"Perforator flaps represent the state of the art in breast reconstruction.
Replacing the skin and soft tissue removed at mastectomy with soft,
warm, living tissue is accomplished by borrowing skin and fatty tissue
from the abdomen.
A slim incision along the bikini line is made much like that used
for a tummy tuck. The necessary skin, soft tissue, and tiny feeding
blood vessels are removed. These tiny blood vessels are matched
to supplying vessels at the mastectomy site and reattached under
a microscope.
Unlike conventional TRAM flap reconstructions, use of our refined
perforator flap techniques allow for collection of this tissue without
sacrifice of underlying abdominal muscles. This tissue is then surgically
transformed into a new breast mound. The abdomen is the most common
donor site, since excess fat and skin are usually found in this
area. In addition to reconstructing the breast the contour of the
abdomen is often improved much like a tummy tuck.
Restoration of the nipple and areola follow. Scars fade substantially
with time. For many women the reconstructed breast may be firmer
and have a more youthful appearance than their natural breasts."
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