Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I am possibly going to start radiation Tuesday if surgeon approves after post op visit Monday. I have done radiation prep work and radiologist said 15 minutes, 5 days a week for 6 weeks of radiation. She said I would be a good candidate for tram flap where they use your stomach tissue for your reconstruction and your breasts feel more natural. It is a 7 to 8 hour surgery but its like a free tummy tuck. I am thinking after all of this that sounds pretty awesome. Anyone else to the tram flap????

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

Linn,

I think you want a DIEP flap, not a tram flap.

A tram flap is an old procedure that uses not only fat from your stomach, but also stomach muscle, which is a long recovery and could result potentially in herniation. A DIEP flap, however, takes only the fat from the stomach. No muscle. Therefore, the recovery is quicker and there's no need to fear herniation in the future since the stomach wall would not be weakened by the removal of some of the muscle.

I had a DIEP flap in 2003, and now there are probably even newer procedures that someone else here may know about. Perhaps you should seek a second opinion, preferably at a large medical center.

Joan

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I had a tram flap in 2001... Took about six weeks to recover....no problems with it afterwards

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I had the TRAM in 2007. Major surgery. I had a partial loss. I would encourage the DIEP instead of giving up a stomach muscle.

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I was also considering this type of surgery until I started really looking at the end results of the both types of surgeries. If you have an EXCELLENT plastic surgeon, than I would take advantage of the first option. Otherwise, implants are already designed to look like a woman's natural breast and there really is no room for mistake in terms of shape.

I was told I did not have enough tissue to use my own to build breast tissue, and after hearing so many negative stories from friend's of friend's of their surgeries, I'm glad I'm going with something pre-made and with good success.

I can absolutely understand the enthusiasm of getting a tummy tuck at the same time, but the shape and curve is going to be very dependent on your surgeon's skill and your natural body shape.

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I had the latissimus flap done. But before surgery I talked with several people who had the tram, they didn't like the weakness it left them with. If you do any type of lifting activities remember your stomach is part of your core strength.

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I meant diep flap but the more I read it sounds scary. Is it worth it?

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

I had a free tram flap and it really wasn't that big of a deal accept the not driving for a month. You are up and moving the next day. Gods blessings to you. Peace, Nancy

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

What is a free tram flap vs diep? The radiologist said because of all the radiation I will need I would be a good candidate for it but I read about it and I thought crap that sounds scary.

Re: Tram flap ?? Anyone ?
 

Free tram flap they take a out a small peace of muscle with fat and use to form breast and I can actually feel there again and it is warm! The blood supply is cut and reattached to veins in your chest. The tummy tuck they do is not a true tummy tuck, its more like a small version. I do appreciate what it has done for my figure. I don't know enough about the diep to be comfortable explaining it.