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DIEP Breast Reconstruction

Do you need a mastectomy and are worried about how your breasts will look? Does the thought of breast implants make you nervous? DIEP flap reconstruction is a way to reconstruct your breasts using your own tissue. Dr. Oren Lerman in Manhattan, NY, can expertly perform this advanced surgery to give you the most natural-looking and feeling results.

What is DIEP Flap Reconstruction? An Advanced Autologous
Breast Reconstruction Technique

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Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy that involves transferring the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen to the chest to create a new breast mound.

How Does DIEP Flap Reconstruction Work?

The DIEP procedure uses microsurgical techniques, transferring tissue and blood vessels from your abdomen to your breasts. The existing blood vessels are cut and reattached to new blood vessels in your chest, keeping the new breast tissue alive and healthy throughout your life. The transplanted tissue is living, natural tissue that looks, feels, moves, and ages like your original breasts, which allows for the most natural-appearing results after mastectomy

Benefits of DIEP Flap Surgery

Your Own Tissue

The DIEP flap uses your body’s tissue, so it will age with you. Over time, there will never be any risk of rejection. Your new breasts will also look, move, and feel like your natural breasts.

Look Better With Time

Most patients with autologous reconstruction look better with time as the breast mound softens and behaves like natural tissue. 

Symmetrical Appearance

Whether you have had a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer, as a preventative measure, or because of an injury, your plastic surgeon can ensure your breasts are symmetrical through DIEP flap reconstruction, as they control the amount of tissue being placed.

Cosmetic Bonus

The DIEP procedure is done by taking tissue from the abdomen, which gives the patient the added aesthetic benefit of a flat abdominal contour, similar to that seen after a cosmetic tummy tuck

DIEP Flap Uses Your Own Natural Tissue for Breast Reconstruction

Dr. Oren Z. Lerman is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering DIEP flap surgery. This reconstructive breast technique makes use of the patient's natural tissue to restore size and volume. The results are breasts that look, feel, and move naturally, as well as a flatter midsection.

An Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Lerman

With all the stress surviving breast cancer brings, choosing a plastic surgeon should not be one of them. Dr. Lerman can safely provide you with superior results that will leave you with natural-looking and natural-feeling breasts.

Dr. Lerman is the past president of the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons and director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care. He is also the director of microvascular and cosmetic breast fellowship, where he oversees the training of the next generation of DIEP flap breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgeons.

If you need breast reconstruction, call our Manhattan, NY, office today to set up your consultation with Dr. Lerman

(212) 434-6980

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New York Women Trust Dr. Lerman

1

Melodie Mane

2020

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Dr Oren Lerman is the best at what he does and gets incredible results. Bonus he has a pleasant personality, he is a true professional ,and is trustworthy...

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Lizbeth Maxwell

2021

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Dr. Lerman and his staff are amazing! I couldn’t be more satisfied with my results.

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Am I a Candidate For DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

One of the most common misconceptions about DIEP reconstruction is that you must be overweight for DIEP flap. This is not always the case. You just need enough extra tissue to create a breast. Dr. Lerman often performs this type of reconstruction for women who have previously been told by other surgeons they are not good candidates.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need a mastectomy, reach out to our Manhattan, NY, office to request a consultation to see if DIEP flap is the right choice for your breast reconstruction surgery. 

What to Expect During Your DIEP Procedure

The first step is to consult with Dr. Lerman to ensure DIEP flap is the right reconstruction procedure to meet your needs and expectations.
Depending on if one or both breasts are being reconstructed, the DIEP procedure typically takes between six and eight hours.
Depending on if one or both breasts are being reconstructed, the DIEP procedure typically takes between six and eight hours.

Anesthesia

This surgery requires the use of general anesthesia so you will remain asleep and pain-free for the entirety of the procedure. 

Incisions

An oval incision is made along your bikini line. Then a predetermined portion of skin, fat, and blood vessels are removed and transferred to the breast. No part of the abdominal muscle will be moved, cut, or altered in any way during this surgery.

Reattaching the Flap

Once the tissue has been removed from your lower abdomen, Dr. Lerman will utilize advanced microsurgical techniques to reattach the blood vessels transferred from your abdomen tissue to the blood vessels in your chest. 

A Slimmer Tummy

By removing the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, you will be left with a slimmer stomach with improved contour without affecting the underlying abdominal muscle. Many patients are happy with the improved aesthetic of their breasts and stomach after this procedure.

Recovery

After your surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room and be monitored by the hospital staff. Most patients who undergo this reconstructive procedure require about five days in the hospital. 

What to Expect  After DIEP Breast Reconstruction

It takes about 6-8 weeks to recover from DIEP reconstruction to where you can resume your regular activities and about one year for you to completely heal and the scars to fade. Dr. Lerman will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions after your reconstructive procedure and may recommend wearing a compression girdle up to eight weeks after surgery. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to you once you are discharged from the hospital. It is important to only take these as directed by Dr. Lerman.

Results You Can be Proud Of 

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgical techniques naturally complement one another, and a surgeon cannot excel in either without being adept at both. As a specialist in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, Manhattan surgeon Oren Lerman strives to achieve the highest level of excellence and care in treating all patients, whether you are looking to restore your natural form after breast cancer treatment or enhance your beauty through aesthetic surgery. You can be sure to have results that look and feel natural.

If you're in the New York area, call our Manhattan office today or send us a message to request your consultation.

(212) 434-6980

Dr. Lerman

See Why New York Chooses Dr. Lerman After Mastectomy

1

Denise Nales

2021

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Dr. Lerman performed 3 surgeries on me as I had a bilateral mastectomy. He is just such an amazing physician, who cares about his patients. Dr. Lerman is warm, caring and attentive to every detail. I am beyond satisfied with the results of my surgeries.

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Beth Stern

2019

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I came to see Dr Lerman having begun the implant process post mastectomy but very unhappy with the tissue expander. I had constant discomfort and a misshapen breast. Within hours of Flap surgery my pain was gone. I am so thankful!

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DIEP Flap vs. Other Autologous
Perforator Flap Options

DIEP is one of the most advanced autologous flap reconstructions. By removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, rather than muscle, allows for a quicker recovery and fewer risks than other autologous reconstructions. However, if there is not enough excess skin and fat in the abdomen and you still want to use your own, natural tissue, your doctor will recommend one of the alternatives.

TRAM Flap Reconstruction

TRAM flap reconstruction is one of the oldest and most common forms of autologous tissue breast reconstruction techniques. Like DIEP, TRAM flap reconstruction also takes tissue from the abdominal area; however, it removes part of the rectus muscle from the abdominal wall and transfers it to the breast. Since part of your muscle is removed, recovery is longer, more painful, and has more associated risks than the newer, more surgically advanced DIEP procedure.

See The Difference Between DIEP and TRAM

SGAP Flap Reconstruction

Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap reconstruction uses the tissue from your upper buttock to reconstruct your breast after a mastectomy. Unlike DIEP, the incisions of SGAP flap reconstruction are placed beneath the underwear line concealing them from view. However, similar to DIEP, SGAP can have an additional cosmetic benefit, making the skin around your buttocks tighter and more youthful in appearance.

Read About SGAP Flap Reconstruction

TUG and PAP Flap Reconstruction

For women who do not have sufficient fat around their abdomen, transverse upper gracilis (TUG) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap surgeries harvest the tissue from one or both inner thighs. PAP only harvests fatty tissue, and TUG harvests both fatty and muscle tissues. These procedures also have an added cosmetic benefit of providing a thigh lift giving patients slimmer, tighter legs.

Learn About TUG and PAP Flap Reconstruction

DIEP Flap After Implant Reconstruction

The most common type of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in the United States is reconstruction using breast implants. Although this option works well for most women, it often needs to be revised over time.

Even when a result is excellent at the time of the mastectomy, many patients eventually develop complications in the years following or are dissatisfied with the result of the breast implants as their body changes and gravity and age take effect.

One of the best ways to fix problems or dissatisfaction with breast implants is to remove them completely and perform a DIEP flap reconstruction.

"I highly recommend Dr. Lerman."

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Julie Rosenberg

2021

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After consulting with several physicians, I met with Dr. Lerman and immediately felt the most comfortable with his knowledge, experience, patience, ability to explain medical details and answer questions and overall bedside manner. I would highly recommend Dr.  Lerman if you are selecting a plastic surgeon and want someone who cares about his patients as well as surgical outcomes.  His office staff members are also pleasant,  extremely responsive and provide a comprehensive positive patient experience.

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Saul Melman

2021

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I'm an ER doctor in NYC. I was referred to Dr. Oren Lerman by a colleague.
Dr. Lerman repaired my significantly deviated nasal septum with excellent cosmetic and functional results.  Dr. Lerman listens well and took the time to explain his surgical approach and expectations.  He demonstrated concern for my well being before AND after the surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Lerman .. in fact, I've already referred two other ER doctors to him for a similar issue.

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Dr. Oren Lerman

Oren Z. Lerman, MD

Dr. Oren Lerman performs a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures with a specialty in reconstructive breast surgery. In fact, he is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care as well as the Microvascular and Cosmetic Breast Fellowship. In addition to the hospital, Dr. Lerman is affiliated with:

  • The New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons (Past President)
  • The American Board of Plastic Surgery (Diplomate)
  • The American College of Surgeons (Fellow)
  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • The American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery

You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lerman by filling out our online form or calling (212) 434-6980.

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"The one thing that is most important when we're doing cosmetic surgery and aesthetic surgery of the face or the body is to make sure that the patient is happy afterwards..." Dr. Oren Lerman

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