Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap harvest after full abdominoplasty

Abdominal scars are no longer a contra-indication for abdominal perforator flap harvesting. Few research data exists about the regeneration potential of the abdominal wall's perforator system. Therefore, previous abdominoplasty with umbilical transposition is an absolute contra-indication for a DIEaP-flap (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap). A 50-year-old patient required a breast reconstruction of the right breast, 10 years after an abdominoplasty with undermining of the superior abdomen and umbilical transposition. The patient was scheduled for a free lumbar artery perforator (LaP) flap. The preoperative computed tomography-angiography mapping showed nice lumbar perforators and to our surprise a good-sized DIEa perforator in the peri-umbilical region. The DIEa perforator on the right hemi-abdomen, consisting of two veins and one artery, was pulsatile and found suitable in size. A classical flap harvest and transfer was further performed. This case report is the first in which a dominant perforator is found in the area of undermining after a full abdominoplasty with umbilical repositioning. Further investigations regarding the nature and timing of re-permeation or regeneration of perforators after abdominoplasty are to be done. Nevertheless, we are convinced that with appropriate perforator mapping and a suitable plan B, previous abdominoplasty is no longer an absolute but a relative contra-indication for performing DIEaP-flap.