DIEP Flap

A DIEP flap is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the breast after mastectomy, using autologous skin, fat, and blood vessels taken from the lower abdomen rather than a prosthetic implant. Unlike the older TRAM flap technique, which removes abdominal muscle to make the transfer, the DIEP method takes only skin and fat, leaving the abdominal muscle intact and lowering the risk of abdominal weakness or hernia. The procedure requires specialized microsurgical skill to reconnect the transferred blood vessels and is generally offered only at centers with dedicated plastic surgery support.