Breast Reconstruction
For women facing mastectomy — or who have already undergone one — breast reconstruction is a deeply meaningful part of the healing process. The DIEP free flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) is widely regarded as the most advanced and natural form of breast reconstruction available today. At Castillo Plastic Surgery, Dr. Castillo brings this procedure to the Rio Grande Valley, offering women in South Texas an option that was previously only accessible hundreds of miles away.
About DIEP
What is a DIEP flap?
The DIEP free flap uses your own tissue — skin and fat from the lower abdomen — to reconstruct the breast, without sacrificing any of the abdominal muscle. Blood vessels within the flap are microsurgically connected to vessels in the chest, allowing the transplanted tissue to survive and integrate naturally. The result is a breast that looks, feels, and ages like your own body — because it is.
Why DIEP flap vs implants?
Unlike implant-based reconstruction, the DIEP free flap does not require a foreign device in your body. There is no risk of capsular contracture, implant rupture, or the need for future implant replacement. Many patients also benefit from a flatter, more contoured abdomen — similar to a tummy tuck — as part of the donor-site closure. For women seeking the most durable, natural long-term result, the DIEP free flap is the gold standard.
Why Castillo Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Castillo is the only surgeon south of San Antonio performing the DIEP free flap. This means women in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and surrounding communities can access this life-changing procedure without leaving the region they call home. Reconstruction should not require choosing between the best care and the support of your family and community. With Dr. Castillo, you do not have to choose.
Are you a candidate?
DIEP free flap reconstruction may be right for you if you have undergone or are planning a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction, prefer a natural result using your own tissue, have adequate abdominal tissue for flap harvest, and are in good overall health for a major surgical procedure. Dr. Castillo will conduct a thorough evaluation during your consultation to determine whether the DIEP free flap is the right choice for your individual anatomy, health history, and goals.
What to expect?
The DIEP free flap is a major microsurgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, typically requiring an operative time of 6 to 10 hours. Patients are admitted to the hospital for 3 to 5 days following surgery for careful monitoring of the reconstructed tissue. Most patients return to light daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Castillo and his team will guide you through every phase of recovery with detailed instructions and attentive follow-up care.
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Reconstruction Done
