DIEP Flap Treatment

The DIEP Flap surgery is a kind of breast reconstruction surgery that is still rare in the world as few surgeons offer it. During this type of breast reconstruction surgery, the blood vessels known as Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforators (DIEP) are transferred from the lower abdomen to the chest along with the skin and fat connected to them. The surgeon you choose for this treatment should have full experience in it. Also, choosing the right clinic for your treatment is the most important part of the treatment. 

*Facts You Must Know
Cost of Treatment

Time Required

6-7 Hours (First Session)

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

Recovery Time

1-2 Week

Success Rate

Very high Success Rate

Candidates

In order to qualify as a perfect candidate for DIEP flap treatment in Dubai, you must fulfill the criteria set by doctors. Although the criteria vary from person to person, only the surgeon you are seeing will be able to inform you about it. You are an ideal candidate if;

• You are ready to have a flap removed from your abdomen. 
• You have realistic expectations from the results of the surgery.
• You have not had surgery before that has injured perforated vessels.
• You do not have a condition that limits your ability to withstand general anesthesia

Goals

The treatment is very beneficial and aims at achieving some important goals. Some of the notable goals are;

• To reconstruct a natural-looking breast.
• To reconstruct the breast(s) of the patient.
• To remove the extra fat and skin on the abdomen area.
• To make both breasts symmetrical and proportional.

Techniques

Different surgeons often come up with slightly different techniques to perform DIEP flap treatment. The most common technique to reconstruct the breast with DIEP flap is to remove a flap from the abdomen area and implant it on the breast area.

Pre-op Preparation

Your surgeon will ask you to follow some instructions before the procedure. These instructions include but are not limited to the following;

• Use the medications prescribed by the surgeon only.
• Do not use any medication without consulting with your doctor.
• If you are a smoker or drinker, you will have to quit before the surgery.

Procedure

As a matter of fact, DIEP flap treatment in Dubai is not a one-time procedure. The treatment is performed in three stages. These 3 stages are explained below;

Stage 1: Main Procedure

The DIEP flap microsurgery is performed in different stages. In the first stage, the flap from the abdomen is removed. It is then attached at the site of the mastectomy. In this process, the surgeon will try to keep the flap removed from the abdomen. Using this reconstruction method for breast, the reconstruction of one breast takes about 4 hours. For the reconstruction of both breasts, about 6 to 7 hours are needed.

Stage 2: Tweaking Stage

This stage involves the cosmetic treatment of the flap harvested in the previous stage. The tweaking stage can be performed as early as 3 months after the main procedure (1st Stage). The surgeon will perform this procedure on the chest and abdomen area.

Stage 3: Nipple Reconstruction/Tattoo

The procedure to be performed at the third stage can also be combined with the procedure of the second stage. The third stage involves the reconstruction of the nipple. It can be done under local anesthesia in a clinic. About six weeks after nipple reconstruction, you will have to visit your surgeon for the finishing touch – the creation of areola with the tattoo art.

Our Surgeons

Dr Thomas Colson

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

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Dr. Federico Di Francesco MD

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Benefits

The procedure is very beneficial and delivers good results. A typical DIEP flap microsurgery in Dubai is expected to deliver the following benefits;

• It spares abdominal muscles.
• It delivers permanent results.
• It preserves the rectus sheath.
• It preserves the rectus muscle.
• It aesthetically performs a tummy tuck.
• It involves less post-operative pain compared to the TRAM.
• The breasts will feel more natural than the breasts with implants.

Complications

All kinds of surgical procedures come with some kinds of risks. However, these risks are minimal and for a short time period, if you choose your surgeon wisely. You should be very careful in the selection of your surgeon. Following is a list of these risks.

• Infections
• Bleeding
• Scars
• Lumps
• Issues with blood supply
• Loss of sensation
• Tissue rejection
• Fluid buildup

Recovery

The DIEP flap microsurgery in Dubai is a procedure that affects two parts of the body. That is why it takes some time to fully recover after the treatment. The patient will have to stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. The first day will be in ICU and the remaining days in an ordinary room. During this hospital stay, you will be monitored. 

Post-op Care

You will have to take great care even after the treatment. Your surgeon will provide you some important instructions that you will have to follow. 

Treatment Results

The results delivered by DIEP flap surgery in Dubai are good. It is a good option to have one’s breast reconstructed with one’s own extra fat or skin removed from the abdomen area. This skin is utilized to reconstruct the breast. The treatment is good to get long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Free Consultation

Dubai Cosmetic Surgery® is one of the leading cosmetic surgery clinics in the UAE that is offering DIEP flap treatment. We will love to have a conversation with you over the phone if you are interested in learning more about the DIEP flap treatment in Dubai. Our board-certified breast surgeons are always available to help you. Contact us for a free consultation today.