DIEP Flap

Dr. Zampell is committed to offering her clients a wide range of options for breast reconstruction that suit their needs and aesthetic goals. The DIEP flap is the one of the most commonly used and preferred techniques for autologous breast reconstruction, using your own tissue to reconstruct the breast. In this procedure, the breast is created from tissue normally discarded during a tummy tuck, that is then molded and contoured to create an ideal-looking breast mound.

What is DIEP flap breast reconstruction?

When tissue is taken from the abdomen to reconstruct the breasts, the procedure has the dual benefit of sculpting the lower abdomen while beautifully contouring the chest. The use of a DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) can ensure long-lasting results that appear natural and balanced. Microsurgery is required to ensure that the blood vessels from the transplanted tissue are properly reattached.

Because the breast is reconstructed using the patient's own tissue, the result is long-lasting and does not require revisions later in life, such as would be the case with breast implants that eventually may need to be replaced or updated. Unlike original descriptions of muscle-based and pedicled flaps, such as the TRAM flap, the DIEP flap spares the abdominal muscles, transferring only skin and fat to the breast area. This tissue is based on the perforating blood supply through or around the muscle, preserving the muscle and muscle innervation with this technique. Our Torrance DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a great way to attain long-term, natural-looking results.

What can I expect from the procedure?

Dr. Zampell will remove tissue from the lower abdominal area below the navel. The deep inferior epigastric blood vessels are detached, and then reattached to small vessels in the chest wall, securing the health of the transplanted skin and fat. The flap is now able to survive in its new position and can be molded to resemble a natural breast.

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Before & After

Will the reconstructed breast have sensation?

In many cases, sensory innervation can be restored to the reconstructed breast and nipple by connecting nerves from the chest wall to the transferred tissue. Restoration of sensory innervation to the reconstructed breast is different for each patient. A plan for sensory restoration can be fully discussed during your consultation with Dr. Zampell where she will see to it that you ultimately receive some of the highest-quality DIEP flap surgery Beverly Hills has to offer.

What are the benefits of DIEP flap surgery in Beverly Hills?

Preserves abdominal muscle
Minimizes post-operative abdominal pain
Minimizes risk of hernia or bulge
Slims and tones the donor area
Creates a natural-looking breast mound
Improves confidence and satisfaction with one's image

Who is a good candidate for the DIEP flap?

Our Beverly Hills DIEP flap surgery breast reconstruction provides an organic-looking outcome that many patients find ideal. It is an excellent solution for those patients who are planned to undergo or have undergone a mastectomy, have experienced dissatisfaction or complications with implant reconstruction, have radiation injury to their chest wall, suffer from capsular contracture, or who suffer from lumpectomy defects or congenital breast deficiencies.

Those who smoke cigarettes, are obese, have previously undergone extensive abdominal surgery, or who suffer from mental illness may not be ideal candidates for this treatment.

Dr. Zampell will conduct a confidential consultation to determine the best approach for your needs. There are many factors that affect the choice of reconstruction approach, including your overall health, individual anatomy, body type, and personal aesthetic preferences. Dr. Zampell will assess each of these in depth during your initial consultation.

Zampell Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

What can I expect from my recovery?

Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. Patients will generally need to devote three to four days to their recovery at the hospital. Dr. Zampell encourages walking by the first or second day after surgery and light activity after one week. Gentle movement can help activate circulation as well as improve your mood. Complete normal function is expected to return by approximately 4-6 weeks.

What is the cost of DIEP flap surgery?

Dr. Zampell will meet with you in private for your confidential consultation, performing a physical evaluation as well as a thorough review of your medical records and background. She will then create a roadmap for your DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery, answering all of your questions and concerns in depth. Dr. Zampell will provide a customized quote for services based on your individual needs and goals.

Why choose Dr. Zampell in Beverly Hills for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?

Dr. Jamie Zampell is best known for her technical skill and expertise in the field of reconstructive breast surgery and complex microsurgery techniques. She is on the forefront of the war against breast cancer, helping women of all ages and backgrounds to recover their quality of life and self-image.

Dr. Zampell's approach is highly personalized and every procedure is tailored to the patient's unique anatomy as well as their aesthetic sensibilities. Dr. Zampell performs second stage DIEP flap surgery, delivering exquisite, natural-looking results.

After graduating with honors from Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Zampell completed a demanding surgical residency at the prestigious New York University, as well as an elite microsurgery fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles.

As part of her unparalleled training, Dr. Zampell recently partnered with Dr. Robert Allen, the surgeon who originally introduced the DIEP flap, to develop a breast reconstruction program at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.