Breast Reconstruction
TDAP & ICAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure
This page offers insights into TDAP and ICAP flap breast reconstruction techniques, which involve utilizing tissue from the back region. In TDAP flap surgery, tissue is sourced from the back near the underarm area, while in ICAP flap surgery, tissue is obtained from the side of the chest wall. Detailed medical illustrations and video narration are available to facilitate your understanding of these procedures.
About TDAP & ICAP Flap Breast Reconstruction
TDAP / ICAP Donor Site: Lateral
The TDAP / ICAP Breast Reconstruction procedure is a very useful and powerful option for patients either requiring partial breast reconstruction, augmentation of a breast reconstruction, or for those who have very small breasts.
This operation uses extra skin and fat from the side of the chest either under the arm or more towards the back. If there’s extra tissue there, this extra skin and fat can be lifted up still attached to its blood supply, and swung over into the chest to make a new breast.
Typically there’s not as much tissue at this site as there is in the abdomen, buttock or thigh. Therefore these operations are usually used for smaller breasts, or to correct defects and impressed caused by a lumpectomy with radiation or from implant failure.
TDAP & ICAP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Procedure Illustration
(click image to enlarge)
Common Questions about the TDAP / ICAP
Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure
TDAP & ICAP breast reconstruction offers an alternative option for autologous breast reconstruction, particularly for patients who may not have suitable donor tissue in the abdomen or thighs. It allows for the creation of a natural-looking breast mound using the patient’s own tissue from the back. However, candidacy for TDAP flap breast reconstruction is assessed on an individual basis, considering factors such as overall health, body shape, available tissue in the back, and patient preferences. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if TDAP flap reconstruction is a suitable option for an individual patient.
Gradually, blood vessels and nerves grow into the transferred tissue. Scars fade, and the end result is a breast reconstruction that looks and feels and behaves exactly like a normal breast. The only difference is that there is no breast tissue inside it, and therefore no risk of breast cancer in the transferred tissue.
One of the advantages of TDAP & ICAP flap reconstruction is that it allows for preservation of the back muscles, specifically the latissimus dorsi muscle. This muscle is left intact during the procedure, reducing the impact on back strength and function.
The photographs in this section are of actual patients of Dr. Joshua Levine. They have undergone various types of autologous breast reconstruction (perforator free flaps), i.e. DIEP/SIEA, PAP, GAP, delayed, immediate, with nipple-sparing mastectomy, etc. Keep in mind that each patient is unique and results may vary. To view more before & after photos, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Natural tissue breast reconstruction has several benefits compared to other methods of breast reconstruction. Here are a few key benefits:
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- It uses a woman’s own natural tissue, which means that it is less likely to be rejected by the body.
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- It doesn’t require the use of implants, which can cause complications such as scarring, infection, and hardening of the breast tissue.
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- It doesn’t sacrifice any muscle, which means that women can retain their natural shape and function.
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- It can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy, which can save time and reduce the overall number of surgeries that a woman needs to undergo.
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- It can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies, which can improve their quality of life.
Overall, natural tissue breast reconstruction can provide women with a more natural and safe option for restoring their breasts after a mastectomy.
“Dr. Levine is an outstanding Doctor. He is a wonderful human being and a highly skilled surgeon. My results are nothing short of miraculous. There is no one like Doctor Levine. He is an artist and a true professional.”
Dr. Joshua L. Levine, MD, FACS
World Leading Authority in Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction
Based in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
Meet Dr. Joshua L. Levine,
World-Renowned in the Art and Science of Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Joshua Levine is a world-renowned perforator flap breast reconstruction surgeon. Meaning, all of his breast reconstruction procedures, are muscle-sparing, using only your own natural tissue to restore your breast(s).
With his advanced techniques, such as stacked combination flaps, or utilizing the delay phenomenon in staged-immediate reconstruction, all women, no matter how thin and no matter what body type, are candidates for natural tissue, muscle-sparing, implant-free breast reconstruction.
As Seen On: US News & World Report, diepflap.com