Tissue-Based Breast Reconstruction (FLAPS)

Tissue-based breast reconstruction involves surgery, so some discomfort is expected during recovery. Since these techniques use your own tissue, healing occurs at both the breast and donor sites, which may result in soreness, swelling, and temporary tightness.

However, pain is managed with medication, and most of our patients find that it improves significantly within the first few weeks. The level of discomfort varies depending on the procedure—DIEP and SGAP flaps tend to be less painful since they preserve muscle, while LD and TUG flaps may cause more soreness due to muscle involvement.

Your ECAPS surgeon will provide a personalized pain management plan to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the healing process.

You can expect multiple visits, starting with your initial ECAPS consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best approach. After surgery, you’ll have a few follow-up appointments to monitor healing, manage any discomfort, and assess the reconstructed breast.

Additional visits may be needed for revision procedures, symmetry adjustments, or nipple reconstruction if desired.

You’ll notice an immediate change in your breast shape after tissue-based reconstruction, but the final results take time to develop fully. Swelling, bruising, and healing incisions can take several weeks to subside, and the tissue may take a few months to settle into a more natural shape. If revisions or nipple reconstruction are planned, the process may take longer. Most patients see their final results within six months to a year, depending on healing and any additional procedures needed for symmetry or refinement.

Yes, many of our New Jersey and New York patients choose to complement their breast reconstruction with nipple reconstruction, breast symmetry adjustments, or even a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for further contouring.

Some also opt for facial rejuvenation, liposuction, or body lifts to enhance their overall appearance after undergoing breast reconstruction. However, the decision to combine these procedures will depend on factors like your health, your healing process, and what your surgeon feels is the best course of action for achieving the most satisfactory results.

Tissue-based breast reconstruction is a highly effective procedure, but like any surgery, it comes with potential risks.

Common risks include infection, bleeding, fluid buildup (seroma), and delayed wound healing. Since the procedure involves transferring tissue from another area of the body, there’s also a risk of complications at the donor site, such as weakness, scarring, or changes in sensation. More specific risks include flap failure, where the transplanted tissue does not receive enough blood supply, leading to partial or complete tissue loss. Additionally, some patients may experience asymmetry, fat necrosis (firm lumps in the reconstructed breast), or long-term changes in sensation in both the breast and donor site.

Your surgeon at ECAPS in New Jersey or New York will carefully evaluate your health and guide you through steps to minimize these risks.

The following factors are also important to consider before undergoing a flap procedure:

• Age: Breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients may be performed at any age, but it is best if the breast has fully stopped developing.
• Cancer Treatment: Ongoing cancer treatments can affect the optimal timing of certain procedures and can dictate which procedures are performed at which time. It is important to discuss with your plastic surgeon how your cancer treatment will affect your reconstruction. At times, multiple procedures may be necessary for optimal reconstruction outcomes.
• Pregnancy: If you are considering having children in the future, it is important to inform your cosmetic surgeon in the New Jersey area. Pregnancy can cause bodily changes, which can affect the long-term results of your surgery.