Breast reconstruction can be done with the use of one's
own tissue. This is a complicated reconstruction, but one that is long lasting and does not suffer the potential fo
rlong term deterioration and capsule formation that attend breast implant reconstruction. The commmonest tissue used
is the fat and skin from the lower abdomen. This results in the same scar that a patient has with a "Tummy Tuck".
An extra benefit of the surgery is the effect of the "Tummy Tuck" on the abdomen. The tissue is removed from
the abdomen with preservation of the muscle. This results in a decreased rate of hernia and a stronger abdominal wall.
The tissue is brought to the chest and must be joined to the vessels of the chest with a microsurgical anastamosis
of the artery and the vein to an artery and vein of the chest. This delicate juncture of the vessels requires hospital
monitoring for a period of three to four days.
| Diagram of Flap with Blood Vessels without Muscle |
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| Diagram of the Blood Vessel Junctures in the Chest |
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| "After Picture" of Bilateral Diep Flap
Recostructi | | The muscle in the abdomen has been preserved.
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