Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Improve Breast Tissue Health in 4 Steps: Breast Health Series Part 2
- What is the procedure for breast reconstruction?
- When should I do breast reconstruction surgery?
- What is the risk of flap breast reconstruction?
- What will happen after surgery?
Medical Video: How to Improve Breast Tissue Health in 4 Steps: Breast Health Series Part 2
The flap procedure is a type of breast repair surgery. Usually used to restore breast shape after a mastectomy. Mastectomy itself is a procedure for removing the breast as a treatment for breast cancer.
The flap procedure is an alternative to the use of breast implants. This procedure replaces breast tissue with tissue from other parts of the body, such as abdominal tissue. Many women think that the flap procedure will produce a form that is more natural than the implant. However, there are several risks associated with this procedure. These risks include:
- Hernias in the tissue area are taken
- Loss of sensation in the donor area
- Changes in breast sensation
- Necrosis, or dead tissue, in the breast
What is the procedure for breast reconstruction?
There are 3 types of tissue flaps that can be used to repair breast:
- TRAM flap use skin, fat tissue, and muscles from the lower abdomen
- latissimus dorsi flap use the skin and muscles of the back
- DIEP flap using blood, fat, and skin from the stomach but not using muscles.
The tissue used will be transferred to the chest wall using two techniques:
Rotation-flap. In this procedure, one side of the tissue flap will be left connected to the original blood supply. The other side will be connected under the skin. Then the tissue rotates to the position in the chest wall.
Free-flap. In this procedure, the tissue flap will be completely released from the blood supply. Usually connected back to the blood supply in the chest using a small operation.
After the tissue flap is positioned into place, the surgeon will shape it into the breast. The shape of the breast may need to be repaired with additional surgery.
When should I do breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction can be done in conjunction with your mastectomy, if you don't need radiation. If radiation is needed, repairs should be delayed for several months after your last treatment. This will reduce the risk of side effects. Radiation can make the tissue deform and harden, and may not be suitable for use as a repair procedure.
Your surgeon may recommend that you do a tissue expander implant at the time of mastectomy. This tool will stretch the skin. Expanders will make it easier to carry out reconstruction operations when you are ready.
Discuss your options with your surgeon.
What is the risk of flap breast reconstruction?
Repairing the breast with a tissue flap has the same risk as all operations. This includes bleeding and infection. However, this surgery can also have the risk of difficulty wound healing. TRAM flap and latissimus dorsi flap involves taking muscle from the stomach or back. This is risky:
- Hernia
- Weakness
- Lump on the stomach
What will happen after surgery?
Using your own tissue to repair breasts can make your breasts look more attractive. The size, density, and shape of your new breast will be similar to your previous breasts. But of course your breasts will not be exactly the same as before breast cancer.
