subject: Breast Reconstruction: Different Types Of Procedures Available [print this page] Breast reconstruction can be done by way of three different methods. The most common method is by way of implants because it is also the simplest way. There are two kinds of implants that can be used. Both are composed of a silicone rubber envelope.
There is the silica gel implant and the sterile salt water (saline) one. The plastic surgeon will determine which type is most suitable for your body based on the circumstances for the reconstructive process.
In some instances this type of procedure requires a number of different steps. This operation can be performed in one of two ways. Some doctors are able to position an implant under the muscles in the chest at the same time that cancer surgery is performed.
The other option is to have a tissue expansion done. A tissue expander is a pouch that resembles a balloon. It is used to stretch the chest muscles and the skin in order to make room for an implant to be placed inside the body.
Every one week to two weeks approximately two to four ounces of salt water is entered into the body by way of a valve. This is done over a two month period. Within three to four weeks of the surgery you can return to work.
The second type of breast reconstruction is a natural tissue flap. In this case the patient's own tissue is used to make a breast. This tissue can be taken from different areas of the body. There is the gluteal flap that takes skin, fat and muscle from the buttocks area while the TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus muscle) uses the same but comes from the abdomen.
Then there is the latissmus dorsi flap which uses muscle from the back as well as fat. The recovery time is in the area of six to eight weeks.
The final method for breast reconstruction is the diep flap (or diep reconstruction). This is the newest method of transplant. What happens for this surgery is that both fat and skin are excised from the lower abdominal area and then are reconnected to the bosom in a type of microsurgery. Unlike the other types of surgical techniques, only a very small portion of muscle or none at all is required for the procedure to work.
While a scar sometimes remains at the site of the donor tissue, because very little muscle is involved, there is no concern over muscle weakness. In some cases the diep flap may necessitate further surgery in order to restore problems that can arise with the circulation of blood. The recovery time is generally around six weeks.
