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Contents
  • What is Flap Reconstruction?
  • Types of Flaps
  • Benefits and Considerations

Flap Reconstruction: Using Your Own Tissue for a New Breast

Flap Reconstruction: Using Your Own Tissue for a New Breast

Your Body, Your Breast

Flap reconstruction uses your own body tissue to create a new breast. This natural approach can give excellent, long-lasting results.
Contents
  • What is Flap Reconstruction?
  • Types of Flaps
  • Benefits and Considerations

What is Flap Reconstruction?

In flap reconstruction, tissue is taken from another part of your body to rebuild the breast. Common donor sites include the belly, back, or thighs. This tissue, which includes skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, is shaped into a new breast.

Types of Flaps

There are several flap options, named for where the tissue comes from. The DIEP flap uses belly tissue without sacrificing muscle. The latissimus dorsi flap uses back muscle and skin. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your body type and needs.
Flap reconstruction is a surgical procedure that uses the patient's own tissue from the belly, back, or thighs to rebuild the breast. This approach offers natural and long-lasting results.

Benefits and Considerations

Flap reconstruction creates a breast that looks and feels more natural than implants. It also avoids implant-related issues like replacement. However, the surgery is more complex and recovery time is longer. You'll have scars at both the breast and donor sites.

FAQs

How long does flap surgery take?

Usually 4-8 hours.

Will I lose function at the donor site?

Modern techniques minimize this risk.

Can I have a flap if I'm overweight?

Yes, but risks may be higher.

A Lasting Solution

While more involved initially, flap reconstruction offers a durable, natural result that many women love.
Explore if flap reconstruction might be right for you by talking with Doctronic.
Additional References
  1. Hu ES, et al. Patient-reported aesthetic satisfaction with breast reconstruction during the long-term survivorship Period. Plast Reconstr Surg 2009; 124:1.
  2. Alderman AK, et al. Complications in postmastectomy breast reconstruction: two-year results of the Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002; 109:2265.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.