Who is the best candidate for DIEP Flaps?
The Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery (SIEA) Flap is almost identical to the DIEP Flap with one major exception. The abdominal muscle is not even entered because the artery runs superficial to the muscle. This is the closest operation to a true “Tummy Tuck” for Breast Reconstruction because the muscles are totally undisturbed exactly like a Tummy Tuck. Only 10 to 20% of patients have this favorable anatomy in which the Superficial Inferior Epigastric Atery and Vein are large enough to support a Breast Reconstruction. If this anatomy exists in a patient, the surgeons at the Rocky Mountain Center for Breast Surgery will utilize this Flap to further reduce surgery to the abdominal wall.
