Breast Reconstruction

Procedures Available for Reconstruction

Depending on the location and size of the tumor, there may be an option for less tissue to be removed. Breast reconstruction involves the replacement of those parts that are removed as follows:

1. Volume and fullness of the breast:
   1. If there is sufficient skin covering, a silastic or saline breast implant may be inserted.
   2. With insufficient skin coverage, an expander can be placed. Under local anesthesia, weekly injections into the expander will be made to enlarge the expander and gently enlarge the skin area. This occurs over four to six weeks.
       
2. The nipple-areolar complex is made by either a skin graft from the upper inner thigh-groin area or, under certain circumstances, tattooing.
    
3. Additional skin may be formed by repositioning skin already present, stretching or expanding the skin, or by transferring skin from another portion of the body, commonly the back (known as a latissimus dorsi flap) or using the abdomen (transverse rectus abdominus flap reconstruction or tram flap).

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