Achieve natural, lasting breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap in Murrieta and Temecula at Advanced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center. This advanced procedure uses your own abdominal tissue to create a soft, balanced breast without implants. Dr. Daron Geldwert and Dr. Darren S. Leong deliver compassionate, individualized care using the most advanced microsurgical techniques.
Rebuild the Breast Using
Your Abdominal Tissue
A DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator flap) is a modern breast reconstruction method that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to form a natural breast shape. This unique approach avoids taking the abdominal muscle, which lowers the risk of long-term abdominal weakness. Our surgeons use microsurgery techniques to reconnect the delicate blood vessels, ensuring the transferred tissue stays healthy. Along with creating a soft, balanced breast, DIEP flap reconstruction in Murrieta and Temecula can also contour the abdomen for added cosmetic benefits in one surgery.
What Are the Benefits of the DIEP Flap?
- Preserves abdominal muscles for reduced weakness
- Minimizes post-operative pain and speeds recovery
- Lowers the risk of abdominal bulging or hernia
- Uses your own tissue for a natural look and feel
- Provides long-lasting results without future implant replacement
- Improves abdominal contour, similar to a tummy tuck
- Allows breast reconstruction even after radiation therapy
- Enhances body confidence and overall satisfaction
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Am I a Suitable Candidate for a DIEP Flap?
You may be a suitable candidate for a DIEP flap if you are seeking a natural, long-term solution for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or if you’ve experienced challenges with implants. Because this procedure uses your abdominal tissue, having sufficient donor tissue is crucial. During your consultation, Dr. Geldwert and Dr. Leong assess your overall health, body type, prior surgeries, and personal goals to determine whether a DIEP flap in Murrieta and Temecula is the best approach for your reconstruction.
You may be a candidate for a DIEP flap if:
- You have undergone or plan to undergo a mastectomy
- You are looking for a natural alternative to implants
- You have enough abdominal tissue for transfer
- You have experienced implant complications such as capsular contracture
- You have had radiation therapy that affected the chest wall
- You do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery
- You have not had extensive prior abdominal surgery
- You are in good overall health and able to tolerate anesthesia
What Happens During the DIEP Flap Procedure?
During a DIEP flap procedure, Dr. Geldwert and/or Dr. Leong begin by removing a section of skin and fat from your lower abdomen while leaving the abdominal muscles intact. They identify and detach the deep inferior epigastric blood vessels that supply this tissue. Using microsurgical techniques under a high-powered operating microscope, they reconnect these vessels to tiny blood vessels in your chest to restore circulation and keep the transferred tissue alive.
Once blood flow is secured, our surgeons meticulously sculpt the transferred tissue to form a breast mound that looks natural and balanced. Because the muscle is spared, your abdominal strength is preserved and your risk of hernia is reduced. At the same time, the donor area is contoured, similar to a tummy tuck, resulting in both restorative and cosmetic benefits.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After a DIEP Flap?
After undergoing a DIEP flap procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the chest and abdominal areas. Most patients stay in the hospital for three to four days, with walking encouraged within the first 24 to 48 hours to promote circulation. Light activity is usually possible after one week, and normal function returns around 4 to 6 weeks. The final results typically appear as swelling subsides, gradually over a few months.
To support a smooth recovery, you should:
- Wear compression garments on your abdomen for 4 to 6 weeks
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed in the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Keep surgical drains in place until cleared, usually 1 to 2 weeks
- Avoid lifting anything heavy for at least 6 weeks
- Attend all follow-up visits for monitoring and stitch removal
- Resume exercise gradually after 6 to 8 weeks with surgeon approval
Why Choose Advanced Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery Center?
Advanced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center is a premier destination for breast reconstruction, boasting over 35 years of experience and more than 10,000 procedures performed. Led by Dr. Daron Geldwert and Dr. Darren S. Leong, both board-certified and fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery, we are known for delivering natural results through the most advanced microsurgical techniques.
Dr. Geldwert and Dr. Leong have spent years treating cancer patients and understand the importance of individualized care. They frequently collaborate as co-surgeons on complex cases, ensuring optimal artistry in even the most challenging reconstructions. With their extensive expertise in DIEP flap surgery, they are widely respected and trusted by other medical professionals. Schedule your consultation today to explore DIEP flap breast reconstruction in Rancho Cucamonga or Murrieta.
