Source Annals of Plastic Surgery Volume: 32 Number: 1 Jan. 1994

Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction

Robert J. Allen, MD Penny Treece, M D

The ideal material for reconstruction of a breast is fat and skin. Most current methods of autogenous reconstruction use myocutaneous flaps. We investigated the feasibility of transfer of skin and fat from the lower abdomen without muscle sacrifice. The flap is based on one, two, or three perforators of the deep interior epigastric vessels. The study will demonstrate both experimentally and clinically this original technique for breast reconstruction. Fifteen breasts hew been successfully reconstructed with this technique. This technique has all of the advantages of the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap with decreased possibility, of ventral hernia or muscle weakness.

Allen RJ, Treece P. Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 1994;32:32-38

From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA.

Received Nov 12, 1992, and in revised form Feb 18, 1993. Accepted for publication Feb 19, 1993.

Address correspondence to Dr Allen, Section of Plastic Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112-2822.