Breast Reconstruction

Immediate and delayed reconstructions

An immediate reconstruction is performed at the time of the mastectomy or cancer removal. The advantage of this technique is that it allows the natural breast skin to be preserved. It also means that the woman never experiences life without a breast.

Not all women are suitable for an immediate reconstruction. A reconstruction performed at a later time (delayed reconstruction) can also produce a very natural looking breast. Usually a larger area of skin needs to be introduced for a delayed procedure, as the natural breast skin envelope has been reduced at the time of the initial mastectomy.

Autologous reconstruction

The term autologous simply means the use of the patient’s own tissues for the reconstruction. Many options are available but the commonest used are :

1. The lower abdominal tissue or a TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap). This is a situation where it is better to be larger, and have an excess of tissue in this area. An added bonus of this technique is that you also get a tummy tuck or "abdominoplasty".
   
   This tissue can be transferred as either :
   
   
   • (A) A pedicled flap - the tissue is "swung" into place whilst still attached to the patient's body.
     
     
   • (B) A free tissue transfer . Using microvascular techniques, the tissue is detached from the abdomen and its blood flow is restored by joining it to a new blood supply on the chest.
     
     
2. The upper back skin as a latissimus dorsi flap. The skin and muscle under the arm and extending onto the upper back can be transferred whilst still attached to a blood supply in the armpit (pedicled flap). This is a good technique when the patient has no excess tissue on the abdomen.
   
   
3. Tissue from the upper outer thighs (the "saddlebag" area). This is only used when the above tissues are not available and is transferred as a free flap.
   
   
4. Tissue from the buttock area. The tissue is transferred using microvascular techniques (see 5).
   
   
5. Perforator flap reconstruction is a new technique which uses microvascular techniques, but reduces the potential problems of the donor site (where the flap is taken from) eg DIEP flaps. The artery and vein supplying the skin and fat is dissected out. When the tissue is transferred, more of the muscle and fascia from the donor site is preserved. This results in greater strength and less potential problems at the donor site. Dr Belt is able to offer this type of reconstruction in some select patients (not all patients are suitable).

Prosthetic reconstruction

The term prosthetic refers to the use of artificial materials for reconstructions. The types of materials and devices used are similar to those used for breast augmentation.

These techniques can be performed as immediate or delayed reconstructions. They may consist of one or two staged operations. Excellent results can be achieved. Prostheses are best avoided in people who have had, or may require radiotherapy.

Oncoplastic breast surgery

This technique involves the reshaping of the remaining breast tissue after a breast cancer is removed. The breast will be smaller than before the removal of the cancer.

This technique may improve the shape of an older or drooping breast.

There are many factors which influence what will be the optimum type of reconstruction for you. Dr. Belt is able to offer all of the above modalities of reconstruction. For a consultation, advice or a quote, please call Dr. Belt’s team on (07) 3852 6800.

Before photos

Breast and abdomen before left mastectomy and immediate free Tram flap

Same patient after 12 days