Reconstruction of a breast is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy. After a mastectomy or radiation therapy insufficient tissue on the chest wall will be available to cover and support a breast implant. The use of a breast implant for reconstruction almost always requires either a flap technique or tissue expansion. A TRAM flap uses donor muscle, fat and skin from a woman�s abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The flap may either remain attached to the original blood supply and be tunneled up through the chest wall or be completely detached and formed into a breast mound.

General anesthesia is administered for this procedure.

Reconstruction with tissue expansion allows an easier recovery than flap procedures, but it is a longer reconstruction process. It requires multiple visits over 4-6 months after placement of the expander to slowly fill the device through an internal valve to expand the skin.

A second surgical procedure will be needed to replace the expander if it is not designed to serve as a permanent implant. A breast implant can be an addition or alternative to flap techniques. Saline and silicone implants are available for reconstruction.

Following your surgery for flap techniques and/or the insertion of an implant, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions.

Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other conditions.