Simultaneous TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction with Contralateral Reduction Mammoplasty

Lee, Taik Jong; Kirk, Insoo; Yoon, Sang yup; Chang, Hak

Abstract

Symmetry is an important parameter for breast reconstruction. Contralateral breast frequently provides model to be reconstructed. But hypertrophic and ptotic breast is aesthetically unacceptable. And if the contralateral breast is large, larger flap which is required to reconstruct the breast including the zone of poor vascularity. Therefore, reduction of hypertrophic breasts may be preferable. Many surgeons prefer to perform contralateral procedures at least several months after reconstruction. However authors performed simultaneous contralateral reduction mammoplasty in 18 patients at the same time as pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. The expected disadvantages of the simultaneous operation are increased hospitalization time, blood loss, and complications. But according to our result, it showed that there was no significant difference in hopitalization time and hemoglobin-decrease. Furthermore, simultaneous operation showed lower complication rate because of the reduced size of the required flap. Our results revealed that TRAM flap breast reconstruction and simultaneous contralateral reduction mammoplasty is a safe procedure. And the results were aesthetically acceptable.