Breast Reconstruction Procedure

We will create a customized treatment plan specifically for you. There are several different ways in which your breast reconstruction can be accomplished:

These procedures (such as TRAM flap, DIEP flap, SGAP flap, and latissiumus dorsi flap) use muscle, fat and skin from other parts of your body such as your abdomen, buttocks, or back to recreate a breast mound. The donor tissue is often tunneled to the mastectomy site and remains attached to its original blood supply. In many cases, a flap technique may be combined with a breast implant and/or fat transfer.

With tissue expansion, an expander will be placed underneath the skin and be filled gradually to stretch the skin, making room for an implant. This procedure, although time consuming, can have the advantage of quicker and easier recovery when compared to flap procedures.

A breast implant (either saline or silicone) can be used to recreate the breast mound. This is often combined with flap techniques, tissue expansion or fat transfer.

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a week or two after implant surgery, and longer after flap procedures. We will give you medicines to control pain and other discomfort. You may be discharged with one or more drains in place, but should be up and around in 6-8 weeks. You will want to avoid any overhead lifting, strenuous sports, and some sexual activities for 4 to 6 weeks after reconstruction.