When coverage for a defect cannot be achieved through skin grafting,plastic surgeons rely on other techniques to replace tissue.After mastectomy,reconstruction with a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM)flap is one of several options for nonsynthetic prosthetic reconstruction.Another descriptive term for the TRAM flap is the:

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Breast reconstruction options include alloplastic (artificial materials such as breast implants),autogenous (flaps),or a combination of both.Flaps may be pedicle-based or free flaps,requiring microsurgical techniques for their reconstruction.TRAM flaps are pedicle-based flaps used for breast reconstruction.The rectus muscle is the broad,wide abdominal muscle that reaches from under the ribs to the pubis,and either one or both sides of the muscle may be used for reconstruction.The blood supply (superior epigastric artery and vein)is carried within the muscle pedicle.

When Coverage for a Defect Cannot Be Achieved Through Skin