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TRAM flap

How Does The Timing of Breast Reconstruction Using Pedicle TRAM or DIEP Flap Work?

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As we previously discussed in our first blog post in this series, immediate breast reconstruction can be incredibly beneficial and affirming for women after breast cancer. Today I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the subject and discuss how the specific timing works for breast reconstruction procedures. This will pertain specifically to breast reconstruction using the pedicle TRAM flap and DIEP flap methods.

For anyone unfamiliar, both of these procedure methods use the patient’s own tissue (from the abdominal area) instead of a breast implant to rebuild the affected breasts following a breast cancer surgery. In the case of pedicle TRAM flap surgery, which is used to restore both breasts following a double mastectomy, the procedure generally takes around two and a half to three hours to perform after the mastectomy has completed. In the case of the DIEP flap procedure, to ensure patient safety, it will likely take up to eight hours or more to restore both breasts.

Additionally, because the DIEP flap generally takes so long and may require a tissue expander prior to the surgery, it is typical that this method will require two separate surgeries and recoveries. This extended operating time means that the reconstruction procedure may actually have to take place in the weeks following the initial procedure, instead of immediately.

In the following video, I go into more detail on the timing of both procedure types to help women better understand their options:

With this timing in mind, I hope that more women will be able to find the best-possible breast reconstruction method for their needs. For more information on breast reconstruction surgery or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation to learn more, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery videos, tips, news, and much more.

An Introduction To Pedicle Tram Flap Versus Diep Flap In Immediate Breast Reconstruction

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After speaking with patients for many years, I understand how physically and emotionally taxing it can be to battle breast cancer. This is why I am proud to perform breast reconstruction procedures. Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery can help women feel whole again following breast cancer surgery like a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Choosing between immediate breast reconstruction and waiting to have the procedure done later is an extremely important part of the reconstruction consultation process. Today, I wanted to discuss the immediate reconstruction process and two popular choices to achieve this: Pedicle TRAM flap versus DIEP flap.

Immediate breast reconstruction works by essentially combining the breast cancer surgery and the reconstruction into one procedure. As soon as the breast is removed or altered, the plastic surgeon then steps in to conduct the reconstruction surgery. This way, the patient will have her newly rebuilt breast(s) when she wakes up from her initial procedure, as opposed to waiting months (or years in some cases). Immediate breast reconstruction can either be performed with the use of breast implants or with tissue from elsewhere on the patient’s body. Popular choices of using the patient’s own tissue include the pedicle TRAM flap technique, the DIEP flap technique (both which use tissue from the abdomen) or the latissimus flap technique that uses tissue from the tissue from the back to provide a more natural final result. In some cases, I may also utilize fat transfer injections during breast reconstruction when I feel this too can be beneficial.

In the video below, I discuss two immediate breast reconstruction procedures that some women have many questions about. I will then go into even more detail about each in subsequent videos and blogs in the next couple of months:

While plastic surgery after breast cancer is by no means medically required, the emotional and psychological lift that I have seen reconstruction procedures provide patients through the years is truly extraordinary. For more information on breast reconstruction surgery or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation to learn more, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget that you can follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.

Commonly Asked Questions Before Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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In addition to the many cosmetic surgery procedures that I perform, I also often perform reconstructive plastic surgery like breast reconstruction. I take great pride in being able to help my patients restore their breasts following breast cancer surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience performing breast reconstruction, I am well versed in the physical, mental, and emotional concerns that patients may experience in the lead up to this procedure. That’s why I wanted to take some time to provide some helpful information on breast reconstruction and the basics every patient should know before their pre-surgery consultation appointment.

While I make sure to take the time needed to address each of my patients unique questions and concerns, there are some basic factors that every woman should consider before making any final decisions regarding breast reconstruction. This includes deciding between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction and the procedure method that will be most helpful for your specific needs. I have different methods for performing this procedure including some that use a breast implant and/or device known as a tissue expander or others that use the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast including the TRAM Flap technique.

In the following video, I discuss common questions that all patients should consider before undergoing a breast reconstruction surgery.

The thing I love most about performing breast reconstruction is having the opportunity to help women feel whole again following their battle with breast cancer. I understand that there is a lot to know and many decisions to make, but no matter which type of breast reconstruction the patient undergoes, I am confident in the power of this procedure and the long-term benefits that it can provide. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. You can also follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, videos, and much more.

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