Tram Flap Breast Reconstruction

TRAM: transverse rectus abdominis muscle

TRAM flap breast reconstruction restores the size, shape and appearance of the breasts after a mastectomy. To reduce emotional trauma, it is often recommended that breast reconstruction be performed immediately following a mastectomy.  A plastic surgeon may work with your oncologist to coordinate the breast reconstruction, whether surgery involves the TRAM flap procedure or a different method. 

Tram Flap Breast Reconstruction: What’s involved?

Unlike breast reconstruction procedures that use synthetic implants, tram flap breast reconstruction surgery will utilize the patient’s own tissue to recreate the breasts. TRAM flap breast reconstruction uses tissue of the lower abdomen, between the waist and pubic bone as a donor site.

Because it removes a similar amount of tissue, the procedure is often compared to abdominoplasty, i.e. the tummy tuck. One abdominal muscle may be removed to form the base of the breast mound.

How is the nipple reconstructed?

When necessary, nipple reconstruction will be performed 3 or 4 months after tram flap breast reconstruction.

Donor tissue and special techniques in micropigmentation are used to recreate the nipples. To learn more about TRAM flap breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Genter’s office in Philadelphia County.