Autologous (Own Tissue)
What is an Autologous Breast Reconstruction?
Autologous breast reconstruction consists of moving a portion of tissue and skin from an area of the body (free tissue transfer) to form new breasts. Vessels are carefully identified in the free tissue flap and in the chest. These vessels are then reattached using a microscope to restore blood flow to the tissue.
Dr Taylor is one of the few breast reconstruction Surgeons in Perth to offer alternative autologous breast reconstruction options to the traditional DIEP free tissue transfer.
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Duncan will discuss which of the following free tissue transfers is suitable for you:
(Click below for more information)
What Can I Expect with an Autologous Breast Reconstruction?
A Quick Overview of Own Tissue Breast Reconstruction
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Surgery time: Unilateral 4-6 hours and Bilateral 7-9 hours.
Length of stay in hospital: 4-7 nights.
Recovery time: (The following are approximate times.)
Driving 4 weeks,
Office work 6 weeks,
Strenuous work/exercise 2-3 months.
Garments: Compression bra 24/7, including in the shower (bra only) for the first 6 weeks. This is to prevent any pulling on the newly joined vessels.
Abdominal binder 24/7 whilst in hospital and for 2 weeks post-surgery until bulky dressings are removed.
Compression shorts 24/7 after the binder is removed for the 1st 6 weeks.
Understanding the Breast Reconstruction Journey
In the below interview, Jenny shares her experience of her breast reconstruction journey.
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Meet Jenny
Jenny underwent immediate breast reconstruction at Fiona Stanley Hospital as part of their breast cancer treatment.
Other Things to Consider
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Although your initial surgery will be more complex, your results are permanent.
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Most patients require 1 or 2 revision surgeries to obtain optimum results and symmetry.
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Autologous breast reconstruction produces a more natural-looking and feeling result.
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There is a risk that the free tissue transfer may fail - the documented failure rate is approximately 2%
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The vessels in the chest are behind the ribs, and therefore a very small section of rib cartilage in the centre of your chest (usually the 3rd or 4th rib) is removed to access these.
Available options for breast reconstruction are assessed by Duncan in Perth on an individual basis.
The DIEP Journey with Dr Duncan Taylor
