Autologous Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction means reconstructing your breasts using your own tissues. In most cases this means using tissue from your abdomen. Common terms used to describe this surgery include TRAM (transverse rectus abdominus muscle) flap or DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery) flap. The difference between these two is the amount of abdomen muscle removed, although both techniques aim to preserve as much muscle as possible. Dr. Lisa Korus performs autologous reconstruction in Edmonton.
What is involved in this surgery?
These are big, day long, surgeries that require a stay in hospital for at least a few days after. After the tissue is removed from your belly it is hooked up to arteries and veins in your chest under a microscope. One of the biggest concerns after this surgery is that the blood does not flow across where the vessels have been hooked up. For this reason your "flap" will be checked frequently after surgery. Additionally, you will not be allowed to eat for 12-24 hours after your surgery in case you require a return to the operating room if there are concerns about blood supply. This will result in the creation of a scar across your belly and around your belly button. It can sometimes take up to a few months to fully recover from these surgeries. Once you have healed however, your new breast will be made of entirely your own tissue.
What is involved in this surgery?
These are big, day long, surgeries that require a stay in hospital for at least a few days after. After the tissue is removed from your belly it is hooked up to arteries and veins in your chest under a microscope. One of the biggest concerns after this surgery is that the blood does not flow across where the vessels have been hooked up. For this reason your "flap" will be checked frequently after surgery. Additionally, you will not be allowed to eat for 12-24 hours after your surgery in case you require a return to the operating room if there are concerns about blood supply. This will result in the creation of a scar across your belly and around your belly button. It can sometimes take up to a few months to fully recover from these surgeries. Once you have healed however, your new breast will be made of entirely your own tissue.
The procedure often begins with the exposure of blood vessels in your chest. This is where the tissue from your belly will get its blood supply from. Exposing these vessels involves splitting your pectoralis muscle and taking out a small portion of your rib.
The tissue that will be used to make your new breast is then taken off your abdomen. The vessels connected to this skin and fatty tissue are then traced to their origin and then cut. This piece of tissue is then connected to the vessels in your chest under a microscope.
Once your body has had time to heal from this initial surgery you are then brought back for the "final touches". These are usually day surgeries or minor procedures and can include revision of your flap, balancing procedures on your other breast, or the creation of a nipple.