Introduction to Breast Reconstruction

There are essentially two sets of surgical techniques currently used for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. One set of techniques involves the use of tissue expanders and/or breast implants. The other approach utilizes tissue from a woman's own body, known as a "Flap." Flap-based breast reconstruction often requires specialized microsurgical training and uses tissue from the woman's body to reconstruct the breast. This tissue might come from the woman's abdomen (DIEP flap, SIEA flap or TRAM flap), thigh (TUG flap), buttock (SGAP flap) or back (Latissimus flap or T-DAP flap). Our goal is to tailor breast reconstruction to the unique needs of the patient.

In recent years, advancements in microsurgical techniques have increased the use of flap-based breast reconstruction and allowed it to become the surgical procedure of choice for an increasing number of women who have had, or are facing mastectomy, either following a diagnosis of breast cancer or as prophylaxis or risk-reduction due to a genetic predisposition (i.e., BRCA). The surgeons at University Plastic Surgery are specially trained in microsurgical techniques and routinely perform the latest flap-based breast reconstruction (such as DIEP flap surgery). The DIEP flap uses skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdomen (tummy) to reconstruct the breast following mastectomy. The advantages of DIEP flap surgery include sparing of the muscles and connective tissue of the abdomen and, typically, a shorter hospital stay.

Additional information on flap-based breast reconstruction can be found on the FAQ page.