Who is a candidate for a DIEP flap reconstruction?
Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer or breast disease requiring a mastectomy may be a candidate for reconstruction. A DIEP may be performed either at the same time as the breast removal (mastectomy) or at some time after the mastectomy has been completed and healing of the tissues has occurred. Deciding which is the best type of breast reconstruction requires an examination of the patient’s body type, need for certain types of cancer treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy), and individual factors that the patient brings into the equation. A discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trained in all methods of breast reconstruction will offer the patient the most choices for a reconstruction tailored to their individual needs. The DIEP flap reconstruction is best suited to patients who are seeking the most natural type of breast reconstruction and have an active lifestyle in which abdominal muscle strength is an important consideration for the patient.
