An Advanced Technique for Superior Results - DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Fairfield County, Connecticut

The DIEP Flap Procedure

During traditional breast reconstruction procedures – most notably those using the TRAM flap and latissimus flap techniques – skin, muscle, and fatty tissue are taken from the donor area. While the new breast can be created using only skin and fatty tissue, the skin tissue needs blood to stay alive. However, the vessels that connect the skin to the vital blood source run through the muscle tissue, thus necessitating its removal along with the skin and fat.

The DIEP flap technique performed at our Connecticut practice represents a considerable improvement in medical technology and technique. During the DIEP flap procedure, skin and fat tissues are separated from the abdominal area. But, unlike the traditional breast reconstruction methods, the muscle tissue and abdominal wall fascia (connective tissue) are left intact and in place.

In order to provide the skin with its necessary blood source, Dr. Passaretti microsurgically isolates the major blood vessels (perforator vessels) from the muscle tissue. After the DIEP flap (skin, fat, and perforator vessels from the abdominal donor site) is transferred to the mastectomy site, the blood vessels are carefully reattached under a microscope to a new blood source at the reconstruction site.