DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Reconstructive

Are you a breast cancer survivor who has undergone a mastectomy and is now considering breast reconstruction? At Phoenix Plastic Surgery, our number one rated Phoenix board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Roni Prucz is here to help.

The Art of Restoration: Understanding DIEP Free Flap Surgery

The DIEP flap, or Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator flap, is a type of microsurgical breast reconstruction that uses tissue from your lower abdomen to rebuild the breast. Instead of using muscle, as in the traditional TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle) flap, the DIEP flap only uses fat and skin from the abdomen sparing the muscle. Also, unlike implants that can deflate or rupture over time and require replacement, the DIEP flap uses your body’s own tissue for a long-lasting, natural look and feel. Compared to the TRAM flap, the DIEP flap has lower risks of complications such as abdominal hernias or muscle weakness since it avoids muscle harvesting.

Preserving Strength: DIEP vs. TRAM

One of the most compelling advantages of DIEP free flap surgery over the traditional TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous) method is muscle preservation. With DIEP, no muscle is sacrificed, allowing for a more natural abdominal wall and minimizing the risk of abdominal bulging. Dr. Prucz’s expertise in microsurgery ensures that the procedure is executed with precision, preserving both form and function.

Elevated Aesthetics: Natural Outcomes

DIEP free flap surgery isn’t just about preserving muscle; it’s about restoring confidence. The technique employs your body’s own tissue to craft a breast reconstruction that looks and feels natural. By using your own abdominal tissue you get a tummy tuck in addition to new breasts!

Choose Excellence: The Phoenix Plastic Surgery Advantage

When it comes to advanced techniques like the DIEP free flap, choose the expert hands of Roni Prucz MD. At Phoenix Plastic Surgery, Dr. Prucz has extensive experience performing the DIEP flap procedure and other advanced microsurgical techniques to provide patients with the best possible outcome. As one of the rated plastic surgeons in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, Dr. Prucz is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care to each patient. Don’t wait any longer to explore your breast reconstruction options. Click here to schedule your consultation now.

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Related Procedures

Reconstructive

Artificial Joint Infections

Artificial joints (i.e. arthroplasty) of the knees, hips, and shoulder can become exposed or infected. Our team works closely with Orthopedic surgeons to cover exposed hardware to minimize the risk of amputation. We perform more joint salvage procedures than any other reconstruction team in the Valley.

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Botched Surgery Correction

Surgical mistakes and misadventures happen. We specialize in the reconstruction of these complex cases.

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Brachial Plexus Repair

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that control motion and sensation of the arm and hand. Nerve transfers, nerve grafts, and nerve decompression can improve these symptoms.

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Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is when a silicone or saline implant is placed beneath the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle to improve the size and shape of a breast.

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Breast Implant Removal

Breast implants are removed for a variety of reasons including infection, capsular contracture, and implant sickness syndrome. Depending on the clinical scenario the breast implant may be replaced.

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Breast Implant Illness

Breast Implant Illness, also known as Breast Implant Sickness Syndrome, is a complex phenomenon that some individuals may experience. It involves a range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, memory issues, and more. Treatment requires breast implant removal.

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Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is when a silicone or saline implant is placed beneath the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle to improve the size and shape of a breast. Breast implants are also used for breast reconstruction.

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Breast Lift

During a breast lift (i.e. mastopexy) procedure droopy nipples (i.e. breast ptosis) and deflated breasts are reshaped to create a more perky appearance. This procedure is similar to a breast reduction although minimal breast tissue is removed. A mastopexy is also commonly performed after breast implant removal to remove excess skin.

Reconstructive

Breast Reconstruction

After lumpectomy (i.e. partial breast removal) or mastectomy (total breast removal) for the treatment of breast cancer there are many options available for reconstruction. These options include breast implants, local muscle flap (i.e. latissimus muscle), and free tissue transfer (i.e. microsurgery/DIEP). Please click the specific procedures to learn about each of these options.

Cosmetic

Breast Reduction

Large pendulous breasts can cause a variety of issues such as back pain, bra strap gouging, and skin rashes. Our team can remove the extra breast tissue to create a more natural appearance with placement of the nipple in the correct position.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Breast Revision

Breast surgeries can be complicated by infection, capsular contracture, and unwanted cosmetic results. Our surgical team specializes in correcting these deformities to restore the breast size and shape you desire.

Reconstructive

Burn Reconstruction

Burns can be severe injuries causing significant deformities, contractures, and limiting mobility. A variety of options including skin grafts, tissue expanders, and flap reconstruction can be used to improve these injuries.

Reconstructive

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness of the hand, pain, and weakness. Surgical decompression of the median nerve improves these symptoms.

Reconstructive

Cubital Tunnel Release

Cubital tunnel syndrome causes numbness of the hand, pain, and weakness. Surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve improves these symptoms.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Ear Surgery

Otoplasty is a surgical tool used to correct prominent ears and improve the appearance of other common ear deformities. Tears or large holes from ear piercings can also be corrected.

Reconstructive

Facial Fractures

Fractures of the face often require surgery to return the bones to their normal position. Plates and screws are often applied to keep the bones in the correct position. Treatable fractures include injuries to the mandible, orbit, cheek (i.e. zygoma), and nose.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a safe and permanent alternative to synthetic fillers that uses liposuction to harvest your excess body fat and transfer it to areas needing soft tissue augmentation. This powerful technique can be used to reduce wrinkles, correct dark eyes, and large fat transfers can also be used for breast surgery.

Cosmetic

Gynecomastia

Male breasts (i.e. gynecomastia) can be treated using either liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of the two procedures. The nipple is preserved and the chest wall is sculpted to remove the appearance of breasts and reveal the underlying pectoral muscles.

Reconstructive

Hand Dislocations

Dislocations of the joints of the hand often require surgery to return the bones to their normal position. Wires and screws may be need to keep the joints in their normal position.

Reconstructive

Hand Fractures

Fractures of the hand often require surgery to return the bones to their normal position. Plates and screws are often applied to keep the bones in the correct position. Treatable fractures include injuries to the fingers, wrist, and forearm.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Hernia Repair

Hernias occur when there is an opening or weakness in the muscle or tissues of your abdomen creating abnormal bulges, pain, and possible GI symptoms. Commonly treated hernias include umbilical and ventral hernias. Mesh is often used to restore integrity to the abdominal wall and to eliminate bulging that cannot be improved with exercise alone.

Reconstructive

Latissimus Muscle Flap

The latissimus muscle is a back muscle and one of the largest muscles of the body. The muscle can be transferred for reconstruction of the breast or torso. The latissimus can also be transferred as a free flap for reconstruction of extremity wounds.

Reconstructive

Limb Salvage

Traumatic injuries and cancer may require that a limb be amputated. Our team is one of the most experienced groups in the Valley with a high success rate for limb salvage. Advanced surgical techniques are routinely offered to preserve functional limbs whenever possible.

Reconstructive Cosmetic

Lipomas and Cysts

Lumps and bumps are due to a variety of abnormal growths including lipomas (i.e. benign growths of fat) and cysts. They can cause disfigurement, pain, and infections. Only removal by a skilled surgeon that completely excises the abnormal tissue can ensure these lesions do not recur.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Mastopexy

During a mastopexy (i.e. breast lift) procedure droopy nipples (i.e. breast ptosis) and deflated breasts are reshaped to create a more perky appearance. This procedure is similar to a breast reduction although minimal breast tissue is removed. A mastopexy is also commonly performed after breast implant removal to remove excess skin.

Reconstructive

Microsurgery

Microsurgery is an advanced surgical technique where a microscope is used to repair nerves and blood vessels. It is also a powerful tool for transferring tissue from one part of the body to another (i.e. free flap) and reattachment of severed parts (i.e. replantation). Microsurgery reconstruction is typically reserved for complex problems where skin grafting and local muscle flaps are not an option.

Reconstructive

Migraine Surgery

Migraine surgery can reduce headache frequency, duration, and pain by decompressing the sensory nerves and vessels that may be causing your symptoms. Trigger points can be surgically released. Botox may also be effective.

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Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a complete transformation of the body. In this surgery we lift and reshape the breasts with or without an implant. We also perform a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles.

Reconstructive

Morel Lavallee

Morel Lavallee are a closed degloving soft tissue injury that is caused by abrupt separation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. These often lead to recurrent fluid collections and are very commonly misdiagnosed.

Reconstructive

Muscle Flap

Muscle flaps are a powerful tool for reconstructive procedures. By transferring muscle to different parts of the body soft tissue defects can be corrected to cover bone, nerves, vessels, artificial joints, and other hardware.

Reconstructive

Nerve Injury

Nerve injuries can cause permanent disability. Using advanced surgical techniques including microsurgery, nerve grafts, and nerve transfers function can be restored.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Otoplasty

Prominent ears are ears that stick out from the head more than is considered normal. During an otoplasty procedure the ear is reshaped and repositioned by correcting the cartilage and skin deformity. The surgery takes about an hour to complete and the results are permanent.

Reconstructive

Peroneal Nerve Decompression

Peroneal nerve compression causes numbness of the foot, pain, and weakness with ankle extension. Surgical decompression of the peroneal nerve improves these symptoms.

Reconstructive

Sarcoma Reconstruction

Sarcomas are a type of cancer of the bones and soft tissue. Surgical removal often creates large defects that require extensive reconstruction. Our team performs more sarcoma reconstructions than any other medical team in the Valley.

Reconstructive

Scalp Reconstruction

Injuries to the scalp from trauma, chronic wounds, or defects from cancer can be reconstructed using a variety of surgical techniques including skin grafts, tissue expanders, and local tissue rearrangement.

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Scar Revision

Scars from injuries or prior surgeries can be improved with non-surgical options such as skin resurfacing or with surgery to create a finer scar. Contractures, contour deformities, discoloration, and wide scars can often be significantly improved.

Reconstructive Cosmetic

Skin Cancer

Cancers of the skin include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Our team specializes in removing these cancers and reconstructing the affected area to minimize scarring.

Reconstructive

Spine Reconstruction

Spine surgeries including decompressions and fusions can become exposed or infected. Our team works closely with Spine surgeons to cover exposed hardware and reconstruct surgical wounds. We perform more spine salvage procedures than any other reconstruction team in the Valley.

Reconstructive

Sural Flap

A sural flap is an adipofascial flap used to reconstruct wounds of the ankle and leg. It provides thin pliable skin without the need for a skin graft.

Reconstructive

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (i.e. TMR) is a surgical procedure that prevents neuroma formation by transferring an injured nerve to a recipient nerve. The recipient nerve provides a "pathway" for the injured nerve to regenerate decreasing pain allowing an amputee to more comfortably wear their prosthesis.

Reconstructive

Tarsal Tunnel Decompression

Posterior tibial nerve compression causes numbness of the foot, pain, and weakness of the ankle. Surgical decompression of the tibial nerve improves these symptoms.

Reconstructive

Tendon Injuries

Tendon injuries result in loss of flexion or extension of the fingers and/or wrist. Surgery is often needed to repair the tendon to restore function.

Reconstructive

Tissue Expander

A tissue expander is an empty implant that is placed beneath skin or muscle to stretch tissue. Expanders are used commonly in breast reconstruction, burn injuries, and anywhere else where additional skin is needed to fix an injury.

Reconstructive Cosmetic

Vascular Malformations

Vascular malformations are abnormal growths of the blood vessels. These malformations can create painful "lumps and bumps" and resection often requires reconstruction using local tissue advancement techniques.

Reconstructive

Wound Treatment

Acute and chronic wounds can be debilitating. Reconstruction options include skin grafts, local tissue rearrangement, muscle flap, and free flap surgery. Non-surgical options also include the use of the newest wound healing products and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Reconstructive

Wrist and Hand Fractures

Wrist, hand, and finger fractures are common injuries that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Surgical treatment is often required.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

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Financing Options

Cherry Payment Plans

CareCredit

Related Procedures

Artificial Joint Infections

Botched Surgery Correction

Brachial Plexus Repair

Breast Augmentation

Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Illness

Breast Implants

Breast Lift

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reduction

Breast Revision

Burn Reconstruction

Carpal Tunnel Release

Cubital Tunnel Release

Ear Surgery

Facial Fractures

Fat Grafting

Gynecomastia

Hand Dislocations

Hand Fractures

Hernia Repair

Latissimus Muscle Flap

Limb Salvage

Lipomas and Cysts

Mastopexy

Microsurgery

Migraine Surgery

Mommy Makeover

Morel Lavallee

Muscle Flap

Nerve Injury

Otoplasty

Peroneal Nerve Decompression

Sarcoma Reconstruction

Scalp Reconstruction

Scar Revision

Skin Cancer

Spine Reconstruction

Sural Flap

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Tarsal Tunnel Decompression

Tendon Injuries

Tissue Expander

Vascular Malformations

Wound Treatment

Wrist and Hand Fractures

Awards

Phoenix Plastic Surgery

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