Is a TRAM flap a free flap?

The “free flap” (microsurgical) TRAM commonly uses the same tissue as the “tunneling” method described above. The main difference in the free TRAM reconstruction is that the tissue, rather than remaining attached, is completely removed from the body.

What is a tram pedicle flap?

In a pedicle TRAM flap procedure, the surgeon cuts a section of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from your abdomen, tunnels the tissue underneath your skin to its new location, and uses it to form a new breast mound.

How long does it take to recover from TRAM flap surgery?

It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to recover from TRAM flap reconstruction surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a compression girdle for up to 8 weeks after surgery.

What is a muscle sparing TRAM flap?

Your surgeon carefully reattaches the blood vessels of the flap to blood vessels in your chest using microsurgery. There is also what’s called a “muscle-sparing” free TRAM flap. This means that your surgeon tries to use only part of the rectus abdominis muscle for the flap, instead of a large portion of the muscle.

Is a TRAM flap a tummy tuck?

MS TRAM flap reconstruction involves the removal of tissue and a small amount of muscle from the abdomen. This can provide the cosmetic benefit of removing excess abdominal skin and fat, similar to a tummy tuck, at the same time as the breast reconstruction.

What kind of mesh is used in TRAM flap reconstruction?

No hernia or mesh-related infection were encountered and only one patient had a lower abdominal bulge. We recommend the use of a large synthetic mesh for improved strength and aesthetic quality of the abdominal wall after TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Do you lose weight after DIEP flap?

If you lose weight after DIEP surgery, your reconstructed breasts will likely decrease in size as well. This change may be minimally noticeable or drastic, depending on how your body reacts to weight loss.

How long does a free flap surgery take?

They’ll fix the new jaw bone in place with plates and screws and cover it with the soft tissue. Your plastic surgeon will then place stitches in your face and neck to connect them to the soft tissue. The reconstructive part of the surgery usually takes 6 to 8 hours.

What is purpose of free flap surgery?

What is free flap reconstruction surgery? “Free flap,” also known as “free tissue transfer,” is a term for a procedure in which tissue and its blood supply (artery and vein) are surgically removed from one part of the body and transferred to another area of the body for the purpose of reconstruction.