Restore a Full, Natural-Looking Breast Using Your Own Abdominal Tissue in the Vancouver Area
For patients seeking breast reconstruction surgery, a healthy and comfortable result is the top priority. When implant-based reconstruction is not advised or desired by patients, or in cases where the patient needs to replace lost skin tissue, they may choose to use muscle and fat from another part of the body. In situations such as these, Dr. Robyn Watts may recommend a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap—or TRAM flap—to meet the patient’s reconstructive needs.
TRAM flap breast reconstruction has a number of unique benefits and challenges, which may not make it suitable for some patients. A thorough consultation is important to ensure that a TRAM flap procedure with our Richmond-based practice is the right choice, whether it’s being performed right away or with a delay following a mastectomy.
Get in Touch!
Find out how TRAM flap breast reconstruction with Richmond and Vancouver’s Dr. Robyn Watts can help you achieve a restored look. Call 604-674-1997 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. THIS WILL NEED A REFERRAL FOR A CONSULTATION.
What Is a TRAM Flap?
In basic terms, the TRAM flap is a section of skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels removed from the lower stomach area and tunneled under the skin to the upper chest through the torso so that it can be reattached at the site of a mastectomy. The blood supply remains intact to the ample supply of tissue taken from the abdomen throughout the procedure, allowing Dr. Robyn Watts to restore a natural contour and speed up recovery—even in patients who need to restore a larger breast.
Dr. Robyn Watts
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Robyn Watts is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, cosmetic breast surgery, and body contouring. Trained in Canada and the U.S., she leads plastic surgery at Richmond Hospital, practices at Cambie Surgical Centre, teaches at UBC, and is known for meticulous technique, compassion, and natural results.
When Is TRAM Flap Reconstruction Recommended?
As previously mentioned, the TRAM flap method has several advantages that make it one of the foremost options for breast reconstruction.
One advantage is that the procedure uses a patient’s own tissue to fill out the breast, rather than a silicone or saline implant. Although health and aesthetic complications from implants are infrequent, a TRAM flap provides the ability to recreate a more ptotic, natural, and realistic breast, and avoids the possibility of any complications related to implants, including the need for replacement over time. Using one’s own tissue from a TRAM flap eliminates the need for future replacement, as the fat, muscle, and blood vessels integrate with the surrounding chest tissue.
There can also be a minor cosmetic benefit to the procedure, similar to an abdominoplasty—or tummy tuck—as excess skin and fat are repurposed for the creation of the new breast. Although the TRAM flap procedure is more complex than the average tummy tuck, patients may see a tighter stomach after the surgery. Unfortunately, this also means that patients who have already undergone abdominoplasty may be advised against a TRAM flap.
Whether or not a patient is a good candidate for TRAM flap reconstruction should ultimately be decided through careful consultation with Dr. Robyn Watts and other members of the patient’s care team. THIS WILL NEED A REFERRAL FOR A CONSULTATION.
What Happens During a TRAM Flap Reconstruction?
A TRAM flap reconstruction with our Vancouver practice involves the patient being placed under general anesthesia. A long incision is made along the abdomen from hip to hip. This produces subtle scarring similar to that of a tummy tuck.
Next, the skin, fat, and muscle required for the flap are freed from the abdominal wall while maintaining connection to the blood supply. The tissue from the donation site is then tunneled upward beneath the skin of the chest until it is positioned at the area of reconstruction.
Once the TRAM flap is in the desired position, it is reattached at the same incision or scar from the patient’s mastectomy in order to reduce the amount of visible scarring. Once the reconstructed breast and abdomen are sutured, the procedure is complete. The entire TRAM flap reconstruction should take approximately 3 1/2 hours to complete.
How Long Does Recovery from TRAM Flap Reconstruction Take?
A TRAM flap reconstruction is a big adjustment for the body to recover from, and the instructions provided to you by Dr. Robyn Watts and her team are vital to a fast and smooth recovery. Following the surgery, patients will be expected to remain in hospital for one to three days as they regain their strength. If no complications arise during this period, patients are free to return home.
Over the next eight to 12 weeks, patients will be able to gradually return to work, and eventually vigorous activity. There is usually bruising and swelling around the breast and abdomen, but these side effects will fade over the first few weeks. Weakness around the stomach is also common due to the mobilization of the abdominal muscles.
What Alternatives Exist for TRAM Flap Reconstruction?
If you are interested in a different strategy for your breast reconstruction, Dr. Robyn Watts offers several other methods of surgery that might better fit your needs.
The Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction is one such option for patients who are still interested in using their own tissue for their new breast, but don’t find the TRAM flap suitable due to medical, anatomic, or personal reasons. In this procedure, the tissue is taken from the upper back rather than the abdomen, then moved under the arm to the chest.
For those who are open to using implants, Dr. Watts offers both direct to implant and two-stage expander to implant reconstruction procedures. Saline or silicone implants can be used in either procedure, and they are a great option for those who prefer shorter and less strenuous recovery periods.
Schedule your TRAM flap surgery with Richmond’s Dr. Robyn Watts. To get started with a personalized consultation, patients throughout the Vancouver area and beyond can call us at 604-674-1997 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment. THIS WILL NEED A REFERRAL FOR A CONSULTATION.
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- Results vary by individual, and no outcome is guaranteed.
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