Breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue with muscle pedicle
The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The average stay on the ward is 7-8 days.
The tissue for shaping the new breast is selected from the abdominal region below the navel.
During the microsurgical removal of the abdominal tissue, the underlying straight abdominal muscle is also raised as a pedicle supplying the flap. This results in the loss of a straight abdominal muscle.
This gap is usually closed using the patient’s own tissue and/or nylon mesh to prevent the abdominal wall from weakening.
The tissue block, which was removed from the abdomen using a muscle pedicle, is then used to shape the right breast.
The tissue removal site is closed by moving the navel as part of a tummy tuck operation.
After the right breast has healed, the nipple can be reconstructed, the left breast can be adjusted (if necessary) and the right areola can be tattooed.
Both nipple and areola reconstruction by means of tattooing can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is again required for a possible adjustment of the left breast.
