YOUR OWN TISSUE. LONG-TERM RESULT.
Microsurgical breast reconstruction using your own tissue, with no implant. Because it is living tissue, the reconstructed breast changes with your body over time.
ABOUT THIS PROCEDURE
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap surgery is one of the most technically advanced breast reconstruction procedures available. It uses skin, fat and blood vessels harvested from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast, without sacrificing the underlying abdominal muscle. The result is a soft, natural breast mound that integrates fully with your body over time.
Free flap procedures represent the gold standard in reconstructive microsurgery. They are used for patients rebuilding after mastectomy, and for those with significant tissue loss or damage resulting from trauma, injury, or failed previous reconstruction. The transplanted tissue is microsurgically connected to blood vessels in the chest, restoring circulation and allowing the new breast to live and function as part of you.
Reconstruction can be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy, or delayed until a later point, depending on your oncology treatment plan, your anatomy, and your readiness. The procedure may be completed in one stage or across multiple stages, planned around your goals and recovery.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
DIEP vs Implant Reconstruction: Implants rebuild the breast using a silicone prosthesis. DIEP uses your own living tissue, producing a result that is softer, responds naturally to weight changes, and carries no risk of capsular contracture or implant failure.
DIEP vs TRAM Flap: Both use abdominal tissue, but TRAM flap surgery sacrifices the rectus abdominis muscle. DIEP spares the muscle entirely by isolating only the perforator blood vessels, preserving core strength and dramatically reducing the risk of abdominal weakness or hernia post-operatively.
DIEP Flap Advantages
PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE
Key procedure parameters to know before your consultation.
Surgery Time
Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
Drains Required
Post-Op Garments
The exact surgical approach is determined at consultation, based on your individual anatomy and goals.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
Weeks 1–2
Following discharge, you are seen at your first and second week appointments. Drains are managed, the flap is monitored closely, and any early concerns are addressed immediately. Rest is essential during this period.
Weeks 2–3
Most patients can return to desk-based or light work within 2–3 weeks of discharge. The abdominal binder and supporting garment continue to be worn. Driving and lifting remain restricted at this stage.
Weeks 4–6
Energy improves and moderately physical work can resume. The reconstructed breast and abdominal donor site continue to heal. Garments are worn until the six-week mark as directed.
Weeks 8–12
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can be resumed from 8–12 weeks, guided by your surgeon’s assessment. The reconstructed breast continues to soften and settle into its final shape over 6–12 months.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIEP flap reconstruction consistently produces some of the most natural and durable results in reconstructive breast surgery. Here is what most patients experience:
WHY DIEP FLAP
DIEP flap uses only your own tissue. There is no silicone, no expander, and no risk of implant-related complications such as capsular contracture or implant failure over time.
Unlike older TRAM flap procedures, DIEP surgery leaves the abdominal muscle completely intact. This preserves core strength and significantly reduces the risk of abdominal weakness or hernia after surgery.
Because the reconstructed breast is made from living tissue, it responds to weight changes and ageing in a similar way to the natural breast, which helps keep proportion and symmetry over time.
Harvesting the donor tissue from the lower abdomen means many patients find their abdomen flatter afterwards.
THE DONOR SITE
Understanding the abdominal donor site is one of the most common questions patients have.
THE SCAR
A horizontal scar is left across the lower abdomen. It is positioned low, typically at or below the bikini line, so that it is concealed by underwear and swimwear. The scar matures and fades significantly over 12–18 months.
THE MUSCLE
The defining feature of DIEP over older techniques is complete muscle preservation. The rectus abdominis muscle is left entirely untouched. Only the perforating blood vessels passing through it are used. This protects your core strength and minimises the risk of abdominal hernia or weakness.
THE SHAPE
Removing the abdominal fat used for reconstruction leaves the donor area noticeably flatter. The result is similar in effect to an abdominoplasty, which some patients see as a side benefit of DIEP surgery.
SPECIALIST MICROSURGERY
DIEP flap surgery requires the surgeon to map, harvest, and microsurgically re-anastomose blood vessels smaller than 1–2 millimetres in diameter. This level of precision demands specialist training that goes beyond general plastic surgery. It is the domain of dedicated reconstructive microsurgeons.
Prof. Hindocha brings extensive experience in free flap and perforator flap reconstruction, including complex revision cases and patients who have had previous abdominal surgery. Every DIEP procedure begins with careful pre-operative vessel mapping to plan the harvest carefully before a single incision is made.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
DIEP flap surgery is suitable for many patients seeking breast reconstruction, but it requires a thorough assessment to confirm suitability. You may be a good candidate if you:
EXPLORE FURTHER
Explore the full range of reconstruction options available to you.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
An overview of all reconstruction techniques, and a starting point for understanding your options.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Breast reconstruction using silicone implants or tissue expanders.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Surgical restoration following injury, accident, or complications from previous surgery.
Verified patient reviews
Independently published reviews from patients of Prof. Hindocha, quoted in full and exactly as written. Every one links back to its source.
★★★★★
After years of being unhappy with my breasts after breastfeeding, I'm so glad I trusted my instincts and waited until I found the right surgeon. From my first consultation, Professor Hindocha made me feel completely at ease and I knew I could trust him. I'm only a week post-op and already love my results. I feel incredibly lucky to have found him and truly believe I found the best surgeon.
K.N.
Breast surgery patient
★★★★★
Amazing experience and surgeon. So incredibly thorough, precise and professional. Went above and beyond to explain every last detail to me, he put me at ease, didn't mind a family member being there, very down to earth, can't praise him enough. Would only use this surgeon now.
L.O.
Consultation and surgery
★★★★★
I cannot recommend prof Hindocha enough, from consultation to aftercare he has amazing as have his team. Very professional , I felt very reassured through every step of the process. Thank you Prof Hindocha and team for your kind and professional care.
D.T.
Consultation to aftercare
Read all verified patient reviews
Patient stories describe individual experiences. Results vary from person to person, and the risks, limitations and likely outcome of any procedure are discussed with you at consultation.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
A private consultation with no obligation.
DIEP flap surgery requires careful planning, thorough pre-operative assessment, and a surgeon with specialist microsurgical experience. A consultation with Prof. Hindocha is a good place to begin. Ask every question and find out what is possible for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear answers to what patients most want to know.
