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Is the TRAM flap more sensitive to heat than normal tissue?

April 26, 2017breast cosmetic surgery flap heat normal plastic surgery reconstruction sensitive tissue tram

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Is the TRAM flap more sensitive to heat than normal tissue?

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Yes, a recent study showed that TRAM flaps could burn more easily when exposed to heat and sun. Two patients sustained burns from heating pads and one sustained an accidental burn from a hair dryer. (Reference: Beckenstein, M.S., Beegle, P.H., Hartrampf, C.R. Jr., Thermal Injury to TRAM flaps: A Report of Five Cases Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 99: 1606,1997). The same applies to mastectomy skin flaps in implant reconstruction secondary to loss of vascular autoregulation after the interruption of nerves to the breast skin.