Reconstructive procedures.

Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction:
In suitable candidates, following mastectomy for cancer, a temporary device called a tissue expander is placed under the chest muscle and inflated over time to stretch out remaining muscle and skin. This device is later replaced with an implant or the patient’s own tissues to help form a new breast.
See before-and-after photos of this procedure.

Estimated recovery time: 2 – 4 weeks

Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) Flap Breast Reconstruction: In suitable candidates, tissues from the abdomen normally discarded during a “tummy-tuck” are used to form a new breast following mastectomy for cancer.

Estimated recovery time: 4 – 6 weeks

Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction: In suitable candidates, tissue from the back is transferred to the front to help build a new breast.

Estimated recovery time: 3 – 5 weeks

Immediate Implant Breast Reconstruction: In suitable candidates, formation of a breast mound following mastectomy for cancer is conducted in a single stage. A breast implant is placed without further inflation.

Estimated recovery time: 2 – 4 weeks

Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: The plastic surgeons at Washington University perform the highest volume of microvascular breast reconstruction in the metropolitan St. Louis area. This includes the muscle-sparing free TRAM flap, and the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap. In these operations, tissues from the abdomen are completely separated from the abdominal area and transferred to the breast area where there blood flow is restored by reattaching their tiny blood vessels under a microscope.

Estimated recovery time: 4 – 6 weeks

Fat Grafting: Sometimes, only part of the breast is missing, as in the case of a lumpectomy. Other times, even after reconstruction, there can still be differences in contour following breast reconstruction. For these patients, fat grafting is offered. Using a modified liposuction technique, fat is harvested from an undesired fat pocket, such as from the abdomen or flank, processed, and reinjected into the area where there is a contour concern.

Estimated recovery time: 1 – 2 weeks

Symmetry Procedures: To achieve a more even result following breast cancer reconstruction, other “matching” procedures are offered. These include breast lifts, reduction, augmentations, liposuction, and fat grafting.

Estimated recovery time: 1 – 3 weeks

Nipple Reconstruction: The nipple and areola are removed as part of a mastectomy for cancer. These are commonly reconstructed using a combination of nipple reconstruction flap surgery, and a surgical tattoo. Supplemental procedures include injection of fat or filler material.

Estimated recovery time: 1 – 2 weeks