Breast reconstruction in Tampa is conducted with the aim of recreating both the look and feel of a natural breast, most commonly after breast cancer treatment. Other causes of trauma to the breast may include injury, or developmental abnormalities like asymmetry. During the procedure, the breast is reformed using implants, natural tissue, or a combination of both. In many cases, breast reconstruction requires multiple surgical procedures.
When to Consider Breast Reconstruction in Tampa
Women who have undergone mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery (also known as lumpectomy) may be candidates for breast reconstruction. Reconstructive surgery is often performed immediately after mastectomy. However, the cancer needs to have been eliminated with mastectomy before breast reconstruction can be considered. The candidate for breast reconstruction should also be mentally ready for surgery. If this is not the case, a delayed reconstruction will most likely be recommended. To properly plan and carry out your surgery, Dr. Albear may need to work with your oncologist.
Breast Reconstruction Procedures
The first stage in breast reconstruction is to create the breast mound. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may involve breast implants or autologous tissues (from patient's body) as the materials used in the mound reconstruction. Several months after the first stage, the second stage of breast reconstruction begins. During this stage, Dr. Albear works to create symmetry between the breasts, redraw the areola and nipple, and contour the new breast to achieve the most natural look and feel possible.
If necessary, tissue expansion may be used when creating space for breast implants. In this case, the tissue expander is inserted after mastectomy and gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin. Once the tissue has expanded to a satisfactory size, the second stage of breast reconstruction can begin.
When autologous breast reconstruction is selected, Dr. Albear relies on flaps created with grafts from the back, abdomen, or buttocks. The flap may or may not have its own blood supply.
Flap Types Used in Breast Reconstruction:
- TRAM – Also known as transverse rectus abdominis muscle, the TRAM flap depends on tissue from the lower abdomen, between the waist and pubic bone. One abdominal muscle must be removed to form base of breast mound.
- DIEP - The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is similar to the TRAM, but doesn't involve removal of an abdominal muscle. Blood vessels are dissected out of abdominal muscles and reconnected to new blood vessels in the chest wall.
- SGAP flap - The superior gluteal artery perforator is similar to the DIEP flap. It relies on the buttocks as the donor site. This flap is an ideal option for thin women who cannot spare tissue from the abdomen.
What Happens After Breast Reconstruction in Tampa?
Though postoperative care varies considerably based on individual needs, most patients can expect to be tired and sore for at least 1-2 weeks. The stitches will typically be removed between 7-10 days. Dr. Albear may have you schedule follow-up visits to his Wesley Chapel office so that he can adjust the breast size and shape as needed.
Please contact us with questions concerning breast reconstruction in Tampa. If you would like to schedule a personal consultation, our office is located in Wesley Chapel, which is quickly accessible by residents of the greater Tampa Bay metro area.
