Question 1

Am I a Candidate?

Accepted Answer

The DIEP flap breast reconstruction preserves abdominal muscle, which may reduce the risk of long-term abdominal weakness compared to TRAM flap procedures; however, it's not suitable for all patients. It's not a good choice for:

Previous abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which disrupts the blood supply necessary for DIEP flap
Colostomy or major abdominal wall reconstruction
Multiple abdominal surgeries that may have damaged the epigastric vessels

If you undergo DIEP flap reconstruction on one breast and later require reconstruction of the contralateral breast, alternative approaches must be considered since abdominal tissue can only be used once. Options may include implant-based reconstruction or flaps from other donor sites (such as thigh or buttock tissue). The best approach will depend on your individual anatomy, cancer treatment history, and aesthetic goals, and achieving symmetry between different reconstruction techniques can be challenging.

Question 2

Scarring

Accepted Answer

A DIEP flap does leave a long horizontal scar, from hipbone to hipbone, about one-third of the way between the top of your pubic hair and your navel. In most cases, the scar is below your bikini line. After the skin and fat are removed from your belly, the abdomen is closed.

Question 3

How much does the DIEP reconstruction cost?

Accepted Answer

The procedure is done through the public healthcare system and is absolutely free. You can choose to have the procedure privately, but it will be costly. DIEP surgery is free, this can all be done in the public hospital. Dr Moradi is fortunate enough to work at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney which is a hospital dedicated to women. You can pay to have the surgery in a private hospital, the only advantage is having your surgery performed sooner. The DIEP flap procedure requires special surgical training as well as expertise in microsurgery and it's not available at all hospitals. Dr Moradi is a qualified micro-surgeon.

Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction Sydney