I saw a patient in clinic today whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age.  She had concerns that she might develop breast cancer in the future.  After having three children, this patient was considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) as a means to contour her abdomen.  She asked a very important question, “If I have a tummy tuck, will I be able to have a breast reconstruction?”

There are several reconstructive options used to deal with the defects created in the treatment of breast cancer.  They fall into two general categories.  Prosthetic reconstructions involve the use of tissue expanders and implants to reconstruct the breast.  Alternatively, autologous reconstructions use a woman’s own tissues to reconstruct the breast.  These tissues are moved from the abdomen, back, or buttocks and repositioned to reconstruct the breast.  The abdomen can provide a large amount of tissue in some patients.  As such, it  may be the ideal donor site for reconstructing a large breast, or in some instances a reconstruction involving both breasts.  Since the abdomen is the source for such an important option, a woman considering an abdominoplasty needs to understand that following this procedure, the abdomen cannot serve as the source of tissue for a breast reconstruction.  This is due to the fact that the blood vessels necessary to support the breast reconstruction are cut during an abdominoplasty.  If the abdominal tissues were moved after an abdominoplasty, the reconstructed breast would die. 

So, to answer her question: “Yes, you can still undergone a breast reconstruction following a tummy tuck; however, the source of the tissues cannot be the abdomen.” A woman that has undergone an abdominoplasty who later develops a breast cancer will need to consider the back or buttock as her options for an autologous breast reconstruction.  Alternatively, she may consider a prosthetic reconstruction.  The abdominal flaps will not be available to reconstruct the breast.   

Our websites, www.beauty-surgeon.com and www.drmckane.com have additional information and before and after photographs for review.  I invite you to schedule a consultation with me if you would like to learn more about abdominoplasty or breast reconstruction.   Please feel free to contact our office at (713) 661-5255 if you have any questions.

-Brice W. McKane, M.D.

© 2009, Dr. McKane. All rights reserved.