TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction

The TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous) flap breast reconstruction technique uses transplanted muscle, fat, and skin from a patient's lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast that has been removed during a mastectomy. Because many women have excess abdominal tissue, this one of the most common techniques for breast reconstruction performed by Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Smith.

Dr. Smith is happy to talk with you about your options if you are facing a breast cancer diagnosis and are considering reconstruction. Request a consultation online with Dr. Smith or call our office at 949.653.7000 and a staff member will be happy to assist you.

TRAM Flap Methods

Patients who visit us in Orange County for breast reconstruction surgery have the option of the following methods for TRAM flap reconstruction:

• Pedicle flap: This method preserves the tissue flap's connection to its original blood supply by tunneling it under the skin to its new location on the chest. This method usually has the highest likelihood of success.
• Free flap: The tissue flap used in this method is completely detached from its blood supply and reconnected using microsurgical techniques. Although this is a more complicated and time-consuming method than the pedicle flap, all areas of the transplanted tissue receive an abundant blood supply, resulting in a higher volume of healthy tissue. For many patients, the free TRAM flap can provide a more natural breast shape.

During your consultation, Dr. Smith will review breast reconstruction options with you and develop a treatment plan that is suited to your physical and emotional needs.

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Photo Gallery

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Benefits of the TRAM Flap

As with all autologous tissue flap techniques, a significant benefit of the TRAM flap is that the patient's reconstructed breast is made with her own living tissue, so it will not be rejected by the body. Because excess abdominal skin and fat are used to recreate the breast, many women appreciate having a flatter abdomen as a result as well.

Our Care for You

Orange County breast surgeon Dr. Smith is proud to be part of a talented medical team that has helped hundreds of breast cancer survivors rebuild their lives through reconstructive surgery. If you are interested in learning more about TRAM flap reconstruction, be sure to visit his site dedicated to breast reconstruction topics, www.orangecountybreastreconstruction.com.