Is DIEP Flap Better Than TRAM Flap?

woman breast with drops close upAutologous breast reconstruction techniques are popular among women who want results that look natural, feel natural, and can last forever. After all, these procedures use your own tissue to rebuild your breasts instead of saline or silicone implants. However, one flap surgery can be very different from the next. For example, DIEP Flap has many advantages over TRAM Flap.

We don’t perform the TRAM Flap technique at our Lone Tree practice. But we know there’s a chance you’ve heard about it, and we want you to understand how it compares to DIEP Flap.

What Is a TRAM Flap?

TRAM stands for Transverse Rectus Abdominis. The technique gets its name from the muscle that’s located down in your lower abdomen between your waist and your pubic bone.

During surgery, some of this important muscle is relocated to the chest along with fat and skin, where it’s formed into a breast shape. It helps give the tissue an adequate blood supply. TRAM Flap reconstruction has been around for a long time, and many surgeons know how to do it. However, it’s not our preferred method of autologous breast reconstruction for several reasons.

First, taking some of the six-pack muscle away results in a weakened abdomen. Having less core strength is a significant drawback of the technique. TRAM Flap breast reconstruction also comes with a longer and more intense recovery period than DIEP Flap breast reconstruction.

It’s in your best interest to seek a provider skilled in advanced microsurgery techniques who can perform a muscle-sparing procedure like DIEP Flap. DIEP Flap uses excess skin and fat from the abdominal area to provide similar results without major drawbacks, such as abdominal weakness or a difficult, lengthy healing period.

Book Your Consultation Today

Navigating your autologous reconstruction options can be challenging. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons are here to help you understand the various techniques. We will also explain why DIEP Flap reconstruction is our preferred method of autologous reconstruction. Call ( 303) -706-1100 today to schedule your consultation in Lone Tree.

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