DIEP VS TRAM - Why???

Okay, so this is a common response when we tell someone what we do here at "The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction" ...... illustrating that microvascular muscle sparing perforator flaps are confused with TRAM and other flaps that use muscle every day......

I say...We move other parts of the body to build breasts for women who have had mastectomy or are at high risk for breast cancer and choose preventative mastectomy. Our procedures do not use muscle, they are just skin, tissue, fat and blood supply leaving your muscle intact.

Woman says.....Oh, I've heard about that my friend "Mary" had that years ago and said it was just the hardest thing she has ever done.

I say...are you sure she had one of these procedures done ? I'm speaking specifically of the DIEP, GAP, TUG, SIEA flaps. ( sometimes I'll ask what surgeon they used or where they may have had it done to clarify)

Woman says.....I think she said she had it done at "ABCXXZ" hospital, or she'll mention the acronym TRAM, or a surgeon that does not do this type of surgery.

I say.... I think your friend may have had a different procedure. Let me get you in touch with some of our patients who we know have had this procedure and you can ask them any question you like about their experience with this procedure. Then you know you are getting real facts from women who have had the procedure you are investigating.

Sadly, some women see the tummy scar on our post operative photos and just assume all free flap transfer surgeries for breast reconstruction are the same. They aren't....weigh your options empowered with knowlege of all procedures available for breast reconstruction. It's your choice.

September 21, 2009

Today, we in Charleston remember the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo.

Enough about that......... on to our question of the day!!!!

1. How long should I wait to buy a new supply of bras after my surgery?
Most of the time you will be given a bra, by the hospital or our in house OR staff, that is suitable to wear for the first few weeks after your surgery. We normally don't advise patients to spend alot of money on bras until most of the swelling has gone and your breasts begin dropping a bit. A good rule of thumb is to wait about 3 months before you are able to judge what your post operative size may be and what type of bra may be a good fit for you.

breast reconstruction DIEP - tips and tools

Thought I would post questions that patients ask along with the answers to share with anyone who might be considering breast reconstruction specifically.....GAP, DIEP, IGAP, SGAP, TUG, SIEA in South Carolina. (Charleston or Mount Pleasant) However, some of the q&a may pertain to all women underoing breast reconstruction surgery.

Today's top two questions/suggestions were.........

1. Don't forget to ask the pharmacist to provide non-child proof caps on your post operative medications. It will be a little sore to move your arms the first few days after discharge from the hospital.

2. Where is Mount Pleasant located in relation to Charleston and the beaches?
Mount Pleasant is a suburb of Charleston. The Cooper River divides Charleston and Mount Pleasant. From our office at 1300 Hospital Drive, it is about 10 minutes to Charleston ( 17 south) and 10 minutes to Isle of Palms via the Isle of Palms Connector.

Watch for more or ask your own question and we're always happy to answer!!)