Breast Reconstruction: The Methods Available

Breast reconstruction has become an integral part of the follow up necessary after a mastectomy

. Over the last century, three techniques have come into popular use as a method of replacing what each woman loses when they survive a mammary carcinoma through a mastectomy.

The first technique for breast reconstruction is the use of implants. These implants usually come in either saline or silicone and they are placed in pockets under the pectoral muscles. Sometimes the muscle tissue is cut in a certain way so as to provide a pocket that better resembles a female bosom. This is the most popular form of mammary restoration; however, it is most often used for cosmetic reasons outside of the usual reconstructive needs of cancer survivors.

The next method of breast reconstruction is the latissimus flap technique. The latissimus dorsi muscle is a long flat muscle that connects portions of the back to the under arm and rear deltoid. This muscle as well as the fat and skin surrounding it can be used for mammary restoration without the loss of significant function in the patient. This procedure has the benefit of providing realistic flesh that has a safe and simple blood supply because it is still attached at the arm pit. The latissimus flap technique is usually done in concert with the use of an implant, unless enough tissue can be utilized from the flap making the implant unnecessary.

The third type used for breast reconstruction is the Tranverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap technique. This method utilizes a flap of skin cut from the abdomen between the belly button and the pubic area that is used to restore the mammary tissue lost from a mastectomy.

Although this procedure can weaken the abdominal wall, most patients don't mind this because the flap taken from the abdomen is equivalent to having an abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, at the same time as the mammary restoration. Sometimes this flap is taken from different parts of the body such as the buttocks, but the methodology is the same as the TRAM flap as oppose to the latissimus flap which entails the flap staying connected at the arm pit area.

When undergoing a breast reconstruction, it is best to thoroughly investigate each of these methods and make the best use of a doctor's advice in choosing which procedure is best for you. Your surgeon has the experience to advise you on the best course of action for your needs.

by: Abigail Aaronson

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