Breast reconstruction types

July 7, 2012

TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction Dissected

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After a woman has had a mastectomy or breast cancer removal she may choose to have a breast reconstruction procedure. There are several different techniques for breast reconstruction. A common technique is the TRAM flap, or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous surgery, which utilizes a portion of a woman’s abdominal fat, muscle, and skin to reconstruct a breast. Many women prefer using their own tissue for their breast reconstructions because it can produce a more natural looking result. While other breast reconstruction techniques like reconstruction with a breast implant can also yield natural looking results, some women may not have enough healthy breast tissue after cancer removal to be candidates for such methods.

The first TRAM flap reconstruction was performed over 25 years ago and has gained popularity among women and reconstructive surgeons over time. Retired Dr. Carl Hartrampf, co-founder of Atlanta Plastic Surgery, originated the TRAM flap method for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Since then Dr. Franklyn Elliott has significantly refined the TRAM technique and has performed the procedure live in a number of centers worldwide. As one of his specialties, Dr. Elliott is passionate about breast reconstruction and often travels around the world discussing and teaching fellow plastic surgeons the latest reconstruction techniques. As the former director and current co-director of the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium, Dr. Elliott remains on the cutting edge with advancements in breast reconstruction technologies and has written numerous articles discussing TRAM flap reconstructions. To prevent breast surgery complications he uses a well designed surgical plan and consistent technique when performing a TRAM flap surgery on his patients.

The TRAM flap technique is helpful for patients who do not wish to or are unable to undergo reconstruction with implants or tissue expanders. There are two types of TRAM flap techniques, the pedicled TRAM flap and free TRAM flap. During a pedicled TRAM flap procedure the tissue maintains its original blood supply while the free TRAM flap completely removes the tissue from the body and reattaches it to the blood vessels in the chest.

To learn about more about the TRAM flap procedure and other types of breast reconstruction please contact our office and connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

April 9, 2012

What Are My Breast Reconstruction Options after Breast Cancer: Types of Reconstruction?

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As we mentioned in our previous blog on breast reconstruction options, reconstructing the breasts after breast cancer surgery can help women recover faster emotionally and restore the self-esteem of breast cancer survivors. While there are options as to when you choose to undergo breast reconstruction, there are also different types of reconstruction surgery. Patients can choose to have a reconstructed tissue flap to encase the breast implant, use their own tissue, or choose a combination of both. Patients can also choose between saline or silicone gel implants for their reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction can take place using the natural breast tissue if the general surgeon and oncologist deem it acceptable and safe to leave that tissue after removing the cancer.

Tissue flap procedures use tissue from another part of the body (abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks) to reconstruct the breast. The two most common tissue flap procedures include the TRAM flap and latissimus dorsi flap techniques. The TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) procedure takes a section of skin, fat, blood vessels, and muscle from the abdomen to replace the breast tissue removed during a mastectomy. From there, a breast implant is inserted to rebuild the breast.

There are two different types of TRAM flap techniques. During a pedicled TRAM flap procedure, the tissue is not completely removed from the blood supply. While a free TRAM flap technique completely detaches the tissue and reattaches it to the blood vessels in the chest.

The latissimus dorsi flap procedure is similar to the pedicled TRAM except that the tissue, blood vessels, and muscle are moved from the upper back to the breast area creating a type of pocket for the implant.

The DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) procedure works similarly to the TRAM flap technique except that it takes fat and skin from the lower abdominal area but does not use muscle. The effect on the stomach is the same as a tummy tuck since excess skin and tissue are removed from the lower abdomen except the excess tissue is used to rebuild the breast.

Breast reconstruction is an important choice for any breast cancer survivor. It takes careful deliberation and consulting with an oncologist and general surgeon, along with a reconstructive plastic surgeon like Dr. Franklyn Elliott, who actually worked to refine the TRAM breast reconstruction technique. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, contact our office. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to stay up to date on the latest in breast cancer news.