Breast cancer has high incidence rate in a large population of women throughout the world. In benign breast cancers, the lumps are excised and the patients receive chemo and radiation therapy. These therapies destroy the cancer cells and render the patient disease free. On the other hand, women who are found to have malignant cells as seen on the histology slides, undergo mastectomy, i.e., removal of breast, either on one side or both.

What do women decide if they undergo mastectomy? The first choice by most of these women is to undergo breast augmentation surgery, as it helps to improve their image and decreases the trauma of breast cancer. Once the decision is made to have the breast augmentation surgery, it is important to know the procedure through which breast reconstruction will be done.

Breast reconstruction is done through two procedures, one is TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) and the other is breast implants.

TRAM flap reconstruction surgery is done by taking muscle, fat and skin from the abdomen. This is a major surgery. Once the flap is obtained, it is attached to breast site and breast reconstruction is done. It must be noted here that the TRAM flap procedure on both breasts will have to be done at one time. If the woman has any major medical illness, then TRAM flap procedure might not be an option.

The second option is the use of implants to reconstruct the breasts. An incision is made in the crease of the lower part of the breast. Through this incision, the implant is inserted and properly placed. After that the incision is sutured and the process of restoration is complete.

Before deciding about the breast augmentation procedure, it is important to discuss all the pros and cons in detail with your surgeon. Give a detailed history of your current medical problems and see whether you qualify for any of the above mentioned breast enlargements procedures.