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How long does reconstruction surgery take?

Page last modified on: September 18, 2008
Question from Swall: How long does the surgery usually take?
Answer —Maurice Nahabedian, M.D.: The length of operation is variable depending upon the type of reconstruction that is selected. In general, a tissue expander requires 30 to 45 minutes to complete. A pedicled TRAM (the type of TRAM in which the muscle and fat tissues remain attached to the blood supply and are moved from the abdomen to the breast area) will require about 2-1/2 to 3 hours to complete. The free TRAM (in which the muscle and fat tissues are removed from the abdomen and need to be re-attached to a blood supply in the breast area) and the DIEP flap will require in the range of 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on one's level of skill.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Reconstruction. Maurice Nahabedian, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about different techniques in breast reconstruction, the pros and cons of implants and body tissue transfers, when you might want to reconstruct, and many more issues related to rebuilding your breast/s after breast cancer surgery.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Maurice Nahabedian, M.D. is director of the Center of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the Breast and associate professor of plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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