Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction
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For many women, the breasts are an important part of their femininity, but due to factors outside of their control, they may end up losing their breasts. In such cases, breast reconstruction is performed to reproduce a woman’s breasts. One type of breast reconstruction technique is natural tissue breast reconstruction. This a cosmetic surgery that women may choose after undergoing a mastectomy. This procedure can be done immediately after the mastectomy or at a later date.
What is Natural Breast Reconstruction?
Natural tissue breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves using a patient’s own natural tissue such as muscle, fat, and skin to reshape the breasts. As mentioned earlier, this surgery is done either during the mastectomy procedure or after. If the patient opts to have it during the breast removal, we will do the following:
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy – The areola, skin, and nipple are saved.
- Skin-sparring mastectomy- The area around the areola and nipple is removed.
In both cases, the skin is left intact to facilitate reconstruction.
If the patients opt for breast reconstruction at a later date, we are still able to do a nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy.
The different types of natural tissue breast reconstruction are:
- Latissiumus muscle flap
- Transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap
- Gluteal flap
- Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap
- Transverse upper gracilis flap
What to Expect During the Procedure?
TRAM Surgery
Using this method, Dr. Wotowic will make an incision across the lower abdomen. He loosens the fat, muscle, and skin in this region. The tissue under the abdomen skin is tunneled up towards the breast area to recreate your new breast.
In the free flap method, muscle tissue, and skin are taken from the lower abdomen and placed in the breast area. The veins and arteries are incised and reattached to the blood vessels behind the breastbone or arm. This tissue is reshaped into a breast. The incisions on your abdomen are closed with stitches.
If you want to recreate a new areola or nipple, you will undergo a second surgery at a later date.
Latissimus Muscle Flap
In this method, a cut is made in the upper backside of the breast that was removed. The muscle, fat, and skin are loosened in this area. The tissue is tunneled to the breast area where a new breast is created. An implant is placed under the chest wall muscles. The incisions are then closed off.
DIEAP/DIEP Flap
This method requires an incision to be made across the lower abdomen. The fat and skin are then loosened. The tissue is relocated to the breast area, where a new breast is reconstructed. The veins and arteries are cut and reattached to blood vessels behind the breastbone or underarm.
Gluteal Flap
An incision is made across the buttocks. Fat and skin are loosened in this area and relocated to the breast area. A new breast is recreated and shaped to match the existing breast. The veins and arteries are reattached to the blood vessels in your breastbone or underarm.
TUG Flap
In this procedure, Dr. Wotowic will make an incision across your thigh. The muscle, fat, and skin are loosened and replaced in the breast area. The veins and arteries are re-joined to the breastbone or underarm.
The time it takes to perform the procedure varies depending on the amount of skin and tissue that needs to be extracted to achieve the desired breast size. Dr. Wotowic will perform an initial examination to help develop the ideal treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Preparing for Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Before undergoing a natural tissue breast augmentation, you will first need to schedule a consultation with Dr, Wotowic. During this time, he will perform an examination of your body as a whole and ask you about your medical history. You should be open and honest about any health conditions you may have and the medications you’re taking.
You will also be provided with pre-op and post-op instructions that you will need to adhere to in order to achieve the best results. These instructions will include avoiding tobacco products, alcohol, and certain medications for sometime before and after the surgery.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Wotowic’s for over 15 years for both reconstructive and cosmetic concerns. Prior to every procedure, I have been completely and thoroughly informed about my diagnosis and all available treatments. His thorough and relaxed manner allowed me to completely understand all aspects of the operative sequence. Most importantly, I felt my detailed concerns were heard and, ultimately, my expectations were met if not exceeded. He is a master of his craft, a gifted diagnostician, and a gifted surgeon. I recommend him with enthusiasm and without any reservation.”
– Sheryl H.
Recovery and Expected Results
After the surgery, you may have to stay at the hospital for up to five days. Before going home, drains may be placed in your chest. These will be removed by Dr. Wotowic at a later date. Some fluid may gather at the incision site. This is normal and subsides on its own.
Natural tissue breast reconstruction has good results. Having this surgery after breast cancer can help you reclaim your femininity and improve your quality of life.
Contact Our Office
If you’re interested in learning more about natural tissue breast reconstruction, contact our office to schedule your informative consultation today. The skilled team at Wotowic Plastic Surgery will help guide you on your journey to the body and confidence you deserve.
