Recovery doesn't end when you're medically cleared.
Recovery from DIEP flap reconstruction is complex—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Many women tell us they feel uncertain about what's normal, worried about doing the wrong thing, and unsure how to regain confidence in their body after surgery.
That's where the Moving Beyond Cancer DIEP Program comes in.
Developed by Accredited Exercise Physiologists specialising in cancer rehabilitation, in consultation with women recovering from DIEP reconstruction, plastic surgeons, and medical specialists, this program provides a clear pathway through every stage of recovery.
From preparing for surgery and navigating the early weeks after your procedure, to rebuilding strength, confidence, and long-term function, you'll receive the right guidance at the right time.
A structured, clinically informed pathway back to function.
Typical Recovery Timeline
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Program Phases
Important Reminder
Recovery following DIEP flap reconstruction is highly individual. Surgical techniques, tissue healing rates, pre-existing fitness levels, and potential complications can all influence your progress. While this pathway provides an evidence-informed framework, you may move through the phases at a different pace depending on your individual recovery.
Get Personalised Support
For optimal outcomes, we recommend completing this program alongside an Accredited Exercise Physiologist from Moving Beyond Cancer. Your exercise prescription can be tailored to your recovery, progressed safely, and modified as needed.
📍 In-person consultations: Camberwell, Victoria
💻 Online consultations: Australia-wide via Teams
What is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
In a DIEP flap procedure, tissue from the lower abdomen (tummy) is used to reconstruct the breast shape. The abdominal muscle is left in place. The blood vessels are brought with the abdominal tissue and reconnected to the chest wall.
Disclaimer: Every reconstruction is unique. Depending on individual circumstances, some people will have one breast reconstructed, while others may have reconstruction on both sides.
Who is this program for?
The Moving Beyond Cancer DIEP Program is for people preparing for, or recovering from, DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
This program is for you if you:
Are planning surgery and want to prepare your body
Have recently had surgery and aren’t sure what’s safe or normal
Feel “medically cleared” but not yet confident or functional
Want clear, phase-based guidance to rebuild strength and movement
Are seeking expert support from Accredited Exercise Physiologists
Suitable for all stages:
From pre-surgery preparation through to long-term rehabilitation.
Whether you’re at the beginning or further along and still not feeling like yourself, this program gives you a clear, structured pathway forward.
Start by completing your Baseline Assessment to find your appropriate phase and begin your program.
Why did we create this resource?
We built this program because we repeatedly saw women who:
Felt alone in the early stages of recovery and were unsure where to turn for guidance
Received exercise advice that focused mainly on shoulder range of motion and walking, with little support for abdominal recovery, posture, and whole-body function
Developed preventable issues such as frozen shoulder, shoulder tendinopathies, ongoing pain, and persistent postural strain.
What is involved in this program?
✓ Prescribed exercise program
✓ Recovery guidance
✓ Key milestones
✓ Progress check-ins
✓ Criteria for progressing to the next phase
Aims of this program
Our goal is to help you regain:
Full shoulder range of motion
Strong, upright posture and confident movement
Whole-body strength, including safe, comprehensive abdominal and trunk rehabilitation
We will also teach you what to watch for, and how to reduce the risk of longer-term limitations such as:
Cording
Lymphoedema
Shoulder tendinopathies
Ongoing muscle and joint pain
DIEP Recovery Packages
Specialised recovery programs for people preparing for or recovering from DIEP reconstruction surgery.
Free
A free introduction to the Cancer Support Hub, providing access to trusted education, helpful resources, and a supportive community to help you navigate treatment and recovery with confidence.
Access to selected recovery resources and downloads
Access to the DIEP Recovery Community
Recovery tips and practical advice
Show Details
$0
DIEP Recovery Access
Designed for women who want a structured, step-by-step recovery program. Access comprehensive education, guided exercise programs, videos, resources and community support.
A complete phase-based information and exercise resource to support your DIEP recovery.
Includes MEPG+ Member Access
Includes Guided DIEP Recovery Content in MEPG+
Exercise videos, education, milestones and Phase 1 check-in
Invitations to in-person education sessions and quarterly catch-ups
Future program updates
Flexibility to book one-on-one Exercise Physiology consultations as needed, at any stage of your recovery
Show Details
$54
per month or $297 per year
Optional Add-Ons
Enhance your recovery with additional clinical support tailored to your individual needs.
Individual Clinical Care Pack - Eight individual Exercise Physiology consultations for personalised assessment, exercise progression, education and ongoing review.
Twice-Weekly Clinically Supervised Exercise Group - Join our supervised exercise sessions for continued guidance, accountability and progression. Billed monthly.
Deciding whether or not to go ahead with a DIEP flap reconstruction?
If you have found yourself here, you have most likely already made the decision to have a DIEP reconstruction post mastectomy. If not, BCNA have an excellent resource to help make the decision. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/surgery-and-breast-reconstruction/
