Reconstruction methods
Autologous reconstruction uses living tissue from another part of the body.
Autologous breast reconstruction most commonly uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Tissue can also be transferred from the back, thigh or another donor site in selected patients.
Microsurgical reconstruction reconnects small blood vessels at the chest to supply the transferred tissue.
Potential advantages
- The reconstructed breast uses the patient's own tissue
- Shape and softness may change more naturally over time
- There is no permanent breast implant
- The tissue may tolerate long-term changes differently from an implant
- It may be considered after previous radiotherapy
Potential disadvantages
- Longer operation
- Longer initial recovery
- Donor-site scar
- Risk of donor-site weakness or contour change
- Risk of partial or complete flap loss
- Need for microsurgical monitoring
- Possibility of additional revision procedures
- Not appropriate for every patient
DIEP-flap reconstruction
A deep inferior epigastric perforator, or DIEP, flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen while attempting to preserve the abdominal muscle.
Muscle preservation does not eliminate all donor-site risks. Abdominal weakness, bulging, hernia, wound problems and contour changes remain possible.
Radiotherapy and autologous reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction may be performed before or after radiotherapy depending on the clinical situation.
Radiation can affect transferred tissue, while delayed reconstruction requires the patient to undergo another major operation after cancer treatment.
There is no single sequence that is best for every patient.
International follow-up
Early microsurgical complications require urgent specialist assessment. Patients should not plan to leave Korea until the surgical team considers travel medically appropriate.
Before travelling, patients should understand which symptoms require urgent review and which clinical team will assess the reconstruction after they return home.