Penn Medicine | Virtua Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Marlton

Autologous reconstruction

• Uses tissue – skin, fat and sometimes muscle – from another place on the body to form the shape of the breast. 
• DIEP Flap / Muscle-Sparing Free TRAM
• SGAP Flap
• TUG Flap
• Latissimus Dorsi Flap

• Replacing expanders with permanent implants
• Reconstruction of the nipple and the areola, or area around the nipple
• Reshaping the remaining breast for symmetry (proportion and balance)
• Implant replacement years later if required
• Revision and touch-up procedures to enhance the look of the breasts
• Nipple and areola reconstruction through 3-D tattooing

Autologous reconstruction that is commonly used to reconstruct the breast is also used for other types of cancers too. Sometimes during cancer treatment, tissue can be affected by radiation or removed during surgery. Depending on the treatment, reconstructive surgery can help patients regain function. It can also help a patient regain his/her pre-cancer appearance.

Here are some examples of how reconstructive surgery can be used:

• Gastrointestinal – Reconstructing the perineum (the skin and tissue between the legs in front of the anus)
• Gynecological – Reconstructing the vulva, or external female organs, or the entire vagina
• Skin – Reconstructing tissue when the blood flow is compromised

Ideally, reconstruction is done in conjunction with cancer treatment. But if you’ve been treated and never underwent reconstruction, it may not be too late.

Call Penn Medicine Virtua Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at 856-291-8910 for a consultation.

Most times, your insurance will cover the cost of reconstruction. Consult your insurance company to be sure.

• Alexander Au, MD
• Prakash Mathew, MD 
• Emily Perna, PA
• Audrey Shaw, PA