What is the TRAM Flap procedure?
TRAM means Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous Flap. In simple terms: Transverse – because the abdominal skin and fat used in the reconstruction is removed in a side-to-side fashion. Rectus Abdominus – refers to the muscle/s that must be taken with the skin and fat to nourish the tissue. Myocutaneous – means both muscle and skin are utilized. This is a type of reconstructive surgery of the breast following mastectomy, uses skin and fat from the belly left attached to abdominal muscle/s. The skin/fat tissue must remain attached to its original site, to retain its blood supply. The entire flap, consisting of the skin, fat, and muscle, is tunneled underneath the abdominal skin to the chest, creating the newly reconstructed breast. Later, a new nipple is made with skin on the chest, and an areola is tattooed around the nipple. This creates a very natural-looking breast. Complete recovery from the surgery takes about six weeks. Flap surgery is more complex than implant surgery.
