Breast Reconstruction San Diego

Breast Reconstruction

-TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous) Flap
-Latissimus Dorsi Flap (Back Flap)

Indications:

Loss of breast tissue and skin following mastectomy – one or both sides
Loss of breast tissue only following subcutaneous mastectomy
Loss of breast tissue following release of capsular contractures after implant placement

Description of Procedure:

TRAM: 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.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Discomfort of the back and chest wall site of reconstruction will be present for several weeks. Full use of the area will require about 6 weeks of healing. All of the sutures will be removed in two weeks. A small drain in the breast pocket will be removed in 2-3 days. Another drain in the back will be removed in 5-10 days.

Intended Result:

Reconstruction of a missing breast(s) or replacement of breast tissue.
Creation of “breast” that looks essentially normal in clothes and near normal without clothes

Recuperation and Healing:

A TRAM flap breast reconstruction and a Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction is a major procedure performed in the hospital and requiring at least several days of hospitalization.
TRAM: 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.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Discomfort of the back and chest wall site of reconstruction will be present for several weeks. Full use of the area will require about 6 weeks of healing. All of the sutures will be removed in two weeks. A small drain in the breast pocket will be removed in 2-3 days. Another drain in the back will be removed in 5-10 days.

Additional Procedures to Enhance Results:

Breast Procedures