You’ve already faced the hardest part—hearing the words “you have breast cancer”. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or further in your recovery, every decision from here on out should feel like it belongs to you. If you’re exploring DIEP flap breast reconstruction, you may be drawn to its natural look, longevity, and the possibility of regaining sensation. But before moving forward, it’s only natural to wonder: Could this surgery increase my risk of cancer coming back?

In this article, we’ll explain the science behind recurrence risk, explain DIEP flap surgery, and offer reassurance grounded in decades of experience and over 15,000 reconstructions. 

Understanding DIEP Flap Reconstruction After Mastectomy

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a highly advanced surgical technique that rebuilds the breast using the patient’s natural tissue, specifically skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Unlike procedures that rely on implants or remove underlying muscle (like the TRAM flap), the DIEP flap preserves abdominal muscles, supporting a faster recovery and maintaining core strength long-term.

DIEP Flap breast reconstruction is not a simple surgery, however. It’s a complex microsurgical procedure requiring meticulous skill. The tissue is transplanted to the chest, and its tiny blood vessels are reconnected under a microscope to restore natural blood flow. When performed by experienced surgeons, such as those at PRMA, DIEP flap reconstruction offers exceptional, lasting results that look and feel natural.

Can DIEP Flap Surgery Increase Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk? 

It’s understandable to worry that undergoing surgery—especially something as involved as DIEP flap reconstruction—could somehow “wake up” dormant cancer cells or increase your chances of recurrence. The good news is that extensive research continues to show that DIEP flap reconstruction does not increase the risk of breast cancer returning.

A study published in the British Journal of Surgery in 2018 examined this very question. Researchers followed 250 breast cancer patients at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden who underwent delayed DIEP flap reconstruction between 1999 and 2013. The results of this study offered powerful reassurance, and we’ll explore them next.

Study Findings – DIEP Flap vs. No Reconstruction

The 2018 study published in the British Journal of Surgery investigated whether major surgery, such as the DIEP flap, triggers tumor progression in breast cancer patients. To do this, researchers compared data from 250 patients who had DIEP flap breast reconstruction with more than 700 control patients who did not have DIEP flap reconstruction.

By the end of the study, the results found that patients who undergo DIEP flap breast reconstruction have no increased risk of breast cancer recurrence compared with post-breast cancer patients who did not. In fact, the results show that the survival rate is higher for the DIEP patients.

The results of the study are as follows:

Breast Cancer Recurrence Rate	5-Year Survival Rate
19% in DIEP flap patients 23% in control patients	92% for DIEP flap patients 87% for control patients

“Although the results of this recent study are not new, it is great to see data presented that supports women in their wish to look and feel whole again after mastectomy,” says Dr. Gary Arishita, a surgeon at PRMA Plastic Surgery.

 

What Do These Results Mean for Patients Considering DIEP Flap?

The findings from the Karolinska study offer something every breast cancer survivor deserves: peace of mind. The research showed no increase in cancer recurrence or mortality among women who underwent delayed DIEP flap reconstruction. In other words, choosing DIEP reconstruction does not raise your risk of breast cancer returning.

This study reinforces what we have seen repeatedly from more than 15,000 reconstructions: DIEP flap surgery is not only safe but also designed for long-term health and wellness. 

Explore Safe, Trusted DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction at PRMA

For many women, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is about far more than physical restoration. Breast reconstruction is about feeling whole again after the trauma of breast cancer. After DIEP Flap, patients frequently report improved body image, increased comfort, and a stronger sense of self, benefits that can have a profound impact on overall quality of life.

With one of the world’s highest volumes of DIEP flap procedures, our board-certified microsurgeons perform every reconstruction with advanced techniques, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re exploring reconstruction for the first time or considering an implant-to-flap revision, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Your body. Your journey. Your choice. Schedule a consultation with PRMA to learn more about your personalized breast reconstruction options—and take the next step toward healing on your terms.