How much belly fat is required to be able to do a "flap" double breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction using abdominal skin and fat is an excellent option for some women.  If there is enough tissue such that an ellipse of skin from the top of the belly button to the top of the mons pubis (right at the location where most c-section scars are placed) can be removed and pinched closed than you may be a good candidate for the procedure.  Be sure to see a plastic surgeon certified by the Anerucan Board of Plastic Surgery to have a proper evaluation and go over your options.Best of luck,Keith M. Blechman, MDNew York, NY

It all depends on how large you wish to be in terms of your reconstructed breasts go.  You can get an idea by pinching your tummy from you mons upwards so that your fingers almost touch and divide that by 2 (one half for each side) and that is what you can anticipate having as your breast volume.

The amount of tissue needed to reconstruct two breasts depends on your goals for reconstruction.  For example, if you currently wear a C cup bra and want to be the same size after reconstruction, you would ideally have the same amount of tissue in your belly to make your breasts the same size they are now.  There are also other options for flaps if that is what you really want.  Nipple sparing mastectomy is also an option, but it does depend on the size of your breasts and the what your breasts look like now.  It is best to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs all types of breast reconstruction, so you can get the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.  It also sounds like you should undergo genetic counseling and testing given your history and family history.  The reason this is important is that some breast cancer genes are linked to higher risk for other cancers.