Length of surgery

Unilateral 2 hrs. Bilateral 3 - 4 hrs.

3 - 4 hrs.

Unilateral 1 - 1.5 hrs. Bilateral 2.5 hrs.

Length of initial hospital stay

3 - 5 days

2 days

1 day

# of procedures required for completion

2

2

3

Complications

*infection * bleeding * seroma *delayed wound healing *circulation problems *abdominal hernia *fat necrosis *excessive scarring *muscle/abdominal weakness * breast asymmetry *DVT/PE *anesthetic issues

*infection *bleeding *seroma *delayed wound healing *circulation problems *fat necrosis *excessive scarring *muscle/shoulder weakness *breast asymmetry *DVT/PE *anesthetic issues

*infection *bleeding *seroma *delayed wound healing *excessive scarring *capsular contracture *implant displacement/rupture *thinning of the skin *breast asymmetry *DVT/PE *anesthetic issues

Post operation procedures

*Drains and dressing removed 5- 7 days *Remove stitches 10-14 days

*Drains and dressing removed 5-7 days *Remove stitches 10- 14 days

*Drains and dressing removed 5-7 days *Remove stitches 10-14 days

Standard follow up visits to the surgeon’s office

*F/U: 6 -12 weeks *Revisit surgeon at 3 mos. To discuss the next procedure.

*F/U: 6 -12 weeks *Revisit surgeon to discuss the next

*F/U 4 weeks to commence tissue expansion . *Tissue expansion every 2 weeks x 3-4 months. *Overall, the most lengthy procedure

Location of scars

*lower abdominal scar from hip to hip *an ellipse scar to breast *new position for umbilicus

*on the back of the affected side(diagonal) *breast at mastectomy site

*mastectomy scar (straight line or inverted T)

Indications

*patients who have had a mastectomy *patients with adequate abdominal tissue *patients who may be receiving aggressive radiation *patients who have had other procedures fail.

*patients who have had a mastectomy *patients who lack adequate abdominal tissue *patients who have had multiple abdominal surgeries and are not a candidate for a Tram

*patients who have had a mastectomy *Thin women with very little body fat *healthy women not requiring radiation

Recovery time

6-8 weeks No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting

3-4 weeks No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting

2-4 weeks No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting

Contraindications

*smokers *previous abdominal surgeries *pre-existing health problems *patients lacking excessive abdominal tissue

*extensive axillary dissection *smokers *pre-existing health problems

* aggressive radiation ( procedure will be considered on an individual basis)

Advantages

*your own tissue is used *no exposure to synthetic devices *patient gets a “tummy tuck”

*no abdominal complications *the blood supply is dependable *a safer option for patients who are considered high risk for a Tram

*shorter operative procedure, hospitalization and recovery phase *produces a predictable shape *fewer scars *produces a higher firmer breast *flexibility in selection of select size

Timing

*immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed

*immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed

*immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed