The New York Group for Plastic Surgery is committed to offering its patients the latest and most innovative breast reconstruction options that address their specific goals and needs. Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs recommend the DIEP flap breast reconstruction technique for patients who want to reconstruct their breasts using tissues from other parts of their bodies (autologous). Using the tissue usually discarded after a tummy tuck to sculpt the ideal breasts, the DIEP Flap NYC procedure has many benefits.
DIEP Flap
New York City
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
What is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap breast reconstruction, sometimes also referred to as a “tummy tuck breast reconstruction”, is an innovative autologous fat transfer technique wherein tissues taken from the abdomen are used to reconstruct the breasts. This provides dual benefits — sculpting the abdomen for a tighter appearance while reconstructing a natural-looking breast mound. The procedure also ensures the blood vessels from the transplanted tissues are reattached.
Breast reconstruction with breast implants eventually necessitates a revision once the implant is past its lifespan. However, since the DIEP flap procedure uses tissues harvested from your own body, the results look completely natural and last a lifetime. It’s a suitable alternative to muscle-based and pedicled flaps, such as the TRAM flap, because it only transfers skin and fat from the abdomen without affecting the muscles.
As such, the DIEP flap in New York City is an autologous surgical procedure wherein skin and fat tissues from the abdomen are used to construct a natural-looking pair of breasts without altering or affecting the abdominal muscles.
Benefits of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Tightens and tones the tummy
- Preserves the abdominal muscles
- Minimizes abdominal pain after the surgery
- Minimizes the risk of an abdominal bulge or hernia
- Produces a naturalized breast mount
- Long-lasting results without the need for revisions
- Improves overall self-confidence
Candidates for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
The tummy tuck breast reconstruction in New York City, or DIEP flap, is suitable for patients desiring natural-looking and long-lasting results. You should consider a DIEP flap breast reconstruction if you:
- Are about to undergo (or have undergone) a mastectomy
- Are averse to implants due to the risk of complications
- Have experienced capsular contracture
- Have suffered from lumpectomy defects
- Have radiation injury on your chest wall
The DIEP Flap Surgical Procedure
Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs perform highly-tailored DIEP flap procedures after a thorough consultation about your specific goals, needs, expectations, and medical history. They perform a thorough physical evaluation, review your medical records, and curate a personalized treatment plan for your DIEP flap surgery. They also answer your questions and concerns and describe every step of the surgery and recovery process.
During the surgery, they harvest the necessary tissues from the lower abdominal region below the navel. They detach the deep inferior epigastric blood vessels from the abdominal region and reattach them to the small vessels in the chest, ensuring the transplanted skin and fat tissues remain healthy. Once the transplanted flap is secured, they contour and mold natural-looking breasts.
Recovering from a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
The DIEP flap breast reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia, and you’ll have to spend about 3 to 4 days in the hospital for recovery. You should start walking one or two days after the surgery to promote healing, and you can resume light activities in a week. Most people resume their daily activities and work about 4 to 6 weeks after DIEP flap in NYC. However, everyone has a unique recovery process, and you should consult your surgeon whenever you increase your activity levels.
Will the Reconstructed Breast Have Sensation?
Our surgeons often restore sensation to the reconstructed breast by connecting nerves from the chest to the transplanted skin and fat tissues. However, each patient has a different experience and level of sensory restoration. You should discuss your sensory innervation options with your surgeons.
Get Started with DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has been serving the New York area for close to three decades. We’re known for highly-tailored surgical treatments that address the patients’ unique needs and aesthetic goals. We serve patients from various neighboring regions, including the Hudson River Valley, Northern New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Western Connecticut. If you want to learn more about the DIEP flap breast reconstruction, please request your consultation online or call us at 888-664-8381 (NYC) or 914-366-6139 (Tarrytown).
