Key Takeaways
- TDAP flap is a breast reconstruction procedure that uses tissue from your back to create a new breast without taking any muscle.
- This breast reconstruction option works well for women who need a smaller to medium-sized breast or want to avoid using their abdomen or buttocks.
- TDAP flap offers faster recovery than many other breast reconstruction surgery options because it doesn't remove muscle from your back.
- The procedure leaves a scar on your back that's usually hidden by a bra strap, making it a discreet choice for natural tissue reconstruction.
- The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction provides expert TDAP flap surgery and other breast reconstruction options to women throughout South Carolina searching for breast reconstruction near me.
What Is TDAP Flap Reconstruction?
TDAP stands for Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator flap. That's a long medical term, but the concept is simple: your surgeon takes skin and fat from your upper back to build a new breast. The important thing to know is that this procedure doesn't take any muscle from your back.
This makes TDAP different from an older procedure called the latissimus dorsi flap, which does remove back muscle. By leaving your muscle in place, the TDAP flap lets you keep your full back strength. You won't have any weakness when lifting, pushing, or doing everyday activities.
The tissue comes from the area just below your shoulder blade. Your surgeon carefully disconnects this tissue while keeping its blood supply attached, then moves it to your chest to create your new breast. The blood vessels stay connected the whole time, which means the tissue continues to get oxygen and nutrients just like it did on your back.
How TDAP Flap Surgery Works Step by Step
Understanding the basic process can help you feel more prepared. Here's what generally happens during the surgery.
You'll be completely asleep under general anesthesia, so you won't feel anything during the procedure. Your surgeon begins by identifying the area on your upper back where tissue will be taken. This is usually near your shoulder blade, where there's enough skin and fat available.
The surgeon makes a carefully planned incision on your back. They work to separate the skin and fat from the muscle underneath while keeping the important blood vessels attached. This is the key part of TDAP - the muscle stays in place while only the tissue above it is used.
The blood supply to this tissue comes from the thoracodorsal artery, which is why the procedure has that name. Your surgeon traces these blood vessels carefully to make sure the tissue will stay healthy when it's moved to your chest.
Next, the tissue is moved from your back to your chest area through a tunnel created under your skin. Because the blood vessels stay connected throughout the entire process, the tissue continues getting the oxygen and blood flow it needs.
Once the tissue reaches your chest, your surgeon carefully shapes it to create a breast. They work to match the size and shape of your other breast if you're having single-sided reconstruction, or create balanced breasts if both sides are being reconstructed.
Finally, both the back and chest incisions are closed. The entire surgery typically takes three to five hours, depending on whether one or both breasts are being reconstructed.
Most women stay in the hospital for one to three nights after surgery. This allows your medical team to monitor your healing and make sure the tissue is getting good blood flow. You'll have drains in place to remove extra fluid, and your team will show you how to care for them at home.
The Benefits of Choosing TDAP Flap
TDAP flap offers several advantages that make it an appealing breast reconstruction option for many women. Let's look at what makes this procedure special.
You Keep Your Back Strength
Because no muscle is removed, you maintain full function in your back. This matters for everyday activities like carrying groceries, lifting children or grandchildren, or reaching overhead. Many women don't realize how much they use their back muscles until they're gone.
Faster Recovery Than Muscle-Removal Procedures
Since your muscle stays in place, you typically recover faster than with older back flap procedures. Most women feel ready to return to light activities within a few weeks and to resume normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks.
Natural-Looking and Natural-Feeling Results
Like other natural tissue breast reconstruction surgery options, TDAP creates a breast made from your own living tissue. It feels warm and soft, moves naturally with your body, and will change if you gain or lose weight.
Good Option for Smaller to Medium Breasts
TDAP works particularly well if you want to create a smaller or medium-sized breast. While there's a limit to how much tissue can be taken from your back, this amount is often perfect for women who prefer a modest breast size or had smaller breasts before mastectomy.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from any breast reconstruction procedure takes time and patience. Here's what you can typically expect with TDAP flap.
In the hospital, you'll have drains in place to remove excess fluid from both the back and chest surgical sites. These usually stay in for one to two weeks. Your medical team will teach you how to care for your drains at home.
You'll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for about six weeks. This gives your body time to heal properly. Light walking is encouraged right away because it helps with circulation and healing.
Most women can return to desk jobs within two to three weeks. If your work is more physical, you might need four to six weeks before going back. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your job and how you're healing.
Pain is usually manageable with medication. Many women describe the back incision as more uncomfortable than the chest area in the first week or two. This discomfort improves quickly as healing progresses.
Is TDAP Flap Right for You?
TDAP flap might be a good breast reconstruction option if you want natural tissue reconstruction, don't have enough abdominal or buttock tissue available, prefer to keep all your muscles intact, want a smaller to medium-sized breast, or are looking for breast reconstruction near me with faster recovery than some other options.
This procedure might not be the best choice if you need a very large breast reconstructed, have had previous back surgery that affects tissue availability, or have certain medical conditions that affect healing.
The only way to know for sure is to meet with a breast reconstruction specialist. They'll examine you, discuss your goals, and help you understand which breast reconstruction surgery options fit your situation best.
Moving Forward With Confidence
TDAP flap reconstruction provides an excellent path to restoring your body after mastectomy. By using your own tissue while preserving your back strength, this procedure offers natural results without compromising your physical function.
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction specializes in TDAP flap and other advanced reconstruction techniques for women throughout South Carolina. Our team will answer all your questions and help you understand which approach best fits your needs and lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today to explore your breast reconstruction options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scarring after a TDAP flap?
You'll have a scar on your back where the tissue was taken, typically running horizontally near your shoulder blade. Most women find this scar is easily hidden by bra straps and bathing suits. You'll also have the mastectomy scar on your chest, but TDAP doesn't add extra chest scarring beyond what the mastectomy created.
Can a TDAP flap create a large breast?
TDAP works best for creating small to medium-sized breasts. There's a limit to how much tissue can be safely taken from your back. If you want a larger breast or your remaining breast is large, your surgeon might recommend combining TDAP with an implant or choosing a different procedure like DIEP flap that provides more tissue.
How long does it take to fully recover from TDAP flap surgery?
Most women feel back to normal within two to three months. You'll see improvement each week as you heal. Light activities usually resume within two to three weeks, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise typically wait until six to eight weeks. Everyone heals at their own pace, so your surgeon will guide you based on your progress.
