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In a TRAM Flap procedure, tissue is taken from the lower abdominal area and used to help shape the breast. Skin, fat, blood vessels and at least one muscle from the abdomen are moved from the abdomen to the chest.
There are two types of TRAM flaps: Pedicle Flap and Free Flap.
In a Pedicle Flap procedure, skin, fat and muscle are removed from your lower abdominal area and used to reconstruct your breast. The muscle, which carries the blood vessels from your lower abdomen area, remains attached to the original blood supply and is tunneled under your skin to the breast region.
Click the images below to enlarge
Preoperative markings
Flap transfer during surgery
Postoperative appearance
In addition to the potential advantages and disadvantages listed on the Autologous Breast Reconstruction page, other potential advantages and disadvantages of TRAM Pedicle Flap are also outlined here.
In a Free Flap procedure, skin, fat and muscle are removed from the lower abdominal area and moved up to the chest in order to reconstruct your breast. Blood vessels attached to these tissues are also removed from your lower abdomen area and are then reattached to the existing blood vessels in your chest.
Click the images below to enlarge
Preoperative markings
Flap transfer during surgery
Postoperative appearance
In addition to the potential advantages and disadvantages listed on the Autologous Breast Reconstruction page, other potential advantages and disadvantages of TRAM Free Flap are also outlined here.
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