TRAM Flap Reconstruction in Middletown, NJ

Not all patients want to have foreign material recreate the shape of their breasts. Dr. John Taylor, a Red Bank, NJ, board-certified plastic surgeon, performs breast reconstruction procedures on area patients through the TRAM flap reconstruction procedure.

What Is TRAM Flap Reconstruction?

The Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle flap (TRAM flap) is a breast reconstruction procedure that takes skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The rectus abdominis muscle is used along with the skin in the lower abdomen that is taken transversely or across the abdomen. Once the muscle has been removed, Dr. Taylor uses mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall to prevent a bulge or hernia from developing.

Benefits of TRAM Flap Reconstruction

Because this procedure uses your own body tissue, the benefits of the TRAM flap reconstruction include the following:

  • More natural-looking breasts
  • More contoured and flatter abdomen
  • Less risk than with synthetic implant materials

How Is the TRAM Flap Reconstruction Procedure Performed?

The Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle flap (TRAM flap) uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast. The underlying abdominal muscle is used for blood supply to the tissue in the TRAM as the flap is tunneled under the skin to the chest. This flap, which is never fully disconnected, is brought up and out through the mastectomy site and the tissue is sculpted to look as much like the other breast as possible. The lower abdominal site is closed to achieve cosmetic results similar to a tummy tuck. The TRAM flap can be used to create one or two breasts, as is desired.

Preparing for TRAM Flap Reconstruction

To prepare for TRAM flap reconstruction, we recommend that you discuss your complete medical, surgical, and social history, especially if you smoke cigarettes, so that we can determine the risks associated with this surgery. For this procedure, it is best that you are in good overall health. It may be necessary to do the following:

  • Get EKG and blood work
  • Stop taking over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements
  • Adjust or stop taking current medications temporarily
  • Arrange for assistance at home in the days following surgery and release from the hospital

Recovery from TRAM Flap Reconstruction

Following surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for about three to five days. Once home, you can typically return to your normal routine after about three weeks. Full recovery takes six to eight weeks. During the recovery, there is to be no lifting or vigorous activity that may cause issues.

How Much Does the TRAM Flap Reconstruction Procedure Cost?

The cost of TRAM flap reconstruction is different with each patient just as each patient is different. Since it is reconstruction rather than cosmetic in nature, most health insurance plans typically offer coverage for some or all of the expense. We can help you determine if your insurance policy provides coverage for this procedure. We accept most major credit cards as well as cash and offer financing through CareCredit®.

Is the TRAM Flap Reconstruction Right for Me?

If you are considering breast reconstruction following a mastectomy and are anxious about the idea of having something foreign in your body, then TRAM flap reconstruction may be right for you.

Why Choose Dr. John Taylor for TRAM Flap Reconstruction?

Dr. Taylor is a well-known and well-respected plastic surgeon who has performed the TRAM flap procedure on many Red Bank, NJ patients. He has a distinctive ability to combine the science of medicine with the art of sculpting the body to give a woman the natural-looking breasts she desires.

What to Expect During Your TRAM Flap Reconstruction Consultation?

Dr. Taylor will evaluate you to determine if the TRAM flap reconstruction or another procedure is best for you. He will discuss, in great detail, the procedure itself as well as what you want in terms of size and shape of breasts that you would like. He will also answer all of your questions including those about cost.

At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. John Taylor offers plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures as well as non-invasive advanced skin care treatments to patients in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up your consultation today.

Plastic Surgeon in Middletown, NJ

MEET
DR.
TAYLOR

“In plastic surgery we are called upon to heal not only the human body, but often the soul as well.”

  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
  • Allure Plastic Surgery Center
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