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Flap Revision Surgery

What is Flap Revision Surgery?

For many women, natural tissue breast reconstruction using a flap procedure—like the DIEP, PAP, or GAP flap—offers lasting, life-changing results. 

However, as time passes, some patients may seek a revision to optimize the appearance of their reconstructed breasts, address subtle asymmetries, improve comfort, or refine areas impacted by healing changes. In other cases, a flap may not have achieved the desired aesthetic outcome due to factors like prior radiation, scar tissue, or unexpected complications. 

Whether the original surgery was performed at PRMA or elsewhere, we understand this decision is deeply personal. We’re here to help you feel whole again by improving flap reconstruction results.

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Key Information

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Breast reconstruction flap revisions are common and may be performed to enhance symmetry, contour, or aesthetics after initial tissue-based flap reconstruction.

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Revision can address issues like scarring, volume loss, or changes from healing, radiation, or weight fluctuations.

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Not all revisions are cosmetic—some help correct functional concerns like tightness, firmness, or asymmetry.

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Revisions are highly personalized—your surgeon will assess your goals and tailor a surgical plan just for you.

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PRMA uses advanced techniques like High Def DIEP® for natural-looking results and a dual-surgeon approach to enhance safety and precision.

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Insurance often covers revision surgery, especially when medically necessary or related to cancer treatment.

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Understanding Your Options

Our approach to flap revision surgery is a highly individualized and expertise-driven strategy. It draws from advanced microsurgical techniques, aesthetic refinements, and a holistic view of each patient’s goals. The specific approach varies based on a patient’s anatomy, healing history, and desired outcome.

Fat Grafting (Lipofilling)

This is one of the most common and minimally invasive flap correction after reconstruction techniques. Fat is gently harvested from another part of the body (like the abdomen or thighs) and transferred to the reconstructed breast to improve volume, shape, softness, or symmetry.
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Scar Revision

Surgical refinement of scars to reduce their visibility, correct irregularities, or improve comfort—especially if the scar tissue feels tight or painful.
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Flap Contouring & Reshaping

Surgeons may adjust the flap’s positioning, remove small areas of excess tissue, or reshape the breast mound to enhance symmetry and appearance. This can include refining the inframammary fold (breast crease) or adjusting upper pole fullness.
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Symmetry Surgery on the Opposite Breast

When needed, PRMA may recommend a lift, reduction, or augmentation on the non-reconstructed breast to improve balance and symmetry.
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What to Expect During Surgery

Your flap revision surgery begins with a comprehensive consultation, where your surgeon will listen closely to your goals, assess your current reconstruction, and outline a customized surgical plan. 

Most flap revision procedures are outpatient or involve a shorter hospital stay compared to the original surgery. PRMA’s dual-surgeon technique is used for all flap surgeries, even during revisions, to maximize precision and safety while minimizing time under anesthesia. 

After surgery, you can expect a streamlined recovery supported by detailed instructions, ongoing nurse guidance, and attentive follow-up care. We’ll ensure you feel more confident, comfortable, and complete, from consultation to final results.

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Before & After

See real results from women who’ve trusted PRMA with their reconstruction journey.
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    During the first week, you’ll focus on rest and managing post-operative swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Depending on the extent of the revision, most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
  • Week 2:
    Swelling and bruising typically improve by the second week, and many patients start feeling more mobile and comfortable doing light daily activities. During a follow-up appointment, any sutures or surgical tape may be removed.
  • Week 3-4:
    You’ll continue to gain energy and mobility. Swelling continues to decrease, and the breast shape becomes more refined. Light exercise (like walking or gentle stretching) may be resumed, but heavy lifting or upper-body workouts should still be avoided.
  • Week 5-6:
    By now, most restrictions have been lifted. You may return to full activity—including exercise—pending your surgeon’s guidance. Final results start to take shape, although some minor swelling may persist. Scars will continue to soften and fade over time.
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The Nation’s Destination for
Sensation Restoration

PRMA has transformed breast reconstruction with their revolutionary TruSense® procedure, a proprietary technique that restores breast sensation in qualified patients—giving back not just form, but feeling.
About TruSense®

Am I a Candidate for Flap Correction After Reconstruction?

Flap revision surgery is designed to refine or enhance the results of a previous natural tissue breast reconstruction. Whether your original procedure was performed at PRMA or another facility, our team can help assess if a revision may help you feel more confident and comfortable in your results.

You may be a strong candidate for flap revision if:

  • Your reconstructed breast has noticeable asymmetry or contour irregularities
  • You’re experiencing firmness, tightness, or discomfort in the reconstructed area
  • Volume has changed over time due to weight fluctuations or healing
  • You’ve had radiation and are seeing tissue changes or irregularities
  • You're unhappy with your reconstruction results from another facility
  • You’re considering nipple reconstruction or areola tattooing to complete your outcome
  • You’ve developed visible scarring or “dog ears” you'd like refined
  • You’re in good overall health and cleared for elective surgery
  • You want to improve softness, symmetry, or the natural look and feel of your results
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Find Your Surgeon

PRMA’s board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world. Every surgery is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes—with a flap success rate of over 99%. With more than 15,000 reconstructions performed to date, our team delivers world-class expertise you can trust.
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Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Championing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Access Nationwide
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Will Insurance Cover Flap Revision Surgery?

Insurance will typically cover flap revision surgery, especially when it’s related to a previous breast reconstruction performed after mastectomy. Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), health insurance plans that cover mastectomy are also required to cover all stages of reconstruction, including revisions to achieve symmetry or correct complications.

At PRMA, our insurance specialists will work directly with your provider to confirm coverage and obtain any necessary pre-authorizations. We’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.

For more information, visit [Insurance FAQs] in the patient resource center.

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Preparing for Surgery

Many of our patients travel from all over the country for breast cancer surgery, revision, and reconstruction procedures. To help you prepare, our team will walk you through every step, from pre-op planning to travel arrangements, to ensure a smooth and supportive experience.

Learn more about:
Preparing for Surgery
Travel Accomodations

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after my initial flap reconstruction can I have a revision?
Most patients should wait 3 to 6 months after their initial flap surgery before considering a revision. This allows swelling to resolve and tissues to fully settle, giving your surgeon a more accurate view of your long-term result.
Will a revision surgery affect the blood supply to my flap?
No—once your flap has fully healed and its blood supply is well-established, a revision typically does not compromise its vascular integrity. PRMA’s microsurgeons take great care to preserve flap viability during any adjustments.
Can I combine flap revision with other procedures?
Yes, in many cases. Patients often choose to combine their flap revision with scar revision, fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or even symmetry surgery on the opposite breast. Your surgeon will discuss safe and effective options during your consultation.
Will I need drains after flap revision surgery?
It depends on the extent of your revision. Minor revisions or fat grafting often don’t require drains, while more extensive reshaping or contouring procedures may include temporary drains to prevent fluid buildup and support healing.

Improving Flap Reconstruction Results is One Step Away

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