Breast Reconstruction
With Abdominal Flap
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Rebuild Your Own Natural Contours
Flap reconstruction is a highly specialized form of breast reconstruction that uses your body’s own tissue to rebuild the breast, offering a natural and lasting result. This procedure can be performed immediately following a mastectomy or at a later date, depending on your unique situation. Tissue is commonly taken from the abdomen and occasionally from the back, known as “donor sites.” This method allows for a natural feel and appearance, helping to restore not just the breast but your confidence and sense of wholeness.
Abdominal Flap Reconstruction:
Restore Your Shape with Natural Abdominal Tissue
Abdominal flap reconstruction is ideal for women who have excess tissue in the lower abdomen. Using this tissue—comprising skin, fat, and sometimes a small portion of muscle—Dr. Yau reconstructs the breast, offering a natural and resilient result.
The tissue is carefully removed along with its blood vessels and reconnected to new blood vessels near the breast. This procedure is not suitable for women who are too thin, smoke, have a history of blood clotting disorders, or have multiple abdominal scars.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction with Abdominal Flap?
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Natural Look and Feel:
Uses your own abdominal tissue to create breasts that look and feel more natural than implants.
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Improved Body Contour:
Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, giving you a flatter, more toned tummy (like a bonus tummy tuck).
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No Implant-Related Concerns:
Avoids risks such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or the need for future implant replacement.
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Long-Lasting Results:
The reconstructed breast changes naturally with your body weight and aging.
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Enhanced Confidence:
Helps restore a feminine silhouette and improves self-image after a mastectomy.
The Abdominal Flap Procedure
This meticulous surgery typically takes between 6-8 hours for one breast and 10-12 hours for both. Below is an overview of what to expect:
01
Excess tissue in the abdomen is marked for removal.
02
The abdominal flap is carefully lifted from the abdominal wall.
03
The blood vessels supplying the tissue are identified and traced to their origin.
04
The tissue, along with its blood vessels, is prepared for transfer to the chest.
05
Blood vessels in the chest are located—either near the armpit or beside the breastbone—where the abdominal tissue will be connected.
06
The tissue is then meticulously connected to the chest blood vessels and secured in place.
07
The abdominal wound is closed with care, leaving scars that will vary depending on individual healing factors.
Recovery Aftercare Abdominal Flap Surgery
Hospital Stay:
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 4 days with close monitoring to ensure good blood flow to the flap.
Drainage Tubes:
Drains will be placed in the breast and abdomen. They are usually removed 10–14 days after surgery.
Scarring:
You will have scars around the reconstructed breast and a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen (hip to hip). Scars will fade significantly over time.
Return to Activities:
Most patients can return to regular daily activities within 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can usually resume after 6 weeks.
Nipple Reconstruction:
Nipple reconstruction is typically performed 3 months after the initial flap surgery.
