Pedicled TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction Overview
Guide To Breast Augmentation
Guide To Breast Procedures
What I Wish I Knew
Facts About Pedicled TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction
Typical Timing/Age
Overall health is more important than age. Most (not all) women with breast cancer, at high risk for breast cancer or a history of breast cancer are safe candidates for the procedure.
Cost
Insurance covers this procedure.
Goal
To reconstruct the breast(s) without the need for an implant and improve abdominal contour.
Facility
Hospital
Positioning
You may need to keep your hips flexed at all times for 1-2 weeks to help minimize the tension on your abdominal skin incision. You also need to keep pressure off your chest: so no sleeping on your stomach or side for ~1 month.
Walking
You are encouraged to walk around the house as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Work
2-4 weeks depending on your type of work.
Swelling
It can persist for 3-6 months.
Bruising
Usually subsides after 2-3 weeks.
Problem
Absent breast(s) after mastectomy
Deformed breast(s) after lumpectomy
Deformed breast(s) after radiation
Deformed breast(s) after another type of reconstruction.
Preparation
Patients cannot be using any nicotine-containing substances. Eat lots of protein
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Hospital Stay
2-3 days on a regular inpatient floor.
Assistance
You will need someone to help take care of you after surgery as you will not be able to lift children, heavy items, etc.
Showering
After 48 hours you should remove your dressings and take a shower.
Exercise
3 weeks for light exercise. 4 weeks for regular exercise. 6 weeks for abdominal exercises.
Sex
Wait 3 weeks because you don’t want to stress your incisions or increase your blood pressure during the early healing period. No one except you can touch your new breast(s) for 8 weeks.
Risks & Complications
Partial flap loss. Fat necrosis. Abdominal wall hernia. Abdominal wall bulge. Hematoma, Seroma, Infection, Poor scarring, Dehiscence, Delayed wound healing, Skin necrosis, Asymmetry, Numbness, Thromboembolism, Contour irregularities, Need for revision, complications related to anesthesia.
Related Procedures
Breast Reconstruction
Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction
Oncoplastic Breast Reduction
Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction
Before & After Gallery
Procedures are performed by board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, and Dr. Patterson in Pensacola, FL.
Meet Our Team
At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we understand that the selection of a plastic surgeon is an extremely important decision for any prospective patient. We believe communication, education and individualized patient care are the foundation for creating a strong and trusting patient-physician relationship. Our entire staff is absolutely committed to providing compassionate, personalized, individual attention before, during, and after surgery. We work together to deliver the best possible aesthetic outcomes in a setting that embodies the standards and lifestyle you seek.
We Accept Financing
Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery offers a variety of payment options so that your cosmetic surgery will suit your budget. All major credit cards are accepted, and financing plans are available.