The BODY LIFT Flap® is one of the most significant technical steps forward in the recent history of breast reconstruction. It allows for an unprecedented power to recreate new breasts for women facing mastectomy who otherwise might be denied living tissue breast reconstruction.

Other options for thin women or those with inadequate tissue to restore breast size and shape after mastectomy are the Hybrid and SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator) breast reconstruction procedures.

The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is the only facility in the world to offer this new advanced microsurgical technique.

BODY LIFT Flap® autologous breast reconstruction is used to recreate a soft, living, reconstructed breast composed entirely of living fat. It is used when the tummy and other donor site tissues are too thin for DIEP Flap breast reconstruction or other ordinary flap procedures. This ability to combine more than one area to donate fat produces a larger breast and allows the incision in the donor’s sites to be placed in cosmetically proper positions.

In almost every case, the BODY LIFT Flap® procedure can be done on the same day as mastectomy; this is known as “immediate reconstruction.” It may also be performed as its own procedure post-mastectomy, which is known as “delayed reconstruction.”

Almost ALL women are candidates for immediate reconstruction, so speaking with your team prior to mastectomy about reconstruction is important.

Occasionally, a “bridging implant” reconstruction is used before the BODY LIFT Flap® reconstructive surgery to allow women with more advanced diseases to benefit from skin sparing, or Nipple Sparing Mastectomy.

The BODY LIFT Flap® procedure gives thin breast cancer patients a new option to fully restore the breast with natural living tissue after a bilateral mastectomy.

There are several benefits of the BODY LIFT Flap® breast reconstruction technique. The recreation of the breast with soft, warm, living fat is permanent and doesn’t require maintenance imaging or repeat surgeries. For women who have undergone a mastectomy in the past, the BODY LIFT Flap® procedure allows for the avoidance of tissue expanders.

An important benefit of the BODY LIFT Flap® breast reconstruction over the TRAM Flap, Latissimus Flap, or other outdated procedures is that the muscle of the donor site is protected and core strength is preserved. This allows for the avoidance of placing artificial mesh into the abdomen, as well as preventing hernias and long-term abdominal weakness.

Incision design in the waist gives the side benefit of a tummy tuck, a narrowing of the trunk, and a buttocks lift as a compliment to the newly reconstructed breasts. Taking less fat from each site and layering it enhances breast volume and projection while preserving the feminine form.

As with any surgery, the risks of breast cancer reconstruction surgery can be minimized by carefully following your pre-surgical instructions. If you have other medical problems or factors that increase your risk, we will work with you to educate you on proper preparation and arrange your clinical care regimen to maximize your safety and ensure a successful recovery.

PRE-SURGERY OFFICE VISIT

In most cases, you will be seen in our office 1-2 days prior to your surgery. At that time, we will go over the planned procedure, review consents, answer any questions you may have, and apply any surgical planning markings as may be required.

THE BODY LIFT FLAP® BREAST RECONSTRUCTION OPERATION

When you arrive at St. Charles Surgical Hospital, you will be escorted to the preoperative holding area, where you will change into a gown and be given foot coverings. The nurse or anesthesiologist will start an IV so that fluids and necessary medications may be given to you. Family members will be allowed to visit with you in the preoperative area once you are prepared for surgery.

Your procedure will be performed in a state-of-the-art operating suite that is part of a fully accredited hospital that has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons for Excellence in care quality. Highly trained professionals using the most modern equipment and techniques will attend to you. In addition to your surgeons, the surgical team includes anesthesiologists, operating room technicians, nurses, and physician assistants.

POST-PROCEDURE

After your surgery is complete, you will awaken in the recovery room under warm blankets with a dedicated nursing attendant at your side. You will be carefully monitored and kept comfortable. You will then be transferred to a private inpatient room that is prepared to allow you to rest and recover under the supervision of your attending physician and nurses. One adult caregiver may stay with you overnight during your hospitalization. A fold-out Murphy bed will be integrated into your room for individualized comfort.