A woman with long dark hair wearing a light-colored blazer, holding it open to reveal her cleavage, in a black-and-white photo.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

A natural, muscle-preserving approach using your own tissue.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction restores breast volume using skin and fat from the lower abdomen while preserving core muscles. This advanced microsurgical approach offers a soft, natural result without implants.

Dr.Cohen also offers free educational resources on her ROON profile for those who may not be able to pursue care direcly.

WHO THIS IS FOR:

  • Patients planning or recovering from mastectomy

  • Those seeking a natural, implant-free option

  • Patients with sufficient donor tissue

  • Individuals prioritizing long-term results

  • Using fat from a “tummy tuck” to restore breast volume


Diagram showing the step-by-step process of DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Stage A shows a woman with a planned incision on her abdomen. Stage B depicts the removal of breast tissue and the incision through the abdomen. Stage C illustrates the transfer of the deep inferior epigastric perforator vessels to the chest, connected to recipient vessels, and the removal of the DIEP flap. Stage D shows the reconstructed breast with restored shape and closed incisions. Stage E depicts the final result with a natural breast shape and healed incisions.

During a DIEP flap breast reconstruction, skin and fat from the lower abdomen are carefully harvested and transferred to the chest, where blood vessels are microsurgically reconnected to restore circulation. The breast is then sculpted using your own tissue to create a natural shape and feel, all while preserving the abdominal muscles to maintain core strength. Nerves are reconnected if desired.


BENEFITS

Natural Look & Feel

A DIEP Flap mimmicks the feel of your native breast in softness and touch.

Long Lasting Results

Once healing is complete, the reconstructed breast is designed to be permanent, using your own living tissue for results that endure.

No Implants

This approach avoids the use of silicone or saline implants, eliminating concerns related to implant maintenance, replacement, or long-term implant-related complications.

Preserved Core Strength

The DIEP flap technique carefully preserves the abdominal muscles, helping maintain core stability and reducing the risk of long-term weakness or functional limitations.

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RECOVERY

Hospital stay is typically two days, followed by a guided recovery |
process focused on comfort, healing, and long-term outcomes.

A RETURN to YOURSELF on YOUR TERMS