I agree with Phyllis. PJ gives an excellent description of the procedure. There are pros and cons to both kinds of implants. I hope that women really study them and make the best decision for them. I have two silicone implants and I thought I'd just add to the discussion by explaining why I chose silicone. The surgery is not as complicated. It's shorter, and fewer complications happen. Recovery is faster, as well. If I was younger, I would have gone the other way, because of the look and feel of the implants and also because I would have them longer.
Thanks for your input, JoAnn. I have posts on implants, and choosing a prosthesis, and how to make the decision about what kind of reconstruction to have - as well as how to make the decision about whether to have reconstruction at all - coming up soon. As you say, pros and cons to all of them - it's a very hard decision, all in all! PJH
Thanks, P.J. This was an excellent description. I wanted to add another potential complication: infection. I know someone who opted for the TRAM flap and developed an infection. Since she was resistant to the oral antibiotics she was given to counter the infection, she had to spend a week in the hospital on IV antibiotics to eradicate it completely. Again, this doesn't mean it will happen to everyone; it's just something to be aware of.
Hi PJ,
I've recently read about a different autologous reconstruction method, or maybe it's a refinement of an existing one - I've forgotten what it's called. The main difference is that it doesn't involving cutting muscle tissue. Do you know anything about this? Thanks, Andrea
Hi Andrea - I think you're talking about the DIEP flap. Here's a description of it from a plastic surgeon's Web site:
"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."
Sound like what you're asking about? Let me know if I can help with further info. - PJH
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Eight Breast Cancer Symptoms: When To Worry 
Ten Breast Cancer Myths Debunked 
Eat to Live: 10 Things to Know About Breast Cancer and Nutrition 
When Breast Cancer Returns: 10 Things to Know About Metastatic Breast Cancer 
PJ, this is the clearest explanation of the different types of reconstruction that I have ever read. Thank you.
Another reason someone might not be able to have reconstruction is radiation damage to her skin. I had about twice as much radiation as the average breast cancer patient, so radiation is not going to be a problem for most women. However, it was for me, and I've known other people with advanced cancers who had extensive radiation damage whose reconstruction choices were affected.