If you are considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy, one of the first questions you may have is:
“Am I a candidate for DIEP flap surgery?”
The answer depends on several factors—but many women are surprised to learn that they do qualify, even if they were previously told otherwise.
At The DIEP Group, DIEP flap procedures are performed at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital, offering advanced options for patients throughout Central New York.
What Is DIEP Flap Surgery?
DIEP flap is a type of autologous (natural tissue) breast reconstruction that uses:
- Skin and fat from the lower abdomen
- Microsurgical transfer of tissue
- Preservation of abdominal muscles
It is considered one of the most advanced and natural reconstruction options available.
General Requirements for Candidacy
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have had or are planning a mastectomy
- Prefer a natural, implant-free reconstruction
- Are in generally good health
- Are able to tolerate a longer surgical procedure
Do You Need Enough Abdominal Tissue?
Yes—but “enough” is often misunderstood.
You may still qualify even if you:
- Are relatively thin
- Have a smaller abdomen
Modern techniques allow surgeons to:
- Optimize available tissue
- Customize reconstruction
Many patients who think they are not candidates actually are.
Can You Still Qualify After Prior Abdominal Surgery?
In many cases, yes.
Patients often assume they are not candidates if they’ve had:
- C-sections
- Hysterectomy
- Prior abdominal procedures
While these can affect planning, they do not automatically exclude you.
Are You a Candidate If You’ve Had Radiation?
Yes—and often DIEP flap is preferred after radiation.
Radiation can:
- Damage skin and tissue
- Increase complications with implants
DIEP flap introduces:
- Healthy, well-vascularized tissue
This makes it one of the best options for radiated patients.
Can You Have DIEP Flap After Implant Reconstruction?
Absolutely.
Many patients come to us after:
- Implant failure
- Capsular contracture
- Pain or deformity
- Dissatisfaction with results
DIEP flap can:
- Replace implants
- Provide a more natural, long-term solution
Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate?
While many patients qualify, some factors may require additional evaluation:
- Significant medical comorbidities
- Poor overall health
- Limited blood vessel quality
- Insufficient donor tissue (rare)
Even in these cases:
Alternative reconstruction options may still be available
Immediate vs Delayed Reconstruction
You can be a candidate for:
Immediate Reconstruction
- Done at the time of mastectomy
Delayed Reconstruction
- Done months or years later
Many patients in Syracuse pursue reconstruction long after cancer treatment.
Age Considerations
There is no strict age limit.
Candidacy depends more on:
- Overall health
- Functional status
Patients in their 60s and beyond can still be excellent candidates.
Why an Expert Evaluation Matters
DIEP flap candidacy is highly individualized.
At The DIEP Group:
- Advanced imaging and planning are used
- Each case is carefully evaluated
- Complex situations are routinely managed
This level of expertise expands candidacy for many patients.
Why Staying Local in Syracuse Matters
Determining candidacy is only the first step.
Having your surgical team in Syracuse means:
- Easier preoperative planning
- More accessible follow-up
- Faster response to concerns
Traveling hours away for evaluation and surgery can complicate the entire process.
Patient Perspective
“I was told I might not be a candidate, but after my consultation in Syracuse, I learned I had options I didn’t know existed.”
— Patient from Central New York
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Patients choose The DIEP Group because of:
- High-volume experience (250+ DIEP flaps annually)
- Expertise in complex and borderline candidacy cases
- Dedicated microsurgical specialization
- Surgery performed at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital
- Ability to offer advanced solutions when others may not
Serving Syracuse and Central New York
We care for patients from:
- Syracuse
- Fayetteville
- Manlius
- Liverpool
- Baldwinsville
- Camillus
- Clay
- Cicero
- Auburn
- Oswego
All procedures are performed at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
Contact The DIEP Group
If you are wondering whether you are a candidate for DIEP flap breast reconstruction, we can help you find out.
📞 Call: 203-200-0828
🌐 Website: thediepgroup.com
Schedule a consultation to:
- Evaluate your candidacy
- Review your medical history
- Explore your reconstruction options
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