In addition, patients that have inherited the gene for breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) may desire mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer with this genetic predisposition has been reported to be anywhere from 35%-85%. Some of these patients request prophylactic mastectomies to avoid the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future.
About Breast Reconstruction
Patients who are undergoing breast cancer treatment should seek consultation with a plastic surgeon in conjunction with their general breast surgeon. Many times it is easier to perform the mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery during the same operative setting. In other cases, delayed reconstruction is recommended. As with all surgery that plastic surgeons perform, patients should avoid smoking in preparation because of the inherent risks and significant complications that can develop from its use. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wallach to find out if you’re a good candidate for immediate reconstruction or other types of breast reconstruction.
The Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Mastectomies can be performed in a traditional fashion in which an island of skin is removed along with the nipple-areola complex and the underlying breast tissue, or with a skin-sparing incision, in which only the minimum amount of skin is removed along with the nipple-areola complex and the underlying breast tissue.
The skin-sparing incision leaves the most amount of skin and often will allow for a more natural breast shape following reconstruction. In addition, some individuals can have a nipple-sparing procedure which leaves all the skin as well as the nipple-areola complex intact and removes only the breast tissue.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Reconstructive options include autologous tissue procedures or non-autologous procedures. Dr. Wallach prefers to use autologous tissue for breast reconstruction. These are operations that use your own tissue for the reconstruction process, which include:
- Pedicled flap reconstruction such as with the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap (tissue from your back) with/without an implant
- Pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap (muscle and tissue from your abdominal region)
There are also free flap breast reconstruction options (tissue moved on its own blood supply from another area of the body). The common free flaps for breast reconstruction include:
- Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP)
- Intercostal Artery Perforator (ICAP)
- Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator (IGAP)
- Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery (SIEA)
- Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (SGAP)
- Free TRAM
- Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator (TDAP)
The procedure chosen is tailored specifically for each patient. The pedicled procedures will often take between two and five hours with the average hospital stay of about two to three days. The free flap surgery is often six to twelve hours long, with the majority of patients staying in the hospital for a minimum of three to five days.
Recovery can vary from two to three weeks depending upon the specific procedure performed. As with all breast reconstructions, if the nipple-areola complex is removed during the mastectomy, then nipple reconstruction will need to be scheduled for a later time.
Pedicled Breast Reconstruction Techniques
LATISSIMUS DORSI (LD) MUSCLE FLAP
The LD muscle is located on the back and is often the muscle palpated just posterior to the native breast. In some women who have excess tissue in this area, the muscle along with its overlying skin and some surrounding subcutaneous fatty tissue can be rotated into the chest to reconstruct the breast.
This is a pedicled muscle flap, which means it is a muscle that is still attached to its native blood vessels but is rotated into a new position. This specific flap is sometimes referred to as an extended latissimus dorsi flap, and can often be used for a single-stage reconstruction.
If a patient is very thin, then this procedure may not provide an adequate amount of tissue to reconstruct the breast, and this may require an immediate implant placement with the LD flap, or a staged reconstruction with breast implants placed after using a tissue expander.
Breast reconstruction patients may stay in the hospital for one or two days after this procedure. In addition, drains are also placed and usually are removed within the first week after surgery.
PEDICLED TRANSVERSE RECTUS ABDOMINIS MYOCUTANEOUS (TRAM) FLAP
The TRAM flap is an excellent option for breast reconstruction in the appropriate patient. This flap is created from the lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue (tissue often discarded in a “tummy tuck”) along with either one or both of the rectus abdominis muscles and then rotated into the chest pocket. This is a pedicled muscle flap, meaning it is still attached to its native blood supply but is rotated into a new position. This tissue is then contoured to look like a breast. It can feel very natural because it is the patient’s own tissue.
Patients that have had a previous tummy tuck or do not have adequate lower abdominal skin and fat are not candidates for this procedure. In addition, patients that have had major abdominal surgery or even liposuction of their abdomen may not be good candidates either. The latter two procedures may have jeopardized the blood supply to the lower abdominal tissue, and thus potentially using this tissue for reconstruction may be fraught with too many potential complications. One additional benefit of this procedure is that a modified “tummy tuck” is accomplished at the same time, resulting in increased breast size and decreased fat in the abdomen.
Patients usually stay in the hospital for several days after this procedure. In addition, drains are also placed and usually are removed within the first week after surgery. One disadvantage of this procedure is that sometimes there is not enough tissue in the lower abdomen to support creating a breast of equal size to the opposite breast. On the other hand, many patients opt to have a breast lift on the opposite side to match the less ptotic (drooping) breast that has been reconstructed. Furthermore, because one or both of the rectus abdominis muscles is used, the patient will not have the same strength in the abdominal musculature. This may limit the ability to perform sit-ups.
Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
Free flap breast reconstruction is another option for breast reconstruction. A free flap is a mound of tissue that is removed from its donor site along with its main arterial and venous blood supply and “plugged in” to a new location. This is a very time-consuming surgery, often taking several hours more than most of the other forms of reconstruction, but many times providing an equal or even better result.
While a pedicled breast reconstruction, such as a TRAM pedicle flap, can also create a very natural and excellent result, a free flap often can provide more tissue for reconstruction. Furthermore, when the lower abdominal tissue is not available to be used, there are several alternative free flaps to choose from for breast reconstruction. These surgeries are very labor-intensive and often require two surgeons to facilitate the procedure. In addition, patients often require several days in the hospital for monitoring of the flap.
DEEP INFERIOR EPIGASTRIC PERFORATOR (DIEP) FLAP
DIEP flap is derived from the tissue of the lower abdomen. This is the same tissue that is used in a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) pedicled flap except that the DIEP flap preserves the underlying rectus muscle. The vessels supplying the flap are harvested from within the muscle. The muscle is not removed. This helps reduce the risk of a postoperative lower abdominal bulge. The patient also has the same added benefit of using this tissue by producing a modified tummy tuck as well. Patients that are not good candidates for a DIEP flap are similar to those considering a pedicled TRAM flap.
The DIEP flap can often provide more tissue for breast reconstruction than a pedicled TRAM flap, because its blood supply is usually better. In addition, it is thought that these patients have less discomfort from the surgery than either pedicled TRAM flaps or free TRAM flap patients.
INTERCOSTAL ARTERY PERFORATOR (ICAP) FLAP
The ICAP flap is derived from soft tissue along the lateral aspect of the breast in line with the rib cage. This flap can either be used as a pedicled flap or a free flap. Most commonly it is used as a pedicled flap. This is often used to fill small defects that are left from smaller breast excisions such as after a lumpectomy.
INFERIOR GLUTEAL ARTERY PERFORATOR (IGAP) FLAP
The IGAP is a free flap derived from tissue from the lower border of the buttock region. This can be performed in the lower buttock crease, or just above the fold. This is a great alternative for patients that need a free flap but can not have a flap created from the abdominal tissue (either a DIEP or SIEA flap). The beauty of this flap is that the incision can often be hidden in the underwear line.
SUPERIOR GLUTEAL ARTERY PERFORATOR (SGAP) FLAP
The SGAP is a free flap derived from tissues from the upper buttock region. This flap includes portions of the upper buttock and some of the lateral hip roll. The scar usually hides very well in many forms of undergarments. This is a great alternative for patients that need a free flap but can not have it created from the abdominal tissue. The decision to use an IGAP or SGAP depends upon the amount of available tissue in each area and of course patient preference.
SUPERFICIAL INFERIOR EPIGASTRIC ARTERY (SIEA) FLAP
The SIEA flap is a free flap that is derived from the lower abdominal tissue. Unlike the DIEP flap, it is not necessary to harvest the vessels through the rectus muscle. The vessels of this flap are superficial and do not go through the rectus muscle. This ensures that the rectus muscle is not weakened by the dissection. However, many times the vessels that supply this flap are not adequate for transfer, and an alternative such as a DIEP flap is more appropriate.
FREE TRANSVERSE RECTUS ABDOMINIS MYOCUTANEOUS (TRAM) FLAP
The Free TRAM is a variation of the pedicled TRAM described earlier. The main difference is that the dominant vascular pedicle is divided and reattached to the chest. This can provide more tissue for breast reconstruction than a pedicled TRAM flap. In addition, if a DIEP flap is attempted, sometimes a small cuff of rectus abdominis muscle is included in the flap to improve the success of the flap. This is considered a free TRAM flap or a muscle-sparing free TRAM flap, depending upon how much muscle is taken with the flap.
THORACODORSAL ARTERY PERFORATOR (TDAP) FLAP
The TDAP flap is a variation of the latissimus dorsi (LD) pedicle flap procedure. The LD is a muscle along the flank of the upper back (see pedicled breast reconstruction section). Many times the LD muscle is used for coverage of breast implants for patients that have undergone a mastectomy.
The TDAP flap consists of the skin and subcutaneous fat that lies over the LD muscle, but includes a perforating vessel that is attached to the thoracodorsal artery. This vessel is dissected away from the LD muscle so that the muscle can be left intact and can remain functional. This flap is often used as a pedicled flap and not as a free flap.
Non-Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Non-autologous breast reconstruction refers to reconstructive breast surgery performed with tissue expanders and breast implants. This is sometimes combined with local muscle flaps, usually the LD flap, so that there is adequate skin and soft tissue coverage of the implant. Of course, as with all the other procedures, if the nipple-areola complex was removed with the mastectomy, this would need to be reconstructed at a later time. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days after the initial procedure. The second stage for the exchange of the expander to an implant can usually be performed as an outpatient.
Pre-Pectoral Breast Reconstructive Surgery
This is a method of reconstruction that is employed by placing the tissue expander or direct to implant reconstruction directly on top of the pectoralis muscle. By placing it above the muscle, it eliminates the pain that patients would normally have from dividing the muscle inferomedially to place an implant or expander in a subpectoral pocket.
Often an acellular dermal matrix is placed over or completely around the expander/implant. Commonly patients will require fat grafting to soften the appearance in this more superficial pocket.
Advantages: less post-operative pain. Disadvantages: Implant visibility, implant palpability, slightly increased risk of implant exposure, possible increased risk of capsular contracture.
Tissue Expanders and Implants
After a mastectomy, there is often less skin coverage on the chest. Sometimes, a tissue expander is placed underneath the remaining breast skin flaps for later expansion of the skin. These can either be placed above the muscle in a pre-pectoral pocket or under the muscle. Each placement has different advantages and disadvantages. The tissue expanders are like balloons and act to expand the skin.
Usually these expanders are not inflated until about three weeks after surgery, which means this procedure is not a form of immediate breast reconstruction. Then, the expander is inflated on a weekly basis in our office until it reaches an adequate size.
After the expander is fully inflated or even over-expanded, the patient then undergoes another plastic surgery procedure to exchange the expander for either a saline or silicone-filled breast implant. If the patient originally had a skin-sparing mastectomy (a mastectomy that just removed the areola and a very small portion of skin with the breast tissue) then the initial treatment with an expander may not be necessary, and a saline or silicone gel implant can be placed in a single stage.
LATISSIMUS DORSI (LD) MUSCLE FLAP AND BREAST IMPLANTS
Sometimes after a mastectomy or even for salvage of a previous reconstruction (radiation-damaged tissue), an LD tissue flap can be rotated into the chest with a small skin paddle to treat the skin defect that was caused by the mastectomy. In many cases, this will avoid the need to use a tissue expander.
A saline or silicone gel breast implant can sometimes be placed underneath the LD flap during a single stage to reconstruct the breast. The LD flap provides adequate soft tissue coverage over the implant to protect it from possible exposure during the healing process.
ACELLULAR DERMAL MATRIX (ADM)
ADM’s have changed the way we do breast reconstruction, specifically for tissue expander and implant reconstructions as well as correcting secondary cosmetic breast deformities. ADM’s are derived from dermis or skin elements that are treated to remove all antigenic material. They can be derived from pig or human skin.
The most popular human-derived one is Alloderm®, but there are several others including FlexHD®, Neoform™, and DermaMatrix™ and porcine-derived Permacol™ and Strattice®. These products are used to provide full coverage of the tissue expander during reconstruction. They provide a scaffold for tissue regeneration and incorporation. They provide support for the tissue expander or implant in the lower pole of the breast pocket and they may contribute to a lower risk of capsular contracture formation.
In cosmetic breast surgery, they may be used for better coverage and camouflage for rippling, and provide further support in procedures to reconstruct the pocket, as in a capsulorrhaphy (capsule repair) procedure or bottoming out correction.
Direct to Implant Reconstruction
Direct to implant reconstruction is performed in patients that undergo mastectomy but do not need a significant skin resection or a lift procedure. This can be done for patients undergoing nipple-sparing or skin-sparing breast cancer surgery. The pectoralis muscle is elevated and an implant is placed underneath. An ADM covers the implants’ lower half. The ADM is secured along this lower pole to the pectoralis muscle above and the inframammary soft tissue below.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like more information about Dr. Wallach and his success with New York City breast reconstruction procedures, we hope that you will not hesitate to contact our Manhattan offices at (212) 861-6400 or by mail at 14 East 90th Street, Suite 1B in New York, NY 10128; or using our contact form to request additional details.
References
FAQs
Can I sleep on my side after breast reconstruction?
Usually it is best to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on the reconstruction.
How difficult is the recovery from DIEP flap surgery?
The recovery is a bit tough. Patients are very sore in the abdominal area and usually stay in the hospital for about 3-5 days.
Can you have reconstruction after breast radiation?
Reconstruction can be performed after radiation but there are more risks of complications.
How do you lift your breast with surgery?
A breast lift can be performed using a lollipop incision or an inverted T incision.
Do I need to wear a bra after breast reconstruction?
I do not usually have patients wear a bra for several weeks after reconstruction.
How do you massage your breasts after breast augmentation?
Not all surgeons have patients massage their breasts after augmentation. I give specific instructions for massage after augmentation.
Does breast reconstruction look natural?
Breast reconstruction can look very natural.
How do you shower after breast reduction surgery?
I allow patients to shower after the drains are removed.
How long after breast reconstruction can I exercise?
I usually have patients wait at least three weeks before starting aerobic exercise and six weeks before starting exertional activity.
How long is hospital stay after breast reconstruction?
The stay in the hospital could be one day or up to five days depending upon the type of reconstruction that is performed.
How long does a mastectomy scar take to heal?
It can take a year or longer for the scar to mature.
How long is surgery for double mastectomy and reconstruction?
It really depends upon the type of reconstruction . An autologous tissue reconstruction can take 6-12 hours or longer.
How long does DIEP flap surgery take?
A single DIEP flap can take 4-12 hours.
How painful is a breast lift?
A breast lift is not a particularly painful procedure.
How long does it take to recover from reconstructive breast surgery?
I usually have patients wait at least three weeks before starting aerobic exercise and six weeks before starting exeertional activity.
How soon after mastectomy can I wear a bra?
I do not usually have patients wear a bra for several weeks after reconstruction.
Is a mastectomy considered major surgery?
A mastectomy is a major surgery.
Should you wear a bra to bed?
I do not usually have patients wear a bra for several weeks after reconstruction.
Is breast reconstruction surgery inpatient or outpatient?
Sometimes breast reconstruction can be performed as an outpatient.
What can I do after breast reconstruction surgery?
I usually have patients wait at least three weeks before starting aerobic exercise and six weeks before starting exeertional activity.
Is it OK to wear a sports bra after breast reduction?
I usually have patients wear a sports bra after a breast reduction.
What is a DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
A deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a free flap that is similar to a free TRAM flap without taking any muscle. So for breast reconstruction, this means that the tissue that is normally removed in a tummy tuck (the lower abdominal fat and skin) is carefully harvested from the lower abdomen along with its perforating vessels and re-attached to vessels in the chest to perform breast reconstruction. The beauty of this operation is that the underlying rectus muscle is not removed. Therefore, it has been shown to decrease the incidence of lower abdominal bulges that have plagued some of the other breast reconstructions using the lower abdominal tissue. Furthermore, some studies have shown that abdominal muscle function has been better maintained with this operation than with some of the others (i.e. free TRAM, or pedicled TRAM). In addition, there have been some studies that have shown that these patients also have less post-operative pain. The resulting donor site scar is similar to a tummy tuck scar.
Is there an alternative to breast implants?
Sometimes fat can be used to augment the breast.
What is breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery either uses implants or autologous tissue.
What is the difference between Diep and TRAM flap?
A DIEP flap is a free flap that does not take the muscle with it. The TRAM flap incorporates the muscle as well.
What should I wear immediately after a mastectomy?
Each doctor is different in terms of what one could wear.
What kind of bra should I wear after breast surgery?
I usually have the patients wear a sports bra.
What type of bra do you wear after breast reconstruction?
I usually have patients wear a loose fitting bra after reconstruction.
What should I wear after breast reconstruction?
I usually have patients wear a loose fitting bra after reconstruction.
When can I sleep on side after breast lift?
Usually after about a week or so a patients can sleep on her side.
What should I wear after breast surgery?
I usually have patients wear a loose fitting bra after reconstruction.
When can I stop wearing surgical bra?
Patients have to wait about 6 weeks before wearing a regular bra.
When can I wear a bra after a mastectomy?
Patients have to wait about 6 weeks before wearing a regular bra.
When can I wear a normal bra after breast reconstruction?
Patients have to wait about 6 weeks before wearing a regular bra.
What is a TRAM flap?
A transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, or TRAM flap, is derived from the lower abdomen. It consists of the skin and underlying fat of the lower abdomen, usually from just below the umbilicus to the pubic region, the same tissue that is normally discarded during a tummy tuck. This is a pedicled flap; the lower skin and fat have attachments to the underlying rectus muscle and its accompanying blood supply. The blood supply is not cut and reattached elsewhere on the body, as with a free flap. The TRAM flap is placed onto the chest to reconstruct the breast. This is often a very natural feeling mound of tissue that is molded into a breast. At the same time, the patient has the benefit of having the abdomen flatter, similar to having a tummy tuck as well.
Am I a candidate for a TRAM flap?
A good candidate for a TRAM flap has a mound of lower abdominal fat that can be raised to create a breast. If the patient is very thin and has no subcutaneous fat on the lower abdomen then there will not be enough tissue to create a breast. In addition, if there is a large discrepancy between the size of the breast on the non-operated side to the amount of available abdominal tissue, decisions have to be made to either recruit more tissue from the abdomen or make the non-operated breast smaller at a later time. Some medical conditions also affect the ability to perform this surgery. Therefore, patients with unregulated high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes, and obesity may not be good candidates. In addition, smokers are poor candidates unless they stop smoking for several weeks prior to surgery.
What about a free flap?
Free flaps are tissue mounds that are detached from their original blood supply and reattached to another blood supply somewhere else on the body. There are many types of free flaps that can be used for breast reconstruction including the free TRAM, the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) perforator flap, superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap to name a few. These flaps usually bring in more tissue to the chest than those brought in as pedicled flaps, or flaps that are still attached to its original blood supply.
What is a Perforator flap?
A perforator flap is a free flap that incorporates the overlying skin and subcutaneous fat with the perforating or piercing artery and veins. Traditionally, free flaps that were used for reconstruction included the skin, the subcutaneous fat, the underlying fascia, and muscle. Perforator flaps require a greater expertise in harvesting and provide a more specialized tissue reconstruction usually without incorporating any muscle in the flap.
What if I do not have enough tissue in my lower abdomen to perform a DIEP flap?
The superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap and the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap are two possible alternatives to the DIEP flap if there is not enough tissue on the abdomen to use for breast reconstruction. The tissue used for these flaps comes from either the upper lateral buttock roll or from the lower lateral buttock roll. The beauty of these two flaps is that, again, muscle is not usually taken with the harvesting, and the resulting buttock scar usually heals extremely well and is often hidden within the underwear or bathing suit line.
Can’t I just have breast implants?
Yes, in fact sometimes this is the best option. Patients who are not good candidates for a TRAM flap or free flap are usually still candidates for an implant reconstruction. Commonly a tissue expander has to be placed first to expand the chest pocket. This is a balloon that needs to be filled periodically with sterile salt water. After several months of stretching the tissue with an expander, the expander is then replaced with a permanent breast implant.
What if I need radiation treatment after surgery?
Recent articles in the plastic surgical literature suggest that reconstruction should be delayed in this case. However, it is not always known if radiation will be necessary until after the surgery is completed and the final pathology is known. If a reconstruction is performed and then the patient requires radiation, there is an increased risk of changes to the reconstructed breast that may require revision.
I am very thin and have almost no fat on me. What options for breast reconstruction do I have?
Options for breast reconstruction include using your own tissue (autologous) versus implant type reconstructions (non-autologous). If a patient is very thin then there are very limited autologous reconstructions available. Usually in heavier patients, tissue from the abdomen is most favored. This includes the TRAM pedicled flap, a free TRAM flap, or a DIEP flap. Believe it or not, even thin patients may be able to use other autologous tissue choices included those near the buttock like the IGAP or SGAP or the TUG flap from the inner medial thigh. However, more commonly in very thin patients, tissue expansion with implants is a popular alternative. Direct to implant reconstruction may be an option as well. Many variables enter into the decision making process besides the overall body habits of the patient. It also depends upon the size of the opposite breast, if one or both breasts are being treated, and what type of mastectomy is performed. The patient’s overall medical health is vital to know as well.
Can I delay my breast reconstruction until after my mastectomy heals?
Certaintly, if a patient wants to wait to have a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy that seems reasonable. However, reconstruction is easier to perform at the same time as the mastectomy. The tissue planes are all open for insertion of either the expander, implant, or autologous tissue. The weight of the specimen and shape of the breast is better appreciated at that time as well. Scar tissue is not yet present that might make a delayed reconstruction more difficult. I have performed many delayed breast reconstructions without a problem.
What are some breast reconstruction options for women who have a reasonable amount of abdominal fat?
To me, using the abdominal tissue is an ideal choice for breast reconstruction. Often there is enough tissue in this region to either match or come close to the size of the opposite breast. Secondly, the patient will not have to be turned for the harvest of the flap or the inset of the flap. This saves time, and can allow a team approach for the reconstruction. The incision for flap harvesting is often in a favorable location, which can be similar to a tummy tuck scar location along the pubic line. Popular flaps include the pedicled TRAM or transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap, the free TRAM flap, the DIEP flap, or the SIEA flap. All of these flaps incorporate the lower abdominal pannus into the flap design.
How does a DIEP flap differ from an SIEA flap, a free TRAM, or pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction?
All these flaps incorporate the lower abdominal skin and fatty tissue from the region of the umbilicus superiorly, down towards the pubic region inferiorly. This tissue is harvested in an elliptical fashion and the incision is closed similar to a tummy tuck. The main difference is what is included with this fat and skin tissue flap for the different named procedures. A pedicled TRAM (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous) flap consists of the underlying rectus muscle with the overlying skin and subcutaneous fat. The blood supply for this pedicled flap, or a flap that has its blood supply still in continuity without being detached, actually comes from above by the rib cage. In this case, the superior epigastric artery and vein are the blood supply for this flap. The tissue is tunneled into the chest defect from underneath the abdominal flap and across the inframammary fold. The free TRAM flap is similar except for the blood supply which is divided and re-attached into the chest. The vessels used for re-attachment of the flap’s blood supply is based upon the inferior epigastric artery and vein. In this case, a small amount of the rectus muscle is also still attached to the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap is one step more refined than the free TRAM in that no muscle is taken with the flap. The same artery and vein are still used and the overlying fascia still has to be entered to get to the vessels. The SIEA flap is based upon the superficial inferior epigastric artery that is in a superficial fatty layer in the lower abdomen. Usually, this artery and its accompanying vein can be used to support the blood supply to the flap and this eliminates entering the abdominal wall fascia to get to the vessels.
What are some perforator flap options for breast reconstruction?
Perforator flaps refer to the blood vessels that can be used for a free flap reconstruction. Since we are talking about breast reconstruction, I will limit it to those that are used for this purpose. Perforator flaps rely on perforating or penetrating blood vessels that pierce through the tissue to give blood supply to the overlying skin and fat. Common flaps used for the breast include the DIEP flap, the SIEA flap, the IGAP flap, the SGAP flap, the TUG flap, and for smaller defects, the TDAP flap.
I heard there are options for reconstruction using a Latissimus Dorsi (LD) flap?
The Latissimus Dorsi (LD) muscle is the muscle commonly referred to as the LAT’s along the back and side of the chest, that in men especially gives that V look. This muscle in women, along with its overlying skin and fat, can be used in breast reconstruction. Usually this is combined with a breast implant. Sometimes it can be done immediately, but many reserve the use of the LD after radiation injury that may have deformed a previous breast reconstruction. This is a pedicled flap so the muscle is brought over with its blood supply still attached to reconstruct the breast.
Can I just have an implant reconstruction?
In many cases, implant reconstruction is an option. Some choose this method because they do not want the more extensive surgery that often is required with autologous tissue reconstruction. Additionally, some patients are not good candidates for autologous tissue reconstruction due to obesity, smoking, unfavorable scars, or other health issues. If radiation treatment is expected, some surgeons will delay the breast reconstruction or the expansion of the tissue expander. Occasionally, the implants can be directly placed at the time of the mastectomy. However, if a non-nipple sparing mastectomy or a standard mastectomy is performed with excessive skin excision, a tissue expander usually needs to be placed first.
What is a direct to implant reconstruction?
A direct to implant reconstruction is a fairly common procedure performed at the time of a nipple sparing mastectomy. A nipple sparing mastectomy is often performed in early cancers where the nipple sampling shows no cancer involvement, or in patients that are getting prophylactic mastectomies. Patients that have significant ptosis prior to mastectomy may require alternative skin pattern resections which may limit the use of a direct to implant reconstruction. Commonly this is done after a nipple sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy that is combined with using an Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) like Alloderm to cover the lower pole of the implant.
What is a prophylactic mastectomy?
A prophylactic mastectomy is a mastectomy that is performed in patients that do not have breast cancer but are at high risk because of a genetic predisposition. Usually this entails a nipple sparing procedure in which the entire gland is removed but the overlying skin and nipple areola complex are preserved.
What is skin-sparing mastectomy?
A skin-sparing mastectomy is a procedure in which the nipple areola complex is removed, and most of the surrounding skin is left intact. This can make for an easier reconstruction and can sometimes allow for a direct to implant reconstruction.
What is a Nipple Sparing Mastectomy?
A nipple sparing mastectomy is performed in patients that undergo a prophylactic mastectomy because they are at high risk of developing cancer. It also is performed in patients that have a small tumor away from the nipple areola complex and have had tissue sampling underneath the nipple areola complex that is determined to be negative for tumor.
How does a tissue expander breast reconstruction differ from an autologous tissue breast reconstruction?
The two categories of breast reconstruction vary quite a bit. Interestingly, many patients think that a tissue expansion operation has an easier recovery. Yes, the initial operation usually is less painful and the recovery is easier than most autologous reconstructive procedures. However, many patients do not realize the follow-up necessary to inflate the tissue expander takes several weeks to months. Also, there are secondary procedures that are performed during the exchange of the tissue expander for an implant. A mastopexy or breast reduction might need to be performed on the opposite breast. Then there is a third procedure to create the nipple and areola complex. Most autologous reconstructions using your own tissue are a longer operation with a tougher recovery. Yet the follow-up does not require serial tissue expansion and possibly the only additional procedure might be a breast lift, reduction of the opposite breast, and a nipple and areola reconstruction. Most patients prefer the more natural feel of an autologous breast reconstruction.
Do you use Alloderm in your breast reconstruction with implants?
Alloderm, or another acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is used in most implant based breast reconstructions. Commonly after the mastectomy is completed, the skin flaps are very thin. While some surgeons try to use a full muscle coverage over the expander or implant, I feel along with other surgeons, that the implant or expander sits better in the pocket when the pectoralis muscle is freed inferiorly as is done in most submuscular breast augmentations. Because the skin flaps are thin, there is always concern that the implant may become exposed. ADM’s are commonly used to cover the lower pole of the implant to limit the risk of implant exposure and also to maintain the breast fold.
What is a TUG flap?
A TUG flap is one of the many free perforator flaps used for breast reconstruction. The acronym stands for Transverse Upper Gracilis flap. The flap is harvested from the inner upper thigh tissue directly over the gracilis muscle, and the donor defect will be a crescent incision in the groin crease. This flap can be thick or thin depending upon the amount of subcutaneous fat present in the inner thigh. Usually it is not a first choice flap because commonly the flap is too thin.
What is a TDAP flap?
A TDAP flap refers to the Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator flap, which is based upon the soft tissue of the lateral upper back overlying the latissimus dorsi muscle. It is often used as a pedicled flap to fill small contour defects left in the breast after prior surgery or small resections of breast tissue. The TDAP is usually not a flap that can create a full breast mound.
What is a SIEP flap?
The SIEP flap is one of several that use the abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue that is commonly discarded in a tummy tuck. SIEP stands for Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator flap. These vessels are superficial and found commonly along the mid-to lateral-inferior region of the abdominal skin flap that is elevated during the procedure. This flap is not as common as the DIEP flap because it is less reliable. One advantage is the abdominal fascia does not have to be explored to retrieve the vessels, which is common in other abdominal based flaps.
What is an SGAP flap?
The SGAP flap is one of the perforator free flaps that is harvested from the buttock region. The acronym stands for Superior Gluteal artery Perforator flap, and is harvested from the upper buttock region along the lateral hip. The incision line is often hidden in underwear. The patient has to be placed prone or on their stomach to harvest this flap before turning them over to inset in the chest for breast reconstruction.
What is an IGAP flap?
The IGAP is another perforator flap that is harvested from the buttock region. This flap is based upon the inferior gluteal artery perforator and is usually harvested near the buttock crease. This flap as well has to be harvested with the patient prone or on their stomach.
What is a muscle sparing free TRAM flap?
A muscle sparing free TRAM flap is a free flap that uses the soft tissue of the lower abdomen as the tissue to create a breast mound. It is based upon the inferior epigastric artery that enters the rectus abdominus muscle from below, and supplies the overlying skin and subcutaneous fat of the lower abdomen. The flap can be harvested as an ellipse of tissue from the lower abdomen using the tissue that is often discarded during a tummy tuck. With the muscle sparing free TRAM flap, only a cuff of muscle is harvested with the flap, leaving the remainder of the muscle to potentially function. This is commonly done if there are multiple small perforators to the soft tissue and concerns if there is not one dominant perforator to supply the flap of tissue. This procedure is performed with the patient supine or on their back.
What is a pedicled TRAM flap?
A pedicled TRAM flap is a soft tissue flap from the lower abdomen. It is used to create a breast mound from the lower abdominal soft tissue and is often discarded during an abdominoplasty. Unlike the free flaps, this flap is pedicled or still attached to its blood supply. Only this blood supply comes from above as the superior epigastric artery and its accompanying veins. The flaps are harvested with the underlying rectus muscle still attached superiorly. The pedicled TRAM flap is delivered into the chest via a tunnel created through the abdominal soft tissue and inframammary fold. It can be harvested from the same side as the chest defect or the opposite side. This procedure is performed with the patient supine or on their back.
What is a super-charged flap?
A super-charged flap often refers to a pedicled TRAM flap that once in the chest may require further blood supply. This commonly means better outflow drainage through a vein anastomosis. On rare occasion, an arterial anastomosis needs to be performed to improve inflow as well.
On which muscle is a TRAM pedicled?
A TRAM flap refers to the transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap. By definition, this flap contains the rectus abdominus muscle or the abdominal muscle that commonly creates part of the 6-pack abdominal look.
How long does a tissue expander take to perform and what is the recovery like?
Once the mastectomy is performed, a tissue expander first stage of a reconstructive procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour for each side. Typically patients will stay one to two nights in the hospital after this procedure. Some usually have two drains placed that will come out when the drainage is significantly low enough. Expansion can be started two to three weeks after surgery for most patients. This requires weekly office visits until the desired volume is achieved. Once completed, the second stage reconstruction to pale the permanent implant can be performed.
How long does a pedicled TRAM surgery take to perform and what is the recovery like?
A pedicled TRAM procedure usually takes three and a half to five hours to perform for a single breast reconstruction. Patients will have two to four drains placed. Commonly, two are placed underneath the breast reconstruction and two are placed in the lower abdomen. Patients will commonly stay in the hospital for three to four days after the procedure. The drains are removed once the drainage is significantly low enough.
How long will a free perforator or free flap surgery take to perform and what is the recovery like?
A free flap can be performed commonly between four to six hours per side, but if there are issues that develop during the procedure, it can take longer. Patients will stay in the hospital for three to five days, being monitored continuously for flap viability. Commonly two drains are placed underneath the breast reconstruction, and two underneath the abdominal flap. The drains are removed once the drainage is significantly low enough.
Where is a free flap plugged in or attached for breast reconstruction?
Since a free flap is a muscle or soft tissue flap that has its blood supply divided and re-attached somewhere else in the body, there needs to be an artery and vein that can connect to (anastomosed) in the chest. Often the vessels are found toward the sternum. The vessels commonly used are the internal mammary artery and vein on the same side as the breast defect. A small piece of rib is sometimes removed to gain access to these vessels. Occasionally, branches of the axillary artery found in the armpit might be used for the anastomosis.