An Introduction To Pedicle Tram Flap Versus Diep Flap In Immediate Breast Reconstruction
After speaking with patients for many years, I understand how physically and emotionally taxing it can be to battle breast cancer. This is why I am proud to perform breast reconstruction procedures. Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery can help women feel whole again following breast cancer surgery like a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Choosing between immediate breast reconstruction and waiting to have the procedure done later is an extremely important part of the reconstruction consultation process. Today, I wanted to discuss the immediate reconstruction process and two popular choices to achieve this: Pedicle TRAM flap versus DIEP flap.
Immediate breast reconstruction works by essentially combining the breast cancer surgery and the reconstruction into one procedure. As soon as the breast is removed or altered, the plastic surgeon then steps in to conduct the reconstruction surgery. This way, the patient will have her newly rebuilt breast(s) when she wakes up from her initial procedure, as opposed to waiting months (or years in some cases). Immediate breast reconstruction can either be performed with the use of breast implants or with tissue from elsewhere on the patient’s body. Popular choices of using the patient’s own tissue include the pedicle TRAM flap technique, the DIEP flap technique (both which use tissue from the abdomen) or the latissimus flap technique that uses tissue from the tissue from the back to provide a more natural final result. In some cases, I may also utilize fat transfer injections during breast reconstruction when I feel this too can be beneficial.
In the video below, I discuss two immediate breast reconstruction procedures that some women have many questions about. I will then go into even more detail about each in subsequent videos and blogs in the next couple of months:
While plastic surgery after breast cancer is by no means medically required, the emotional and psychological lift that I have seen reconstruction procedures provide patients through the years is truly extraordinary. For more information on breast reconstruction surgery or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation to learn more, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget that you can follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.