Treatment Overview
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Korea is an advanced surgical procedure in which a patient’s own abdominal skin and fat are used to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy. Unlike traditional flap procedures, the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap preserves abdominal muscles, reducing donor-site complications while creating a natural-looking breast.
Korean plastic surgeons are renowned for their microsurgical expertise, precision, and aesthetic results, making Korea a top destination for DIEP flap reconstruction.
Purpose & Benefits
The main goals of DIEP flap breast reconstruction are:
- Restore natural breast volume and shape after mastectomy
- Use the patient’s own tissue to create soft, natural-feeling breasts
- Avoid foreign implants and reduce long-term implant-related risks
- Preserve abdominal muscle function, preventing hernias and weakness
Key Benefits:
- Natural breast contour with lasting results
- Minimal risk of implant-related complications
- Improved symmetry and aesthetics
- Simultaneous improvement in abdominal contour (similar to a tummy tuck)
- Long-term durability and minimal foreign body reaction
Ideal Candidates
DIEP flap reconstruction is suitable for individuals who:
- Have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer or trauma
- Desire reconstruction without implants
- Have sufficient abdominal tissue for flap harvesting
- Are healthy and able to tolerate microsurgery
- Seek natural aesthetics and long-lasting results
Possible Risks & Complications
Even with Korea’s advanced techniques, potential risks include:
- Flap loss or partial tissue necrosis (rare with experienced surgeons)
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness at donor or breast site
- Minor asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Infection or delayed wound healing
- Abdominal donor-site complications (seroma, delayed healing)
- Rare anesthesia-related risks
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean surgeons employ highly advanced microsurgical and reconstructive techniques:
- DIEP Flap Harvesting: Only skin and fat are taken from the lower abdomen, sparing abdominal muscles
- Microsurgical Vessel Connection: Blood vessels from the flap are meticulously connected to chest vessels for optimal perfusion
- Shaping and Contouring: Flap tissue sculpted to match natural breast shape and symmetry
- Combination Procedures: Can be paired with nipple reconstruction or fat grafting for enhanced aesthetics
- Minimally Visible Scars: Precision incisions at donor and breast sites for natural appearance
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is closely monitored in Korea for safety and optimal outcomes:
- Hospital stay is usually 4–7 days, with flap monitoring
- Light activities resume after 2–3 weeks
- Full recovery and return to normal activities may take 6–8 weeks
- Abdominal compression garments recommended for donor site
- Follow-up visits monitor flap viability, breast symmetry, and healing
Results & Longevity
- Immediate breast reconstruction with natural volume and contour
- Long-term results are durable, with minimal risk of rejection or implant-related complications
- Natural soft tissue provides long-lasting aesthetic outcomes
- Korean surgeons focus on symmetry, soft touch, and minimal scarring
- Can be combined with secondary fat grafting for contour refinement
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a preferred destination for DIEP flap reconstruction due to microsurgical expertise, advanced facilities, and patient-centered care:
- Consultation & Assessment: Evaluate breast condition, abdominal tissue availability, and overall health
- Customized Surgical Plan: Determine flap size, vessel mapping, and optional combination procedures
- Surgical Procedure: Flap harvested from abdomen, transferred to chest, and microsurgically connected
- Post-Operative Monitoring: Hospitalized for flap viability monitoring, pain management, and early complications
- Rehabilitation & Aftercare: Abdominal compression, mobility guidance, and gradual return to normal activities
- Medical Tourism Support: English-speaking coordinators, recovery accommodations, and follow-up guidance for international patients
- Follow-Up Assessments: Evaluate breast aesthetics, symmetry, donor site healing, and long-term outcomes
Cost Range
The cost of DIEP flap breast reconstruction in Korea depends on surgical complexity, surgeon experience, and hospital facilities:
- Standard DIEP Flap Reconstruction: ₩20,000,000 – ₩35,000,000 KRW
(Approx. $15,200 – $26,600 USD) - Combination with Nipple Reconstruction or Fat Grafting: ₩25,000,000 – ₩40,000,000 KRW
(Approx. $19,000 – $30,500 USD)
Additional Costs:
- Pre-operative imaging and vascular mapping: ₩500,000 – ₩1,000,000 KRW ($380 – $760 USD)
- Hospital stay, medications, and post-op care: ₩2,000,000 – ₩5,000,000 KRW ($1,500 – $3,800 USD)
- Follow-up consultations and secondary procedures: ₩200,000 – ₩800,000 KRW ($150 – $610 USD)
Popular Clinics
Top Korean clinics for DIEP flap breast reconstruction include:
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic – experienced in microsurgical flap reconstruction
- JK Plastic Surgery Center – internationally accredited, skilled in post-mastectomy reconstruction
- ID Hospital Seoul – advanced DIEP flap techniques with high survival rates
- View Plastic Surgery Hospital – precise aesthetic shaping and donor site care
- Regen Plastic Surgery – emphasizes symmetry, natural contours, and patient-centered recovery
