Breast Reconstruction: Three Types
Andrew Stratton
January 26, 2011
Breast reconstruction surgery is a sensitive topic for most. Often breasts need to be reconstructed after a major trauma, like an accident, or a major illness like cancer. There are instances where a patient will undergo breast reconstruction for less severe reasons like tissue loss or uneven bust size.
The three forms of the procedure that are in use today are the reconstructive surgery using implants, the DIEP Flap/Free Flap, and the Latissimus Flap/Pedicle Flap and. Each of these procedures carries with it its´ own intricacies. Finding the right procedure for your situation is merely a matter of talking it over with a surgeon.
With reconstructive surgery using expanders or implants is perhaps the most easily explained form of the cosmetic procedure. Using expanders, the doctor will create a fuller bust size. The expander is placed in the breast´s tissue area and gradually filled with saline. Over time, the skin will become stretched and ready for a permanent implant.
Generally, a woman who was an A or B cup can expect to gain breasts that are about 325 cubic centimeters, which equates to a C cup. The cubic centimeter volume looks different on every type of frame, so talking with a surgeon about what to expect is best. Naturally small-busted women may have difficulty using expanders or implants to get to their natural pre-surgery size. You surgeon may explain that you will have to increase your bust size.
With the DIEP Flap/Free Flap form of breast reconstruction, a patient has likely undergone some skin loss or major tissue loss due to a mastectomy. With this form of reconstructive surgery, the patient can expect a "flap" of fat from the lower abdominal wall area of the body. Through intricate and detailed surgery, the blood vessels and supply is reattached accordingly.
This surgery requires a major hospital stay. The patient can expect a total recovery time of at least 6 weeks with the first few days in the hospital. With this form of reconstructive surgery, the patient can expect to go back to the plastic surgeon for other follow-up procedures. In each case, the surgeons work diligently to create breasts that look as natural and normal as possible.
In some ways the Latissimus Flap/Pedicle Flap is similar to the DIEP Flap/Free Flap procedure. Patients qualify for this procedure if they suffer from skin or tissue loss following a mastectomy. Generally, the plastic surgeon works in conjunction with the attending surgeons to spare as much skin as possible. Later, the part of the back muscle and tissue is moved to the affected area.
Each of these forms of breast reconstruction surgery is extremely complex and is best discussed with a surgeon. As with your mastectomy, there are many discussion groups and resources available to you as you learn about reconstructive surgery.
When considering a breast reconstruction New Jersey residents should make sure they research all of their options. For more information, please visit http://www.premierplasticsurgeryarts.com/.
The three forms of the procedure that are in use today are the reconstructive surgery using implants, the DIEP Flap/Free Flap, and the Latissimus Flap/Pedicle Flap and. Each of these procedures carries with it its´ own intricacies. Finding the right procedure for your situation is merely a matter of talking it over with a surgeon.
With reconstructive surgery using expanders or implants is perhaps the most easily explained form of the cosmetic procedure. Using expanders, the doctor will create a fuller bust size. The expander is placed in the breast´s tissue area and gradually filled with saline. Over time, the skin will become stretched and ready for a permanent implant.
Generally, a woman who was an A or B cup can expect to gain breasts that are about 325 cubic centimeters, which equates to a C cup. The cubic centimeter volume looks different on every type of frame, so talking with a surgeon about what to expect is best. Naturally small-busted women may have difficulty using expanders or implants to get to their natural pre-surgery size. You surgeon may explain that you will have to increase your bust size.
With the DIEP Flap/Free Flap form of breast reconstruction, a patient has likely undergone some skin loss or major tissue loss due to a mastectomy. With this form of reconstructive surgery, the patient can expect a "flap" of fat from the lower abdominal wall area of the body. Through intricate and detailed surgery, the blood vessels and supply is reattached accordingly.
This surgery requires a major hospital stay. The patient can expect a total recovery time of at least 6 weeks with the first few days in the hospital. With this form of reconstructive surgery, the patient can expect to go back to the plastic surgeon for other follow-up procedures. In each case, the surgeons work diligently to create breasts that look as natural and normal as possible.
In some ways the Latissimus Flap/Pedicle Flap is similar to the DIEP Flap/Free Flap procedure. Patients qualify for this procedure if they suffer from skin or tissue loss following a mastectomy. Generally, the plastic surgeon works in conjunction with the attending surgeons to spare as much skin as possible. Later, the part of the back muscle and tissue is moved to the affected area.
Each of these forms of breast reconstruction surgery is extremely complex and is best discussed with a surgeon. As with your mastectomy, there are many discussion groups and resources available to you as you learn about reconstructive surgery.
When considering a breast reconstruction New Jersey residents should make sure they research all of their options. For more information, please visit http://www.premierplasticsurgeryarts.com/.
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