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BCM - Baylor College of Medicine

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Center for Aesthetic Surgery

Reconstructive Procedures

Breast Reconstructive Procedures

Breast reconstruction involves reconstruction of the shape and appearance of a woman's breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease or injury. See also what surgical oncology options are available for breast cancer patients.

Autologous reconstruction (Latissimus dorsi, TRAM procedures). Reconstructs the breast by transferring a flap of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from one part of the woman's body to her chest to create a new breast mound. A latissimus dorsi flap uses tissue from the upper back; a TRAM flap uses extra tissue and muscle from the lower abdominal wall, tightening the lower abdomen in the process.

Breast augmentation. Enhances the size and shape of breasts by inserting saline or silicone implants.

Breast liftRaises and reshapes sagging breasts; can also reduce the size of the areola.

Breast reductionRemoves fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, reducing the pain, discomfort and medical problems caused by large breasts and creating a more proportional body.

Correction of asymmetry after breast cancer surgery. Balances the size and shape of breasts.

Delayed reconstruction after breast cancer treatment. Breast reconstruction performed at a later time, to allow for radiation or other health conditions.

Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Breast reconstruction performed simultaneously to mastectomy for immediate restoration of volume and shape.

Implant-based breast reconstruction. Reconstruction of a woman's breast using breast implants, rather than her own tissue.

Microvascular reconstruction techniques. Surgical techniques used to connect blood vessels from transplanted tissue to new ones in that region, re-establishing circulation.

Muscle-sparing free TRAM. A TRAM flap that minimizes the amount of muscle taken from the abdomen.

Perforator flaps: DIEP, SIEA flaps, SGAP. Flap that takes only the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the donor site (abdomen or buttock), leaving the muscle intact, to maintain normal function of that area.

Partial breast restoration after breast conservation therapy/lumpectomy. Restores the shape and appearance of the breast tissue removed or damaged by radiation.

Silicone gel implant breast reconstruction. Reconstructs a woman's breast by inserting a silicone breast implant (a silicone shell filled with silicone gel) to replace the tissue removed. 

Other Reconstructive Procedures

Cancer, soft tissue. Restores form and function, including rebuilding body parts and facial features, following removal of soft tissue cancer.

Craniofacial surgerySurgery to the head or face to correct childhood birth defects or restore normal appearance including cleft lip, cleft palate, jaw surgeries, etc.

Facial paralysis. Restores function, symmetry and appearance for those with facial paralysis, or weakness on one side of the face.

Pediatric surgery. Surgery for children to correct childhood birth defects or restore a child's normal appearance.

Syndactyly repair. Surgery to fix webbing of the toes, fingers or both.

Wound healing and closure. Microsurgery techniques and tissue flaps are used to improve healing and reduce scarring when a wound is large, jagged or cannot be covered with the skin currently at the site.