What a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Can Achieve
A DIEP flap reconstruction restores breast shape, volume and contour using the skin and fat from your lower abdomen. This technique creates a soft, natural-feeling breast without the use of implants, while also improving abdominal contour and silhouette.
Unlike older techniques, it preserves the abdominal musculature. This helps maintain core strength and reduces the risk of long-term abdominal weakness or hernia formation. In some cases, surgery to the opposite breast may be recommended to optimise symmetry and overall balance.
Your Reconstructive Journey
Your reconstructive journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows time to review your history and to determine whether DIEP flap reconstruction is suitable for you.
A DIEP flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a soft, natural-feeling breast while preserving the abdominal muscles
Reconstruction may be performed at the time of breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery or as a delayed procedure. These decisions are made collaboratively, with a strong focus on safety, longevity and proportionate outcomes.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following surgery, you will remain in hospital for up to four nights. Regular observations are performed to ensure healthy blood flow to the reconstructed breast.
You may need to walk slightly bent at the waist for one to two weeks. Many patients describe abdominal discomfort similar to muscle strain.
Most patients return to desk-based work after four to six weeks. Strenuous core activity should be avoided for twelve weeks. Dr Collins and the team at The Surgery will provide ongoing support throughout your recovery.
Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Right for You?
The decision to undergo breast reconstruction is a very personal one. You may be suitable for a DIEP flap breast reconstruction if you have sufficient abdominal tissue and are seeking a long-lasting, natural-feeling reconstruction that does not involve implants.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment and discussion of the reconstructive options most appropriate for you, with a focus on restoring confidence and wellbeing following breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
A DIEP flap is a type of autologous breast reconstruction that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. Unlike older techniques, the abdominal musculature is preserved, which helps maintain core strength and reduces the risk of long-term abdominal weakness.
In certain cases, DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed at the time of breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery. In other situations, delayed reconstruction may be recommended, particularly if radiotherapy is required. These decisions are made collaboratively, with a strong focus on safety, longevity, and proportionate outcomes.
Some patients require only the initial reconstruction. Others may choose or require additional procedures such as symmetrising surgery, minor refinements, nipple reconstruction, and nipple-areola complex tattooing. The aim is always to complete reconstruction safely and efficiently, with as few procedures as possible.
Preparing well is an important part of your surgical journey and helps support the best possible outcome. During your consultation,Dr Collins will review your medical history, anatomy, goals, and expectations to determine whether a DIEP flap reconstruction is appropriate for you.
The best results are achieved when your weight has been stable and within a healthy range for approximately three months prior to surgery. Patients must be nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping, and all nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
In some cases, surgery to the opposite breast may be recommended to improve symmetry. This may involve a breast lift or reduction and forms part of your personalised reconstructive plan, discussed during your consultation.
Most patients stay in hospital for approximately three to four nights following surgery. This allows for close monitoring of the reconstructed breast, effective pain management, and early mobilisation.
Yes. Drains are usually placed in the breast and abdomen to reduce the risk of fluid build-up (seroma). These are removed once drainage has reduced to a safe level.
Allowing yourself time to heal is an important part of recovery. You may initially need to walk slightly bent at the waist, which improves gradually over the first one to two weeks. Abdominal discomfort is common and often described as similar to muscle strain. A compression garment is worn for the first six weeks to support healing.
You can expect a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen and a scar around the belly button. The abdominal scar is positioned as low as possible and is usually concealed by underwear. Scarring on the breast depends on whether reconstruction is immediate or delayed, with delayed reconstruction typically involving more extensive scarring.
Scars are initially more noticeable but typically fade and soften over 12–18 months. Following Dr Collins’ scar management protocol supports optimal healing and aesthetic outcome.
Most patients return to desk-based work after four to six weeks. Roles involving heavy lifting or physical activity require a longer recovery period, with strenuous activity avoided for around twelve weeks.
Driving is usually safe once you can comfortably turn the steering wheel, check blindspots, and perform an emergency stop without discomfort. This is typically around ten to fourteen days after surgery.
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery. More strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately six weeks, and core-based activity avoided for approximately twelve weeks. Dr Collins will provide a personalised return-to-exercise plan tailored to you.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a well-established procedure, but as with all surgery, risks exist. These include pain, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, adverse scarring, seroma, haematoma, abdominal complications such as bulging or hernia, partial or complete loss of the belly button, flap-related complications including partial or complete flap loss, fat necrosis, asymmetry, and the potential need for revision surgery.These risks are discussed in detail during your consultation.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction has a high success rate when performed by experienced microsurgeons. Outcomes are influenced by individual factors, including anatomy, overall health, and previous cancer treatment.
Because the abdominal musculature is preserved in a DIEP flap reconstruction, most patients maintain good long-term core strength. Some initial tightness and weakness are normal during recovery and improve gradually.
Yes. Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on factors such as anatomy, tissue quality, healing response, and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks, and limitations are discussed in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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