Am I a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

A Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction is a procedure that uses your own lower abdominal tissue to rebuild a natural-feeling breast, typically after a mastectomy. DIEP flap reconstruction is important as it provides a lifelong reconstructed breast while avoiding the risk of implant complications and abdominal weakness.

Dr. Michael A. Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a world-renowned breast reconstruction specialist. He leads his practice by offering a full spectrum of breast procedures, both cosmetic and reconstructive. If you are exploring your breast reconstruction options and want to find out if you can benefit from DIEP flap reconstruction, call our office directly at (224) 271-4250 to schedule your personal consultation.

Today, Dr. Howard’s practice focuses on reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. For women who require breast reconstruction, he offers the full spectrum of surgical options, including state-of-the-art perforator flaps, pre-pectoral implant reconstruction, partial breast reconstruction with oncoplastic surgery techniques, and implant-based reconstruction methods.

About DIEP Flap Reconstruction

After a mastectomy, breast reconstruction offers a pathway to restoring your natural body contours and breast appearance. In certain cases, DIEP flap reconstruction can also help enhance breast appearance after implant removal. (1) DIEP flap reconstruction surgery utilizes a flap of tissue from the lower belly and transfers it to the chest to rebuild one or both breasts. DIEP flap reconstruction is often the ideal technique, as it leaves abdominal muscles completely intact, mimics natural aging and weight fluctuations, preserves abdominal muscles, and removes excess lower abdominal fat, creating a flatter, tighter stomach.

The Advantages of the DIEP Technique

DIEP flap reconstruction is an advanced surgical technique that safely reconstructs the breasts to an optimal, natural appearance. Key advantages include:

  • Maintains Core Strength: By rotating tissue into the breast mound, the procedure preserves muscular integrity.
  • Minimal Hernia Risk: By leaving the abdominal muscles mostly intact, DIEP flap reconstruction has a less than 1% risk of causing hernias.
  • Long-Lasting, Low-Maintenance Results: Unlike with procedures involving implants, you will not have to undergo removal or replacement later on.
  • Fluctuates with Natural Body Changes: The DIEP flap technique rotates tissue into the breast mound, so your own natural tissue will adjust to any future body changes.
  • Improves Self-Confidence: Many women report a renewed sense of femininity and greater confidence after enjoying their reconstructed breasts.

Am I a Good Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

If you have undergone a mastectomy or another procedure and now are seeking out breast reconstruction, DIEP flap reconstruction may benefit you. Patients who see the best outcomes have sufficient lower abdominal tissue available to build a breast size that is ideal for their body type. They should also be a non-smoker (or willing to quit), be in generally good health, hold realistic expectations for results, and be at a stable weight. DIEP flap reconstruction may be right for you if you want to avoid the potential complications and maintenance requirements of implants, or if you are undergoing breast implant removal and require tissue adjustment. (2)

DIEP flap surgery may not be an ideal procedure for you if you have already had certain abdominal surgeries, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, in the past. Additionally, if your abdominal blood vessels are too small or not in the best location, or if you have certain health conditions, this procedure may not be ideal for you.

Stacked DIEP

Stacked DIEP is a newer method of reconstruction that helps patients who do not have a single area of adequate fat present in their stomach for a standard DIEP reconstruction. Dr. Howard will remove two flaps of skin, one from each side of the lower abdomen, to rebuild your breast(s). This option is ideal if you believe you were not eligible for a DIEP reconstruction procedure.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Howard will determine your candidacy for a DIEP flap procedure during your personal consultation. At this appointment, he will evaluate your medical history, examine the current state of your breasts, and you and he will discuss your reconstruction goals. He will also review the details of your past breast procedures, whether it was a mastectomy or another procedure. He may also take imaging tests to evaluate the blood vessels in your abdomen. This meeting is an ideal opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have about your procedure. (3) Dr. Howard’s goal is that you leave this meeting feeling confident, informed, and comfortable taking the next steps in your reconstruction plan.

To explore your candidacy and learn more about how DIEP flap reconstruction can benefit you, please reach out today! Call our office at (224) 271-4250 to book your consultation.

Preparation

If you do qualify for DIEP flap reconstruction, Dr. Howard will provide you with important preparation instructions. Following these closely will keep you strong and healthy throughout treatment, which contributes to a reduced risk of complications and a smoother recovery. Depending on your medical history, past breast procedure, and goals, Dr. Howard may recommend that you:

  • Strengthen your core through physical therapy or exercises
  • Cease nicotine use and/or smoking
  • Pause the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements
  • Arrange a ride home and support for the first couple of days after your procedure
  • Set up a recovery space

Procedure

The DIEP flap reconstruction procedure is different for each individual. In some cases, especially when it occurs in the same session as the mastectomy, it can take at least six hours. You will receive general anesthesia at the start of your procedure, and Dr. Howard will make an incision in the lower abdomen and lift a flap of tissue that includes skin, fat, and blood vessels. After removing an adequate amount of tissue, he will rotate it to the chest to form new breasts. He will attach the tiny blood vessels in the flap to those in the chest using microsurgery techniques. Lastly, he will carefully close the incisions on the chest and abdomen with stitches or staples. Dr. Howard will monitor you after the procedure before providing detailed post-surgical instructions and sending you home.

Results

DIEP flap reconstruction surgery recreates a natural-feeling breast while preserving the abdominal muscles. After your procedure, you will enjoy fuller, feminine, reconstructed breasts with the added benefits of enhanced abdominal contours and preserved muscles. DIEP flap reconstruction creates permanent results that you can enjoy for several years. Most importantly, your breasts will retain their full, natural sensation. (4)

Cost of DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Lake Forest, IL

The cost of your DIEP flap reconstruction procedure varies depending on the amount of skin tissue that will be transferred to your chest, your overall goals, whether you include DIEP flap reconstruction during your mastectomy, and several other factors. Dr. Howard will provide a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation. Contact our office by calling (224) 271-4250 to schedule yours today!

FAQ

What makes me a good candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction?

You may be an ideal candidate for a DIEP flap reconstruction if you require breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or another procedure but have enough tissue in the lower abdomen to rebuild the breasts, have a BMI below 40, and are in good general health.

What are the benefits of a DIEP flap reconstruction?

DIEP flap reconstruction rebuilds the breasts to a natural appearance and feeling while preserving core strength.

Are the results of a DIEP reconstruction permanent?

Yes, the results of a DIEP flap reconstruction are permanent, as the procedure offers natural-looking results that mold to your body shape and change as you age, unlike other procedures that require high maintenance care and a replacement after a couple of years.

Why is a DIEP flap reconstruction a better option than implants?

DIEP flap reconstruction is not necessarily “better” than implants, but many patients find this technique more appealing because it uses your own tissue, helps to slim the abdomen, creates results that adapt to your body, and eliminates the necessity of future maintenance.

How much does a DIEP flap reconstruction procedure cost?

The cost of your DIEP flap reconstruction varies depending on your overall goals and the amount of tissue transfer that will occur during your procedure. Dr. Howard will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation.

References

  1. Veselý J, Stupka I, Drazan L, Holusa P, Licata P, Corradini B. DIEP flap breast reconstruction–new experience. Acta chirurgiae plasticae. 2001;43(1):3-6. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11370256/
  2. DIEP Flap. www.breastcancer.org. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/autologous-flap/diep
  3. 80.Jayaraman AP, Dickey RM, Cooper JL, et al. Abstract 67: Patient Selection For DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction In The Obese Population: Stratifying Surgical Risk Factors For Patient Inclusion Or Exclusion. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(4 Suppl):43-44. doi:10.1097/01.GOX.0000667328.79059.6c
  4. Augustin A, Morandi EM, Winkelmann S, et al. Long-Term Results after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP versus PAP Flaps Based on Quality of Life and Aesthetic Outcome Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(3):737. doi:10.3390/jcm12030737
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