| Procedure Name |
| Breast Implant |
Going Flat |
Abdominal Flap |
| Number of Surgeries |
| 1 surgery |
No extra surgery |
1 surgery |
| Length of Surgery |
| 2 to 3 hours |
No extra surgery |
4 to 8 hours |
| Nights in the Hospital |
| 0 to 1 night |
none |
2 to 5 night |
| Weeks of Recovery |
| 3 to 4 weeks |
none |
6 to 10 weeks |
| Pros |
- Usually only requires one operation
- Shorter surgery
- Little or no hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Less invasive than some other kinds of reconstruction
- Fewer scars
- Good cosmetic results for most women
|
- Does not require surgery
- No inconvenient recovery time
- No extra scars
- No extra cost (if you don't have insurance)
- Simple
- More comfortable
|
- Usually only requires one operation
- No implant risks
- Works well for patients who have had radiation
- Changes in size to match body weight gain or loss
|
| Cons |
- Implants won't change in size with body weight (gain or loss)
|
- May not feel "normal" in and out of clothes
- May not feel as feminine
- Frequent reminder of your cancer
|
- Longer surgery
- Longer stay in the hospital
- Longer recovery period
- More invasive than some other kinds of reconstruction
- Leaves a scar on your lower stomach
- May not be an option for women that are very over- or underweight
|
| Risks |
- Infection
- Bleeding and fluid collection
- Leakage of implant
- Pain from scar tissue
- Implant shifting or "wrinkling"
|
- There are no medical risks
|
- Circulation (blood flow) problems
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Partial or total flap loss
- Hernias or bulges in stomach area
- Possible long-term problem: May weaken stomach muscles (Pedicle TRAM only)
|