How long does it take for swelling to go down after DIEP flap surgery?

How long does it take for swelling to go down after DIEP flap surgery?

The majority of swelling will subside in 3-4 weeks, but some swelling may persist for up to 3 months.

What to know about TRAM flap breast reconstruction?

TRAM flap reconstruction 1 In the TRAM procedure, the skin, fat,… 2 Outcomes and Recovery. Some surgeons prefer the “free flap” method to the “tunneling” method… 3 Make an Appointment. If you are ready for a consultation about breast reconstruction,…

What kind of tissue is used for tram reconstruction?

TRAM flap reconstruction. Flap reconstruction options use your existent tissue, taken from a different area of your body, to recreate the breast. One common flap procedure is known as TRAM, or traverse rectus abdominal muscle, flap reconstruction. To complete this operation, surgeons use tissue from your lower abdomen to create a new breast.

What does tram stand for in breast surgery?

TRAM Flap. TRAM stands for transverse rectus abdominis, a muscle in your lower abdomen between your waist and your pubic bone. A flap of this skin, fat, and all or part of the underlying rectus abdominus (“6-pack”) muscle are used to reconstruct the breast in a TRAM flap procedure.

Is there such a thing as a free TRAM flap?

There is also what’s called a “muscle-sparing” free TRAM flap. This means that your surgeon tries to use only part of the rectus abdominis muscle for the flap, instead of a large portion of the muscle.

What is the difference between a TRAM flap and DIEP flap?

A DIEP flap is similar to a muscle-sparing free TRAM flap, except that no muscle is used to rebuild the breast. (A muscle-sparing free TRAM flap uses a small amount of muscle.) A DIEP flap is considered a muscle-sparing type of flap. DIEP stands for the deep inferior epigastric perforator artery, which runs through the abdomen.

What is TRAM flap surgery?

TRAM FLAP BREAST SURGERY. TRAM Flap surgery is a reconstructive procedure performed after mastectomy to reconstruct the shape of the breast using muscle, fat and skin from the abdomen.

What is a TRAM flap?

The TRAM flap is the acronym of Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscles flap. It is the most common type of flap includes the muscles, fat and skin taken from the lower abdomen in a breast surgery and moved in the chest area. It reduces the amount of fat and skin in the lower belly. TRAM flap can be used as pedicle or free flap.

How long does DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery take?

DIEP flap reconstruction surgery takes about 6 to 8 hours. After DIEP flap reconstruction surgery: You’ll be moved to the recovery room after surgery, where hospital staff members will monitor your heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.