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BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Breast reconstruction is performed to create a new breast shape or mound after half or the entirety of your breast has been operated upon and removed. The goal of a breast-reconstruction surgery is to provide you with breasts that look like they are natural and were not surgically reconstructed.

If one of your breasts need to be reconstructed, the plastic surgeon will examine the other breast and analyze it carefully in order to model your reconstructed breast after it. If both the breasts need reconstruction, then the goal will be to design symmetrical breasts that closely resemble the breasts you had before your mastectomy.

A breast-reconstruction surgery can transfer tissues from other parts of your body to design your new breast mound. Alternatively, implants may be used to restore volume. Breast reconstruction is unable to reconstruct the nipples. However, you may use surgery, cosmetic tattooing, or prosthetic nipple stick-ons to restore their appearance.

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Breast-Reconstruction at Associates in Plastic Surgery

Breast reconstruction is available at the time of the mastectomy (Immediate Reconstruction) or as a delayed procedure at any time following mastectomy. Since breast reconstruction is a time-intensive surgical procedure, many people wait until months after their mastectomy to get it performed.

Associates in Plastic Surgery offers the complete spectrum of breast reconstructive services. Available procedures vary widely in scope, complexity and recovery. At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we draw on years of experience with the full array of available procedures to determine the best options for each individual patient.

Remember that your reconstructed breasts may look natural but won’t quite be. They will not be affected by aging or weight loss/gain in the same ways that your natural breasts would be. Also, any sensation felt will be minimal.

Breast-Reconstruction Techniques

Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore the breast appearance and size following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other condition. The creation of a new breast can dramatically improve your self-image, self-confidence and quality of life. There are many different techniques that may be used for breast reconstruction including:

It is essential to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to decide if you are a candidate for breast reconstruction and what techniques may be right for you. Your surgeon will tailor the procedure according to your unique needs.

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  • Flap Techniques
  • DIEP Flap
  • Free TRAM Flap
  • Latissimus Dorsi Flap
  • Tissue Expander Implants
  • Nipple Reconstruction
  • Flap techniques reposition a woman’s own muscle, fat and skin to create or cover the breast mound.Sometimes a mastectomy or radiation therapy will leave insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant, requiring flap techniques to achieve suitable results.
  • Your surgeon may recommend a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator or DIEP Flap, which can transfer abdominal or buttock skin and fatty tissue (but sparing muscle) using microsurgical free flap techniques.
  • A TRAM Flap uses donor fat, skin and muscle from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The flap may either remain attached to the original blood supply and be tunneled up to the breast area, or microsurgical free flap techniques may be used to transfer the tissue to the breast area.
  • A Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses muscle, fat and skin from the back tunneled to the mastectomy site and remains attached to its donor site, leaving blood supply intact.Occasionally, the flap can reconstruct a complete breast mound, but often provides the muscle and tissue necessary to cover and support a breast implant.
  • Tissue Expander Implants involve stretching healthy skin to provide coverage for a breast implant and create a new breast mound. Reconstruction with tissue expansion allows for easier recovery than flap procedures. A second surgical procedure will be needed to replace the expander if it is not designed to serve as a permanent implant.
  • Nipple Reconstruction involves grafting and other specialized techniques to create a nipple and areola. The breast reconstruction is completed through a variety of techniques that reconstruct the nipple and areola, and is most commonly performed as a final phase to the breast reconstructive process.

Post Surgical Care

The specifics of your breast-reconstruction healing process will depend on the exact techniques used during your procedure. It will be important to follow your plastic surgeon’s care directions very closely so that your recovery experience can be as short and comfortable as possible.

Taking time off from work will be required, as will wearing a supportive bra without any underwire. Avoid physically taxing activities like heavy exercise until cleared to resume them. There will be bruising and swelling in the area; these will fade with time.

Scheduling Your Consultation

Don’t let others shame you into getting breast reconstruction done – the decision should be yours and yours alone. If you feel less feminine without your breasts and would like to have them back, contact Associates in Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation for breast reconstruction.

Testimonials

“My entire experience has been life changing and amazing. Dr. Dean does amazing work and I couldn’t be more happy with my results! The office staff have been wonderful. The office visits are always on time and everyone is so friendly! I highly recommend him!”
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