| Flap
Reconstruction with Implants |
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For some patients Dr. Duffy may recommend the use of a
tissue flap on top of the breast implant. This may be recommended
based upon the patient's anatomy in order to achieve a more
natural appearing breast, or it may be to protect the implant
in a patient who is going to undergo radiation therapy.
A "flap" is typically a combination of muscle,
fat, and skin tissues and can be taken from the patient's
abdomen, back, or other parts of the body.
The most common type of tissue flap used over an implant
is the latissimus flap. This involves the surgeon taking
tissue from the patient's back (in an area over the scapula
or "shoulder blade"). The tissue is rotated around
to the breast area and used to cover the implant. This provides
more coverage or protection for the implant than skin alone.
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What
Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Implant Reconstruction
With A Flap? |
| Advantages:
|
- With a flap covering the implant, there may be fewer complications
relating to radiation therapy.
- Because there is additional tissue provided by the flap,
patients typically do not need to have an expander placed
and can have the flap with implant done at one surgery rather
than the two stages typically needed for implants alone.
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| Disadvantages:
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- Flap reconstruction may require a somewhat longer and
more difficult surgery at the first stage when compared
with implants alone. This may mean a longer recuperation
for most patients.
- With a latissimus flap patients may experience some weakness
initially in the use of the arm on the reconstructed side.
However, the shoulder and arm have numerous muscles involved
in motion and most patients quickly overcome this weakness
with the use of the other muscles in the area.
- Patients will have an additional scar at the site where
the flap is obtained. For a latissimus flap, the scar is
typically 6-8 inches long and runs below the scapula or
"shoulder blade" on the reconstructed side(s).
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