What Is the TRAM Flap?

The TRAM flap could be one of the best options for improving your body's shape and contouring after a mastectomy. The procedure, scientifically known as the transverse rectus abdominis muscle procedure requires removing and transferring the skin, muscle tissue and fat from the abdominal area into the location where surgeons removed the breast tissue. The procedure allows for the creation of natural looking and feeling breasts. It could be one of the best treatment options for you if you want to avoid the use of implants but still want to use your own tissues.

How it Works

There are some outstanding benefits to using the TRAM flap procedure over other types of treatments. What makes it unique is the way in which doctors move the tissue from your abdomen into the breast region.

- The surgeon will remove the infected breast tissue. This procedure may be done at the same time or prior to the reconstruction process.

- The surgeon will then remove the skin, fat and muscle tissue from the abdomen region. However, he or she does not completely detach it. Rather, it remains attached to its original supply of blood.

- The tissues and skin are passed through the chest wall under the skin flap to the position it will sit in the breast area. This allows for no removal of the tissue's blood supply, leaving you with a healthy, living breast mound.

- The tissue is then molded into the proper shape. After healing, this tissue mound will look and feel a great deal like a normal breast.

This procedure is a good one, but your surgeon may recommend the use of the DIEP Flap reconstruction procedure instead. In that procedure, the muscle stays intact and only the tissues are moved. By doing this, the abdominal muscles remain intact, thus protecting them for the long term. Determining which one is right for you is important. Your surgeon will talk to you prior to deciding about this step.

Keep in mind that the TRAM Flap procedure does have one significant disadvantage and that is site mobility. This can occur because of the poor blood supply to the skin and fat after the procedure. It is possible you will end up with abdominal weakness and bulging in this area. Some also experience hernias because of this treatment.

Discuss the TRAM Flap procedure with your doctor thoroughly before you decide to take this step. You may find that other procedures offer less long-term risk. However, women will need to learn the risks and complications that can arise in any type of reconstruction procedure like this. For many people, this procedure is a good one at improving the look and feel of the body.