In order to reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy, a patient must undergo a surgical procedure. One option is the breast reconstruction latissimus flap. During this procedure, tissue from the back is taken to reconstruct the breast, and this is used with prosthesis or tissue expander. More detailed information about the procedure can be found below.
First Stage
- This is an inpatient surgical procedure that uses general anesthesia and takes about 3-5 hours. You will also be required to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery.
- Side effects include temporary pain or discomfort, swelling, numbness, and dry breast skin. You may experience bruising for 2-4 weeks after surgery. Moderate swelling will also be likely for 4 weeks, and mild swelling may be experienced for 2-3 months.
- Risks include poor or delayed healing, prolonged recovery, fluid accumulated in back or breast requiring drainage, failure of flap, and a possible secondary surgery.
- Tasks of daily living may be resumed immediately. You can resume non-strenuous work (no lifting greater than 10 lbs) in 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid strong pushing, pulling, or repetitive upper body movements for 4 weeks.
- You may resume 1/3 intensity exercise after 3 weeks; 2/3 intensity after 6 weeks; and full intensity after 8 weeks.
- Expect to visit your doctor 7-10 times in the first 3 months, and then yearly thereafter.
- Take ibuprofen or narcotics as needed for pain.
Second Stage
The second stage involves exchanging the tissue expander for the permanent prosthesis.
- This is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia and lasts between 1.5-2 hours.
- Side effects include temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising. You may experience moderate swelling for 4 weeks and mild swelling for 2-3 months.
- Risks include infection, asymmetry, tightening and hardening of scar tissue around the implants (“capsular contracture”), rupture of implants, or decrease in sensitivity of breast skin, usually permanent.
- Tasks of daily living may be resumed immediately. You can resume non-strenuous work (no lifting greater than 10 lbs) in 3 to 5 days. Avoid pushing, pulling, or repetitive upper body movements for 4 weeks.
- You can resume 1/3 intensity exercise after 3 weeks; 2/3 intensity after 6 weeks; and full intensity after 8 weeks.
- Expect to visit your doctor 3-5 times in the first 3 months, then yearly thereafter.
- Take ibuprofen or narcotics as needed for pain.
Nipple Reconstruction
- Takes place 2-3 months after permanent prosthesis or 6-8 months after mastectomy.
- This procedure takes about 1 hour and can be done in the doctor’s office.
- You will experience bruising for about 2 weeks, swelling for 6 weeks, and redness for about 6-12 months.
- You will need to visit your doctor after 7 days and then again after 2 weeks.
Nipple Tattoo
Pigment is added to the nipple areola area 2-3 months after nipple reconstruction.
- This procedure takes about 1 hour and can be done in the doctor’s office.
- Fading of the tattoo can occur and will need to be touched up in the future.
- You will need to visit your doctor after 6 weeks, then 3 months, and then yearly thereafter.
Contact Boulder Plastic Surgery
If you are interested in breast reconstruction tram flap, contact Boulder Plastic Surgery at 303.578.4193 to schedule a consultation.
