Her Fight is Our Mission

DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator) flap reconstruction is widely regarded as the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, we offer this advanced technique as part of our holistic approach to breast cancer treatment and recovery.

Using the patient’s own abdominal skin and fat, the DIEP flap reconstructs a natural-looking breast without compromising core muscle strength or function. Unlike older techniques such as the TRAM flap, which involves muscle removal, the DIEP flap preserves the abdominal muscles, significantly reducing post-operative complications and enabling faster recovery.

DIEP flap reconstruction may be ideal if you: 

• Prefer a natural, long-lasting reconstruction without implants 
• Have sufficient lower abdominal tissue for flap creation 
• Wish to preserve abdominal muscle strength 
• Have had prior issues with implants or simply want to avoid them 
• Are seeking both breast and abdominal contouring in one procedure 

How the Procedure is Performed

• Tissue Harvesting: A flap of skin and fat, along with its accompanying blood vessels, is meticulously dissected from the lower abdomen. Care is taken to preserve muscle while ensuring sufficient vascular supply.
• Microsurgical Vessel Connection: The harvested tissue is transplanted to the chest, where the blood vessels are reconnected to chest vessels using high-precision microsurgery techniques. This re-establishes blood flow and ensures tissue viability.
• Breast Shaping: The tissue is sculpted to match the desired breast shape and size, with attention to symmetry and natural contour. In cases of unilateral reconstruction, every effort is made to match the existing breast.
• Microsurgical Precision: The success of the DIEP flap depends on skilled breast reconstructive surgeons with expertise in microsurgical anastomosis (joining of blood vessels), available at Apollo Athenaa.

Recovery 

• Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay 4-5 days for close monitoring.
• Initial Recovery: Light activities may resume within 4–6 weeks; full recovery may take up to 8 weeks.
• Follow-Up Care: Post-operative visits help monitor flap health, ensure proper healing, and address any concerns. Personalised physiotherapy and emotional support are integral to our continuum of care.

Key Advantages

• Natural, Autologous Results: Because the DIEP flap uses your own tissue, the reconstructed breast feels warm, soft, and natural. It also ages naturally with the body, maintaining long-term harmony and appearance without the need for implants.
• Preservation of Muscle Integrity: Only the skin, fat, and blood vessels are harvested from the abdomen. The abdominal muscles are left completely intact, helping preserve core strength and reducing risks of hernia or long-term weakness.
• Aesthetic and Functional Dual Benefit: The procedure not only restores the breast but also contours the abdomen — offering a flatter, firmer abdominal profile akin to a cosmetic tummy tuck. This dual benefit significantly enhances body image and self-esteem.

At Apollo Athenaa, DIEP flap reconstruction is not just a procedure, it’s a transformative experience guided by compassion, expertise, and attention to detail. Our team of internationally-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeons specialise in complex autologous reconstruction and deliver consistently outstanding aesthetic and functional outcomes. With integrated services including physiotherapy, lymphedema care, and emotional wellness support, we offer truly comprehensive reconstruction that restores more than just the breast — it restores wholeness.