Surgical Procedure

Free Flap Surgery

Free flap surgery is the most advanced form of tissue reconstruction in plastic surgery.

The principle of this reconstruction involves removing tissue from one part of the body and detaching it from its blood supply and then reatttaching it to another part of the body and reconnecting its blood supply.

Reconnection of blood supply involves stitching the blood vessels back together under a microscope. The transferred tissue now survives in its new location due to its blood supply.

An example of this technique is known as DIEP flap surgery. DIEP stands for ‘deep inferior epigastric artery perforator’ flap and describes the blood supply of the abdominal tissue that is transferred in breast reconstruction to recreate breast tisusue that is lost during cancer treatment.

Free flap surgery is also commonly used in head and neck reconstruction.

This is a lengthy, highly technical reconstructive procedure and is performed under a general anaesthetic and requires a stay in hospital.

The final cost of any free flap treatment is determined on a case by case basis dependent on complexity and the combination of any other additional procedures.

Combination surgeries will lower the price of individual surgeries if done together.

A full surgical no-commitment consultation with Dr Rory will provide all the necessary details for your particular case.