restore Breast Shape With Your Abdominal Tissue
DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator) is an advanced breast reconstruction technique that uses your own abdominal skin and fat to rebuild a natural-looking breast after mastectomy. Unlike older techniques, the DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, reducing pain, maintaining core strength, and minimizing long-term complications. During surgery, Dr. Jacobs carefully transfers tissue from the lower abdomen and reconnects its blood vessels to those in the chest. This allows the reconstructed breast to look and feel natural.
You May Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction If:
- You are preparing for or have undergone a mastectomy
- You want a natural alternative to breast implants
- You have experienced implant-related complications like rupture or capsular contracture
- You have defects from a previous lumpectomy
- You have undergone radiation that affected your chest tissue
- You have enough abdominal fat to create a new breast mound
- You prefer long-lasting results without future implant revisions
- You want to avoid removing or damaging abdominal muscles
Explore Your Options & Visualize the Results
Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion about your medical history, cancer treatment timeline, body type, and personal preferences. Dr. Jacobs will perform a physical examination to assess the quality of your abdominal tissue, evaluate skin laxity, and determine if the DIEP flap is a safe option for you. He’ll also review any past surgeries, radiation exposure, and your desired breast shape and size to ensure the plan aligns with your health and goals.
To help you make informed decisions, Dr. Jacobs uses the Vectra XT 3D imaging system to take ultra-high resolution images and simulate potential outcomes. You’ll see how different breast reconstructive options might look on your body. This helps establish realistic expectations, allowing Dr. Jacobs to curate a surgical plan tailored precisely to your anatomy.
Your DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Session
Your DIEP flap reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 6 to 8 hours. Dr. Jacobs begins by making a horizontal incision just above the pubic area to access the skin and subcutaneous fat of your lower abdomen. Using meticulous dissection, he isolates the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) vessels—these are the arteries and veins that supply blood to the abdominal tissue. The tissue flap, consisting only of skin and fat (not muscle), is carefully elevated along with its vascular pedicle.
Dr. Jacobs then transfers the harvested flap to your chest. Under an operating microscope, he performs microvascular anastomosis, suturing the DIEP vessels to the recipient internal mammary vessels in your chest. Once blood flow is confirmed, he sculpts the tissue into a natural breast mound and closes both the chest and abdominal donor sites.
Before & After
DIEP Flap
*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.
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The Recovery Process After the DIEP Flap
After your DIEP flap surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days so your care team can monitor blood flow to the flap and manage pain. You may experience some swelling, bruising, abdominal tightness, and fatigue during the first week. Drainage tubes will be placed at both the chest and abdominal sites to prevent fluid buildup.
You’ll be encouraged to start walking within 24 to 48 hours to promote circulation and healing. You should avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Dr. Jacobs will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including guidance on caring for incisions, managing drains, and monitoring the flap. Most patients return to light daily activities within 2 weeks and resume full routines within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on individual healing.
The Final DIEP Flap Results
The DIEP flap offers long-lasting, natural-looking results that age with your body. Because the reconstruction uses your own living tissue, your new breasts will feel soft and warm and won’t require future replacement.
You’ll also notice a flatter, more contoured abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck. Final results continue to improve over several months as swelling subsides and scars fade. Most patients report an improvement in body confidence after recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs?
Trusted Expert in Advanced Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a leading specialist in microsurgical breast reconstruction. Dr. Jacobs takes a thoughtful approach to each case, designing each DIEP flap reconstruction around your unique anatomy, personal goals, and long-term well-being. If you’re exploring your options, schedule a consultation and take the next step with one of New York’s most trusted breast reconstruction experts.
