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breast reconstruction

Why Do I Prefer the TRAM Flap Over the DIEP Flap for Breast Reconstruction?

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Like any other plastic surgery procedure, breast reconstruction surgery is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The procedure can be performed in many different ways depending on what the patient and their plastic surgeon agree is best. Even when breaking it down further into reconstruction procedures that use the patient’s own natural tissue instead of breast implants (autologous breast reconstruction), there are different methods to consider. Today, I wanted to take a moment to discuss my personal preferred flap option in these cases, breast reconstruction using the TRAM Flap.

TRAM flap vs DIEP flap reconstruction is a very common conversation during breast reconstruction consultation appointments. And while I understand why these two procedure methods that both use abdominal tissue to help rebuild the breast get conflated, there are important differences to consider. One reason I personally prefer to use the TRAM flap method is that unlike with the DIEP flap, it can be performed immediately as part of the mastectomy or other breast cancer surgery. This means that the patient will only need one procedure, and not have the need for multiple surgeries. The TRAM flap procedure also takes considerably less time, yet still produces incredible, often life-changing results.

In the video below, I go into more detail on the TRAM flap versus the DIEP flap method for breast reconstruction and why I often recommend it to my patients:

As with any other procedure, the best option for breast reconstruction is the one that helps my patient achieve the best possible result and feel the most satisfied about their new appearance. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation appointment, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.

Breast Reconstruction vs Breast Rearrangement: What’s The Difference?

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In any aspect of life, it’s always nice to have options. This is especially true for women who have undergone surgery like a lumpectomy to treat breast cancer, and should not have to settle for anything less than their ideal surgical path to rebuilding their breast contour if they choose to do so. This is why I perform a variety of different breast reconstruction procedure techniques, as well as breast rearrangement surgery. While these procedures are both outstanding and provide their own unique benefits, they differ in some key ways that anyone interested should know about.I

Breast reconstruction involves using either a breast implant (or implants) or the patient’s own natural tissue to reestablish a new breast after breast cancer surgery. These are the most common types of this procedure, and my team and I have had remarkable success with them over the years. However, breast rearrangement surgery can be an interesting alternative for women who still have healthy breast tissue remaining after their lumpectomy surgery. During the procedure, the tissue in the affected breast is carefully re-shaped to refill the area affected by the lumpectomy. This method may be especially helpful for women with larger natural breasts and more healthy tissue to work with. The other breast is then slightly reduced as needed to provide symmetry to the new breast contour.

In the video below, I go into specific detail on breast rearrangement surgery, how it can help women after breast cancer, and how it differs from breast reconstruction procedures:

Regardless of which procedure method the patient chooses, I have seen firsthand how beneficial and comforting these procedures can be in a woman’s journey back to normalcy after breast cancer. Being able to provide patients with multiple procedure options like this is a big reason why I’ve been named a Top Doctor in Atlanta for over 20 years. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and much more.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery: How Does The Process Work?

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Plastic surgery is a process. While nothing would make me happier than being able to have my patients look and feel exactly how they want to with little effort, this is simply unrealistic. However, I have found over my decades of performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that the more patients understand about their specific procedure, and the process that it may entail, the more comfortable and confident that they are. So today, I wanted to walk prospective patients through the stages of breast reconstruction surgery.

After dealing with breast cancer and a breast cancer surgery like a mastectomy or lumpectomy, the last thing that breast reconstruction patients need is more uncertainty. This is why I work hard to make breast reconstruction as simple for my patients as I can. The process begins by determining the best reconstruction method for the patients specific needs. This can include breast reconstruction using breast implants or the patient’s own natural tissue, breast rearrangement surgery after a lumpectomy, or fat transfer injections in some cases. Once the specific procedure is chosen, we will then need to determine the timing of the reconstruction procedure. It can be done at the same time as the breast cancer surgery (immediate breast reconstruction) or later on (delayed reconstruction).

Check out the video below, where I go into detail about breast reconstruction surgery and specifically discuss the different stages of the surgical process patients can expect and will experience:

No two patients will have the same exact needs or preferences. This is why I always make an effort to remain as flexible as possible and present multiple options when I can. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.

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