This procedure takes skin and underlying fat reserves from the abdominal area and transfers them to the site where the affected breast was amputated. To ensure the continued blood supply of the tissue during transplantation, microvascular techniques are employed. The new breast is formed out of the transplanted materials, together with any residual soft tissue from the breast. Abdominal skin also replaces any breast skin removed during the breast cancer operation. With the help of the underlying fatty tissue, the breast will be restored to its natural size and contour. The remaining soft tissue in the lower abdomen (around the bikini line) is tightened, leaving the patient with the often-welcome side effect of improved abdominal contour.

Reconstruction with abdominal skin (Tram Flap or Diep Flap Reconstruction) is a process using the patient's own (autologous) tissue, without the need for foreign objects or implants. For this reason, the technique is only an option for patients with enough skin and subcutaneous fat reserves. It is the most complex of all the methods but does produce very attractive results.

Before/after pictures
Before                                    After
Before                                    After

 

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