What are the basic methods of breast reconstruction with flap?
What are the basic methods of breast reconstruction with flap?
There are two main techniques for reconstructing your breast: Implant reconstruction: Inserting an implant that’s filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Autologous or “flap” reconstruction: Using tissue transplanted from another part of your body (such as your belly, thigh, or back).
What is a breast flap procedure?
Surgery Overview. Tissue flap surgery is a way to rebuild the shape of a breast using skin, fat, and possibly muscle from another part of the body. It is usually done after part or all of the breast is removed (mastectomy) because of cancer. It may also be done for women who have problems with breast development.
How long is recovery from TRAM flap?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow for your recovery. For detailed information on how to care for the dressings, stitches, staples, and surgical drains, visit the Mastectomy: What to Expect pages. It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to recover from TRAM flap reconstruction surgery.
How difficult is the recovery from DIEP flap surgery?
Healing and recovery after DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be significantly easier than most patients think. With the implementation of ERAS Protocols, most patients experience little discomfort after surgery, require little if any narcotics, and can be discharged from the hospital after 3 days or less.
How long does flap surgery take?
The tiny blood vessels in the flap, which will feed the tissue of your new breast, are matched to blood vessels in your chest and carefully reattached under a microscope. DIEP flap reconstruction surgery takes about 6 to 8 hours.
How long does free flap surgery take?
Your head and neck surgeon will remove the tumor from your jaw and the soft tissue around it. At the same time, your plastic surgeon will remove the bone, tissue, and skin from your donor site. This will take 3 to 4 hours.
What happens after flap surgery?
For most people, sutures will be removed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. If you had radiation to the area in the past, your sutures may need to stay in longer. Your sutures may also need to stay in longer depending on how well your incisions are healing. You may feel numbness or tingling at your surgical site.
What kind of mesh is used in TRAM flap reconstruction?
No hernia or mesh-related infection were encountered and only one patient had a lower abdominal bulge. We recommend the use of a large synthetic mesh for improved strength and aesthetic quality of the abdominal wall after TRAM flap breast reconstruction.
Do you lose weight after DIEP flap?
If you lose weight after DIEP surgery, your reconstructed breasts will likely decrease in size as well. This change may be minimally noticeable or drastic, depending on how your body reacts to weight loss.
How much belly fat do you need for DIEP flap surgery?
There is also an upper limit beyond which the risks of surgery typically outweigh the benefits – At PRMA we set an upper BMI limit of 40. Research performed at PRMA has shown that performing the procedure on women with a BMI over 40 significantly increases the risk of complications (especially wound healing problems).
What is the recovery time for flap surgery?
It generally takes four to six weeks for a full recovery from a DIEP flap procedure. Heavy lifting: Patients should avoid lifting any heaving objects for the first two to three weeks following surgery. Surgical drains: Surgical drains will be removed at one to two weeks following the surgery.
What to expect after breast reconstruction?
If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return over a period of years. It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.
What is DIEP flap reconstruction?
A Diep flap is a breast reconstruction technique used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy surgery.
What is the TRAM flap breast reconstruction technique?
TRAM Flap. A flap of this skin, fat, and all or part of the underlying rectus abdominus (“6-pack”) muscle are used to reconstruct the breast in a TRAM flap procedure. Overall, TRAM flaps are the most commonly performed type of flap reconstruction , partly because TRAM flap tissue is very similar to breast tissue and makes a good substitute.
