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DIEP Flap Surgery DIEP Breast Reconstruction – Post-Mastectomy Surgery – In Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler

WHAT IS DIEP BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?

At Southwest Breast & Aesthetics, we will discuss during a private consultation if you are a candidate for DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) or SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap reconstruction.

As there are many techniques to choose from depending on your body type, and aesthetic goals. We are proud to offer DIEP Flap surgery services, which is our most common autologous free tissue transfer breast reconstruction, to our breast cancer patients and survivors, and want to help each one on their way back to living their lives beyond the diagnosis. Our compassionate plastic and reconstructive surgeons are here to listen to your concerns and offer patients state of the art breast reconstructive surgery in Phoenix.

PROS OF DIEP SURGERY

When you choose to have a DIEP Flap reconstruction you will not have the same complications after the surgery as you would have with breast implants.

This includes issues such as implant rupture, rippling, capsular contracture, or the need for multiple revision surgeries when the implants need exchanged. The autologous tissue from your abdomen will have a natural look and feel to the breast that you would not achieve with a synthetic implant, especially if you only have reconstruction on one breast.

DIEP Breast Reconstruction model

CONS

The DIEP Flap surgery does have drawbacks, as well. The surgery for this procedure is longer, and will require the removal of tissue from other areas of the body. This will mean that you will also have multiple incision points with scarring. The good news is that your surgery is being performed by a highly-skilled plastic surgeon, who will do his absolute best to limit your scarring, and make each surgical site look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Keep in mind that there is also a risk of infection. If the DIEP Flap fails, it will require follow-up surgeries to correct the reconstruction, and may involve the use of silicone or saline implants in the place of your own tissue.

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE INFORMATION

Does insurance cover Breast Reconstruction procedures?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) states that if your health plan or insurance company offers coverage for mastectomies, the plan is required to offer coverage for all stages of reconstruction of the breast(s), including corrective surgeries, insertion of prostheses, and post-mastectomy lymphedema.

Will I have to pay a deductible or co-pay?

The group health plan or insurance company can still impose deductibles to the procedures, however, the deductible must be applicable to the services as they apply to a mastectomy. Depending on the insurance plan, patients may also be responsible for co-payments.

When should I contact my insurance company?

Patients considering breast reconstruction, including DIEP flap breast reconstruction, should contact their insurance provider early on in the process. Finding out the expected costs and coverages upfront will spare the unnecessary work of trying to get reimbursed later. A patient coordinator at Southwest Breast can assist in handling insurance claims.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

  • Is pre-authorization necessary?
  • Am I limited to in-network providers?
  • Does my insurance plan cover mastectomy?
  • What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for?
  • Are insurance payments paid directly to my physician?

Is there a time limit for insurance coverage?

Generally speaking, insurance covers breast reconstruction procedures whether they take place during a mastectomy or lumpectomy or many years later, also known as “delayed reconstruction.”

DIEP RECONSTRUCTION SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS

Our DIEP reconstruction at Southwest Breast & Aesthetics Center utilizes a muscle and nerve sparing technique, where only excess skin and fat are harvested from the abdomen. Small blood vessels are left attached to an island of tissue that is transferred and reconnected to the vasculature at the mastectomy site.

After it has been revascularized, the tissue is sculpted into a breast mound. This island of tissue, used to create the breast mound, is the same tissue that is typically discarded after a tummy tuck. With this flap, patients achieve an improved abdominal contour they would have following a tummy tuck, in addition to a natural breast mound. Unlike a traditional TRAM flap, where the muscle is sacrificed, with a DIEP the abdominal wall muscle is preserved, reducing the rate of abdominal wall bulges, and maintaining core strength. For these reasons we preferentially perform DIEP reconstruction in our practice.

DIEP SURGERY RECOVERY AND HEALING

After DIEP flap reconstruction Phoenix patients will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be monitored and cared for by our post-operation nursing staff. These nurses will monitor your pain, blood flow, vital signs, and care for your incisions. This procedure requires a stay in the hospital or surgical center. We suggest that your recovery period will be 6 – 8 weeks (including periods of breast tenderness), and you should attend all of your follow-up appointments. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a 6-week period, but light activity can begin as early as 4 weeks.

FOLLOW-UP & CONSIDERATIONS AFTER DIEP SURGERY

After your DIEP surgery Phoenix reconstructive surgeons at Southwest Breast & Aesthetics will require you to have a follow-up appointment in a week after your surgery to check your incision points, look for abnormalities, and to assess your progress. Follow all of your plastic surgeon’s after-care instructions, and call our office if you have excessive bleeding, fever, or any unusual side effect from the medication or surgical procedure.

Phoenix Breast Reconstruction experts Dr. Matatov, Dr. Zakhary, and Dr. Mino

SCHEDULE YOUR DIEP BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY

When you decide to have DIEP Flap reconstructive breast surgery in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, or other surrounding cities in AZ to which Southwest Breast & Aesthetics serves.

It is a big decision to make, especially after treating breast cancer. At SWBA, we want to make your surgical decisions as easy as possible, and will answer all of your questions so you can make an informed decision about your care and DIEP surgery. If you would like a consultation for DIEP Flap reconstruction surgery, please contact our office and schedule your first appointment today.

Breast Reconstruction at Southwest Breast Aesthetics

breast reconstruction video thumbnail

PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE

Recovery Time 3 – 4 Weeks
Average Procedure Time 6 – 10 Hours
Post-op Follow-up 1 Week
Procedure Recovery Location In-Patient
RELATED PROCEDURESright arrow

DIEP FLAP SURGERY FAQ

Does insurance cover DIEP Flap reconstruction?

If an insurance provider covers mastectomy, they must also cover breast reconstructive procedures by law.

Your journey to better begins with a consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. Our plastic surgeons set the standards for plastic surgery through their innovative procedures and meticulous attention to detail. Discover a better experience by booking your consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics today.

(480) 576-4310
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2801 E. Camelback Rd, Suite 100,
Phoenix, AZ 85016

3377 S. Price Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248

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Please contact our office to schedule your plastic surgery consultation to further discuss your medical needs. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, and other surrounding cities in Arizona, including Glendale, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ.