Flap Reconstruction Candidates

Good flap reconstruction candidates at our Frisco, TX, practice are healthy women with a sufficient amount of skin and underlying tissue who do not have a pre-existing medical condition and who will not require any postoperative radiotherapy. Dr. Ken Smart is a leading plastic surgeon and will answer your candidacy questions during a personalized consultation. At Frisco Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, flap reconstruction surgery involves constructing the breasts with tissue from another area of the patient’s body after a mastectomy. To qualify, the patient must have enough healthy tissue in the abdominal wall, buttock, thighs, or back and must have fully recovered from cancer treatment to undergo this procedure. 

Factors That Can Prevent Flap Reconstruction Surgery

Previous surgical procedures, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or liposuction could prevent patients from having flap reconstruction because of minimal skin tissue and major scarring. In some cases, Dr. Smart can still perform the surgery by using tissue from another area.

Before undergoing surgery, Dr. Smart will review the benefits, risks, and costs involved so you fully understand what to expect with flap reconstruction surgery.

Your breast cancer treatment is another factor that could cause a delay or prevent you from undergoing flap reconstruction surgery. Your reconstruction will only occur once you have fully recovered from chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, a partial mastectomy, or a lumpectomy to ensure optimal results and a successful surgery. Because each individual responds to treatment and surgery differently, each case will be designed to meet your unique needs. Typically, however, there is at least a four- to six-week delay between treatments in order to allow your body to heal and recover. During a detailed examination, Dr. Smart can determine whether you are a good candidate for a flap reconstruction.

Are You a Good Candidate for Flap Reconstruction?

Before undergoing surgery, Dr. Smart will review the benefits, risks, and costs involved so you can fully understand what to expect prior to and following your flap reconstruction surgery. Because the procedure and recovery can be quite extensive, Dr. Smart will ensure that you are prepared to manage the treatment process. Breast reconstruction surgery can be an emotionally and physically difficult process for more than one reason. Undergoing surgery is challenging in and of itself, but losing one or more breasts to cancer in the process only adds to that difficulty.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Smart will perform a thorough examination, evaluating your overall health, medical history, and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

Good flap reconstruction candidates should:

• Be at a healthy weight
• Have good overall health
• Not smoke or be willing to quit
• Be stabilized after undergoing cancer treatment
• Have enough tissue to harvest for flap surgery
• Have a positive attitude and be patient with the process
• Have realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Smart is highly attentive during the initial consultation and will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine your candidacy for flap reconstruction. To learn more about flap reconstruction procedure, call us at (972) 334-0400 or  contact our office online to schedule your initial consultation.