Breast Cancer

Reconstruction with the Patient's Tissue

Breasts can be reconstructed using a patient's own tissue. The initial surgery is considerably longer, up to 6 to 8 hours, and involves a longer period of recovery than implant surgery. However, the process is likely to be completed sooner when the patient's own tissue is used. Patients may also need future adjustments to the new breast.

There are several types of autologous reconstruction. The size of the patient's arteries in the affected areas often dictates which procedure may be used. These procedures include:

• TRAM surgery
• DIEP surgery
• SIEA surgery

Complications of major reconstructive procedures include the risks of infection and tissue death. For patients with little body fat, this type of reconstruction may not be an option. On the other hand, many patients and plastic surgeons believe this type of reconstruction provides the most desirable result. Research shows that, despite patient concerns, a breast reconstructed from a patient's own tissue doesn't seem to interfere with the detection of tumors.