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Reconstruction Mammoplasty
Reconstruction mammoplasty is the medical term for surgical
breast reconstruction.
Women who lose a breast due to disease or injury have benefited tremendously from surgical innovations in the past few decades. Women now have the choice of a wide range of procedures which can rebuild their breast using artificial
breast prosthetics
or all
natural tissue reconstruction.

Reconstruction Mammoplasty with Implants
Breast implants
are used in many cases of breast reconstruction. Implant based procedures are simpler to perform and easier to endure than repairs which use all organic tissue. Women interested in receiving a prosthetic implant can choose from a wide range of
breast augmentation
techniques and implant styles. Many women choose to augment both breasts to achieve
symmetry
and a pleasing aesthetic and most are thrilled with their results. Although breast reconstruction will not restore the full function or
sensitivity
taken away by injury or illness, it will create a balanced anatomy and restore the confidence and self esteem of the patient.
Natural Tissue Reconstruction Mammoplasty
The 3 most common forms of all natural breast reconstruction include:
* TRAM Flap
technique is performed using tissue harvested from the patient’s abdominal region. This procedure is also sometimes called
tummy tuck breast reconstruction,
since it takes some excess weight off the belly in order to rebuild the
breast mound.
This is an extremely popular form of organic reconstruction.
* LDM Flap
is performed using tissue harvested from the back and flank of the patient. This procedure is often chosen when TRAM reconstruction is not possible, due to a lack of abdominal tissue or contraindicated for specific health reasons. This method of reconstruction is rarely used to build a large breast mound, but works fine to recreate a small to medium breast. For larger sizes, a breast implant is typically integrated into the procedure in addition to the natural tissue.
* Free Tissue Grafting
is not common due to the complexity and substantial
risks
of the procedure. Free tissue can be harvested from almost anywhere on the body and is completely removed and then transplanted to the breast. This procedure demonstrates a higher incidence of
complications
and is only performed in rare instances.
Reconstruction Mammoplasty Recommendation
It is crucial to thoroughly investigate all your options before choosing the breast reconstruction procedure which will suit your needs best. Talk to a number of
plastic surgeons
and get more than one opinion before making your decision. While there are advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, you have to account for personal preferences and your willingness to endure the operation. Remember that organic tissue reconstructions will necessitate 2 surgical wounds; one on the breast and one at the donor site. Implant based repairs are easier to endure, but have a higher complication rate, including the incidence of
capsular contracture,
when compared to simple cosmetic
breast enlargement
procedures. Talk to your plastic surgeon about which choice will be best for your individual circumstances. Share your own breast improvement story at our Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum
Reconstruction Mammoplasty to Breast Implants Home
12/22/08 Revised 11/13/09

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