Not All Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flaps Are Created Equal: A Review of Donor-site Morbidity in Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in plastic surgery. Autologous reconstruction is associated with better long-term patient satisfaction than implant-based reconstruction but with the requisite donor site and potential for associated morbidity.

Methods: The authors review the literature regarding the technical evolution of abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction and the effect of these changes as well as patient morbidities on bulge, hernia, and all-cause donor-site morbidity.