DIEP Flap FAQ Dallas
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap – Frequently Asked Questions
“Why does the DIEP Flap take so much longer than a TRAM flap?”
The removal from the surrounding muscle of the tiny blood vessels that feed the flap, and their reconnection to other blood vessels in the chest, make for a longer and more technically demanding surgery.
“What advantage does it offer?”
By minimizing injury to the muscles of the abdominal wall, a DIEP flap promises less pain and a lower hernia risk than a TRAM flap, without sacrificing the “tummy tuck” benefit of the more conventional procedure. It also provides improved blood flow to the transported tissues than what is seen in a pedicled flap situation, particularly when creating a large B cup breast or greater.
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