Fat Grafting and Reconstruction
Fat Grafting and Reconstruction
Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another. It is commonly used in reconstructive surgery to restore volume and contour to areas that have lost tissue due to trauma, surgery, or congenital deformities.
Breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy – it is your right.
Thankfully, federal law requires that health insurance companies cover breast reconstruction – which should be planned for undergoing a mastectomy. In some cases, the reconstruction can be performed in the same surgical appointment as the mastectomy. Other breast reconstruction procedures will be delayed.
A sometimes complex but incredible procedure for restoring breast tissue lost in cancer treatment, breast reconstruction is a critical aspect of emotional healing. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Helen Allison is a leading breast reconstruction surgeon and honored to be involved in your journey to better health and a confident, happy life.
Two decades of service to breast cancer survivors in Tampa of Tampa, FL.
As a surgeon who has worked with breast cancer patients for the past two decades, Dr. Helen Allison is particularly sensitive to your needs. She recognizes that this is a very vulnerable and frightening time in your life. Her job is to be there for you in whatever capacity necessary, side-by-side, on every step of your journey through breast reconstruction.
Autologous breast reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue to form a new breast mound. The most common flap used by Dr. Helen Allison in breast reconstruction is called the “DIEP free flap.” Excess skin and fat are taken from the lower abdomen, leaving the blood vessels attached, and transferred to the chest connected to the internal mammary vessels.
The DIEP free flap’s advantage is that the muscles and nerves are spared; it delivers a natural-looking and feeling breast. As part of the recovery process, each patient will be placed in a physical therapy protocol. Physical therapy, proper rest, and nutrition help you achieve the best recovery. There is a surprising added advantage – you will also have a slimmer, trimmer lower abdomen after the tissue is harvested and moved to create your breast.
Implant-based breast reconstruction
At one time, there was only a single breast reconstruction option: Implant-based reconstruction. Unlike the autologous reconstruction options, implant reconstruction uses an implant to restore volume and shape. Dr. Helen Allison will first insert tissue expanders either above or below the muscle. When placed above the muscle, the expander is wrapped in Alloderm, a supporting medical mesh to hold the implant securely in place.
This FDA-approved material makes it possible to have tissue coverage for the implant to be placed—the more tissue covering the implant, the smoother and more natural the result. If the tissue expander is placed beneath the chest muscle, the chest muscle will be elevated, with the Alloderm placed to support the implant’s position.
TMG or Tug Flap breast reconstruction
Another common autologous reconstruction is the TMG or Tug flap. In this method, skin and fat or skin, fat and muscle are removed from the inner thigh. The flap is then transferred up to the chest and connected to the internal mammary blood vessels. Compared to the DIEP flap, the downside of this method is that it leaves a scar on the inner thigh, which may be harder to hide than one on the abdomen. Also, the recovery may be slightly longer.
General FAQ
Have Any Question?
Do you have questions concerning aesthetic procedures, notably fat grafting, and how long the results last? Have you considered changing but hesitated due to concerns regarding the procedure’s long-term viability, particularly for men? Explore more in this article! ‘Understanding Fat Grafting for Men’
Have you ever wished you could shift fat from one part of your body to another? Thanks to contemporary medicine’s marvels, it’s not as far-fetched as it appears. Fat grafting is a procedure that transfers fat from unattractive areas to areas where you want greater mass or contour. Learn more here ‘What to Expect After Fat Grafting in Men?‘
If you’ve ever thought about body sculpting, you’ve probably heard the term ‘fat grafting.’ It’s a popular procedure among men, providing an alternative to implants for physical enlargement. The outcome of this operation is heavily dependent on postoperative care, which is commonly overlooked despite its importance. Explore more on what to avoid after Fat Grafting in this article ‘What to Avoid after Fat Grafting?‘
Fat grafting has grown in popularity as a cosmetic therapy for both men and women in recent years. It entails transferring fat from one body area to another to increase volume and contour. Let’s explore and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of fat grafting in men and the factors that influence the frequency of this procedure in this article ‘How Many Times Can You Have Fat Grafting in Men?‘
