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TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction

After mastectomy, women in Houston can turn to Dr. Gill for a TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction procedure. This reconstructive procedure can recreate a breast lost to a mastectomy, restoring feminine shape and a normal appearance.

TRAM is one of the most common breast reconstruction techniques, with a proven track record of success. Patients can consider this procedure along with DIEP technique or implant based breast reconstruction.

If You're Considering TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction

The TRAM technique is a popular alternative to implant-based reconstruction because it recreates the breast using your own body tissues. Th surgery can be performed immediately following or some time after a mastectomy, at the patient's discretion.

TRAM is often performed on women who have an adequate amount of tissue in their abdomen, which is the donor site. It may also be ideal for women who want the added benefits of tummy tuck closure in the abdomen. In order to undergo surgery, the cancer should be fully eradicated and you should understand the benefits and risks of undergoing this rather extensive procedure.

In preparation for surgery, Dr. Gill will ask that you donate one to two units of blood up to one week pre-operatively and to possibly perform exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve the blood supply.

What to Expect in Surgery

Your surgery will be performed when you are under a general anesthetic and may take four to six hours to complete. First, Dr. Gill will make an incision on your lower abdomen. Through this incision, he will tunnel the abdominal tissues under the chest wall to recreate the breast, leaving skin and fat attached to the blood vessels in the abdomen. The doctor forms the new breast to approximately match the opposite breast, before closing the incisions with sutures and covering them with a dressing and surgical tape.

In many cases, a breast reconstruction procedure will require several stages to achieve optimal results. Later stages of the procedure may involve revisions to create the nipple or balance breast symmetry.

Recovering from TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction

As this is a major surgery, you will recover in the hospital for up to five days. During this time, pain will be managed with medication and you may need to remain in a flexed position at the waist. You will also have drainage tubes in place to collect fluids for up to two weeks. It may be two weeks before you regain your full range of motion and up to two months before your energy levels return and you can resume your regular activities.

To learn more about Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Gill's advanced techniques in TRAM flap breast reconstruction, we encourage you to call and visit his office for a consultation where he is eager to answer your questions. We are located in Houston, near The Woodlands, Kingwood and Conroe, Texas. Call the office at 281-853-5308 or use the online email form to contact us.