The DIEP II is used when the vessels of the abdomen are small or they are not in the best location.  This procedure, pioneered at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, allows the surgeon to avoid cutting muscle in the abdomen while increasing the blood flow to the tissue to prevent fat necrosis and produce a breast with maximum softness and a tummy with preserved strength.

DIEP flap reconstruction (deep inferior epigastric perforators) is an advanced microsurgical technique in breast reconstruction which uses the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. DIEP flap reconstruction utilizes the excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen without sacrificing any abdominal muscles to construct a breast of soft, warm, living tissue. Women who undergo the DIEP flap reconstruction also benefit from improved abdominal contouring, much like a “tummy tuck.”

DIEP Flap reconstruction uses a flap of complete tissue (blood vessels, skin and fat) as the donor tissue for the new breast. This flap is transferred to the chest where the surgeon attaches the donor tissue blood vessels to the mastectomy site and reconstructs the new, living breast.

While there are several choices when it comes to reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy, the DIEP flap reconstruction is generally the preferred reconstructive option for most women. In cases when the patient lacks enough abdominal fat tissue there are additional options, including the Stacked DIEP reconstruction or the GAP Flap.