INDICATIONS
Reconstruction of a breast
that has been removed due to cancer or other
disease.
INTENDED RESULTS
New medical techniques and devices have made
it possible for surgeons to create a breast
that can come close in form and appearance to
matching a natural breast. Before
and after photos available at office consultation...
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
TRAM (Flap)
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. The abdominal donor site is closed
as in a Tummy Tuck, leaving a horizontal scar
and a tighter abdomen.
An attempt is made to create a normal breast
mound and shape at the first operation, but
subsequent smaller procedures are usually necessary.
Tissue Expansion
The tissue is expanded
to stretch skin gradually. Implants are inserted
when the desired contour is reached. Nipple/aerolar
reconstruction is performed at a later date
after either tissue expansion or TRAM.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
A TRAM
Flap Breast Reconstruction
is a major procedure performed in the hospital
and requiring several days of hospitalization.
Ambulation will begin the day after surgery
and be reasonably comfortable within 10-14 days.
Complete recovery usually takes about 6 weeks.
The abdominal donor site causes the most discomfort
during healing.
OTHER OPTIONS
Additional procedures
that will enhance the results are enlargement,
lifting, or reduction of the opposite breast,
and nipple/areolar reconstruction.
INSURANCE GUIDELINES
Almost always covered
by insurance. However, Dr. Salzman no longer
accepts insurance.
NOTE: The
specific risks and the suitability of this 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 rare.
Article from It Becomes You Newsletter:
Improving Scars
Actual Breast
Reconstruction Patient Comments
All-Natural Relief from Bruising and Swelling
AqueCool™ Rapid Recovery System
For more information regarding clinical trials, medical research, patient safety and the history of implants, click on the following link: www.breastimplantsafety.org. |
