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Breast Enhancements New Jersey - Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgeon Dr. Franckle performs a large number of breast reconstruction surgeries. There are two general types of breast reconstruction: breast reconstruction with your own tissues, such as TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction and Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction, or breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants. This page gives a summary of each method. The most suitable Breast Reconstruction method(s) for your personal situation will be presented to you during your consultation.
TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction
TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction may be needed if you have loss of breast tissue and skin following mastectomy -- one or both sides -- or if you have loss of breast tissue only following subcutaneous mastectomy. Uncommonly, the procedure may be helpful if you have a desire for larger breasts. The goal of TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction is the reconstruction of the missing breast(s) or replacement of breast tissue.
The TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure
A flap of lower abdominal wall fat, muscle (and usually skin), is transferred to the area of missing breast tissue with its own blood supply. In a standard TRAM Flap, the blood supply is within the rectus muscle(s) which is left attached at the lower edge of the rib cage. In a Free TRAM, the blood vessels are reconnected to vessels in the axilla or chest wall. In a Turbocharged TRAM, the muscle is left attached superiorly, but the inferior vessels are connected in the axilla creating a double blood supply. The abdominal donor site is closed directly, similar to a Tummy Tuck, leaving a horizontal scar and a scar around the belly button. An attempt is made to create a "normal" breast mound and shape at the first operation, but subsequent smaller procedures are frequently necessary. Nipple/areolar reconstruction is typically performed at a later date.
Recovery from TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction
A TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction is a major procedure performed in the hospital and requiring at least 2-3 days of hospitalization. Ambulation will begin the day after surgery and be reasonably comfortable within 7-10 days. Complete recovery from TRAM Breast Reconstruction usually takes about 6 weeks. The abdominal donor site causes the most discomfort during healing.
Additional procedures that will enhance the result are enlargement, lifting, or reduction of the opposite breast, and nipple/areolar reconstruction. These procedures are part of the breast reconstruction and are usually covered by insurance.
Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction
Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction may be indicated if you are missing skin and breast tissue following a mastectomy. The goal of Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction is the creation of a "breast" that looks essentially normal in clothes and near normal without clothes. In cases where the reconstruction is performed at the same time as a skin-sparing mastectomy, an excellent result with a near perfect match can be obtained. In cases where larger amounts of skin are lost or in delayed breast reconstruction, the Latissimus flap primarily replaces the skin defect - the scar and shape of the reconstructed breast is dependent on defect. Generally, the Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction requires a breast implant to provide the necessary volume to the final result.
The Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure
A flap of skin and muscle is elevated from the upper outer back and rotated to the breast defect. The blood supply is left intact in the armpit (axilla). Usually, but not always, an implant or tissue expander is placed under the flap to provide the correct volume to the reconstructed breast. The back defect is closed directly. Nipple/areolar reconstruction is often performed after healing of the flap to insure the best possible position.
Recovery from Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction
Latissimus Flap Breast reconstruction is requires one to two days of hospitalization. Discomfort of the back and reconstruction site will be present for several weeks. Full use of the area will require about four weeks of healing. All of the sutures will be removed within a month.
Additional procedures that would enhance the result are enlargement, lifting, or reduction of the opposite breast, and/or nipple (areolar) reconstruction. These procedures are part of the breast reconstruction and are usually covered by insurance.
Breast Reconstruction is usually covered by insurance. The specific risks and the suitability of any Breast Reconstruction Procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.
