Recently I had a TRAM Flap reconstruction. Will my abdominal muscles grow back?

Question

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Variations of the TRAM flap can use the Rectus muscles or not.  Depending on the type that you had, you may have a loss of one, two, or neither of your muscles. Check with your surgeon. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is no.  Muscles once moved for reconstruction do not regenerate.  There are however many versions or modifications of the TRAM flap so check with your surgeon to see what was performed.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

There are many different modifications to a TRAM flap and the amount of muscle that is taken with the flap.  The defect from the muscle taken is typically closed and can be reinforced with either mesh or a biologic implant like cadaver or pig dermis, but muscle definitely doesn't grow back.  The days of taking all of the muscle are almost gone (even with a pedicled TRAM), but only your surgeon knows how much was taken.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you had a pedicled TRAM the muscle was rotated up to the chest for the reconstruction. If you had a free TRAM either a piece or all the muscle was removed.  No, it will not grow back.

Recently I had a TRAM Flap reconstruction. Will my abdominal muscles grow back?

Answers (4)

Answer: TRAM and muscle

Answer: TRAM and muscle

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Recently I had a TRAM Flap reconstruction. Will my abdominal muscles grow back?

Answers (4)

Answer: TRAM and muscle

Answer: TRAM and muscle

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