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- What Is Siea Flap Reconstruction?
- Ideal Candidates
- Reviews & Opinions Of Existing Patients
- Surgical Technique
- The Siea Flap Experience
- Why Choose Snyder Plastic Surgery For Siea Flap Reconstruction
- Frequently Asked Questions About Siea Flap Reconstruction
- Schedule A Consultation
- Additonal Information
- Follow Us On Instagram
When you meet with Dr. Ned Snyder IV, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, you will learn about the many different options available for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The SIEA (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery) flap is an advanced surgical technique comparable to the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap, both designed to restore the breast using your own natural tissue while preserving the abdominal muscles.
At Snyder Plastic Surgery, Dr. Snyder offers both SIEA and DIEP flap reconstructions, helping patients achieve soft, natural-looking results and long-term confidence after breast cancer surgery.
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Healing Process after Breast Reconstruction
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What Is SIEA Flap Reconstruction?
The SIEA flap reconstruction uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast mound after a mastectomy. Unlike the DIEP flap, the SIEA flap uses more superficial blood vessels that lie just below the skin rather than beneath or within the abdominal muscle.
Because the abdominal muscles are untouched, the SIEA flap provides a natural reconstruction with less post-surgical discomfort and faster recovery. However, only a small percentage of patients have the vessel size and anatomy suitable for this technique, which Dr. Snyder will evaluate during surgery.
Ideal Candidates
You may be a good candidate for SIEA flap reconstruction if you:
- Are undergoing or have completed a mastectomy
- Have sufficient lower abdominal tissue for reconstruction
- Prefer a natural breast reconstruction without implants
- Want to preserve your abdominal muscles and core strength
- Have suitable anatomy with identifiable SIEA blood vessels
Dr. Snyder will carefully assess your anatomy during consultation and surgery to determine whether the SIEA or DIEP flap is the best option for your reconstruction.
Surgical Technique
Both DIEP and SIEA flap reconstructions use tissue from the lower abdomen. The main difference lies in which blood vessels supply the flap. The SIEA vessels are located in the fatty layer just beneath the skin, while the DIEP vessels lie deeper within the muscle.
If the superficial vessels are large enough, the SIEA flap allows Dr. Snyder to harvest tissue without dissecting the muscle, resulting in less recovery time and minimal abdominal weakness. Both techniques rely on microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels and form a natural breast mound.
The SIEA Flap Experience
Understanding what to expect before, during, and after your reconstruction will help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
What to Expect: Step-by-Step
While the SIEA technique is similar to the DIEP, it is used less often because suitable anatomy is rare. Fewer than 20% of patients have the vessel size and location required for this method. Dr. Snyder will determine which flap type is best for you during your pre-surgical evaluation and confirm his choice intraoperatively. These details will be discussed during your private consultation in Austin or Round Rock, TX.
On the day of surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital for a procedure lasting 4 to 6 hours under general anesthesia. If you are having a mastectomy performed at the same time, your breast surgeon will remove the breast tissue while Dr. Snyder prepares the donor site on your abdomen. The incision is similar to that of a tummy tuck, which allows removal of the necessary tissue while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing result.
Once the tissue is harvested, Dr. Snyder will determine whether your anatomy supports the use of the SIEA or DIEP flap. The harvested tissue will then be transferred to the chest, where blood vessels are precisely reconnected under a microscope. The new breast mound is sculpted layer by layer to achieve a natural contour.
After surgery, you will recover in the hospital for approximately 4 to 6 days while your care team closely monitors the reconstructed breast to ensure proper blood flow. During this time, our nurses will manage your surgical drains and teach you how to care for them before discharge.
At home, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity while your body heals. Some swelling and tightness are expected in the abdomen and chest area. Watch for any signs of infection or fever, and contact our team immediately if you have any concerns.
Why Choose Snyder Plastic Surgery for SIEA Flap Reconstruction
At Snyder Plastic Surgery, patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care from Dr. Ned Snyder IV, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon recognized for his expertise in breast reconstruction using advanced microsurgical flaps such as SIEA, DIEP, PAP, and GAP.
Each reconstruction is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and goals, with a focus on natural results, balanced proportions, and restored confidence. With locations in Austin and Round Rock, TX, Snyder Plastic Surgery provides a trusted destination for women seeking the highest standard of reconstructive care.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIEA Flap Reconstruction
What is the difference between a DIEP flap and an SIEA flap?
Am I a candidate for an SIEA flap reconstruction?
How long does recovery take after an SIEA flap reconstruction?
Will I have abdominal weakness after an SIEA flap?
How long will my results last?
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering SIEA flap breast reconstruction, contact Snyder Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation in Austin or Round Rock, TX. Dr. Ned Snyder IV will discuss your options, evaluate your anatomy, and design a personalized plan to help you achieve natural, lasting results.
Our caring team understands that breast reconstruction is both a physical and emotional journey and is here to support you at every step of the process.
learn more Additonal Information
For additional information about our services, procedures, and the patient experience at Snyder Plastic Surgery, please explore our website or contact our office. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and support from the initial consultation through recovery. Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey towards a more confident and beautiful you.
