DIEP flap

The DIEP flap is an outstanding flap and ideal for large soft issue defects. It has long been praised for the ability of this flap to provide a natural appearing breast reconstruction. In addition to its utility in breast reconstruction this tissue flap is useful in a variety of other situations like arm and leg reconstruction after tumor removal like sarcoma. In fact recently we have used the DIEP flap to care for patients with different sarcoma like angiosarcoma and fibromyoid sarcoma. These patients have benefited from the quality and amount of skin and fat that can be transferred for their arm and leg reconstruction just like the DIEP flap when it is used for breast reconstruction. After multiple types of cancer surgeries the DIEP flap can be used. Also it is very modifiable after the initial surgery has been performed. Unlike a muscle flap and skin graft which has been traditionally performed for a number of years the DIEP flap is easily contoured through a combination of techniques involving liposuction of the fat and resection of the excess tissues. Removal of the fat of the flap in the vertical dimension and the flap can be then stretched as well to flatten it even more. This makes it ideal for the upper and lower extremity. Of note this does remove the excess abdominal tissue that would normally be discarded in a tummy tuck procedure. This procedure can be performed in a number of patients of different heights and weights. If you are in need of reconstruction of the breast, large are or leg wounds the DIEP flap is a ideal source of healthy tissue.