Mentor Canada: Breast Reconstruction Using Your Own Tissue

Latissimus Dorsi Flap

One method for reconstructing your breast with your own tissue is called the Latissimus Dorsi Flap. During this procedure, a section of your skin and muscle is removed from your back or from under your arm and then moved to the breast area, where it is used to reconstruct your breast. Because the skin and muscle from your back area is normally quite thin, this method is sometimes used along with a breast implant to give your new breast a fuller look and a more natural shape.

The TRAM Flap

Another way to reconstruct your breast using your own tissue is called a TRAM Flap. This procedure involves removing fat and muscle from the stomach area and placing it in the chest area to reconstruct your breast. Sometimes it’s possible for the blood supply and connection to the stomach area to be preserved. When it’s not, blood vessels from the stomach tissue must be attached to the chest area using microsurgery.