Breast reconstruction is preformed for several different reasons. It is done after the removal of one or both breasts for the treatment of cancer. It can also be done alone with mastectomy for preventative treatment in women with a strong family history of cancer. In some young women one breast never develops and reconstruction is done to give symmetry to the underdeveloped side. The overall goal in reconstruction is to help a woman feel more natural and more confident in their appearance following mastectomy.
There are three main procedures used for breast reconstruction. The most common is the placement of tissue expanders. Temporary implants are inserted under the muscle. Over the period of a few months the expanders are inflated with saline in the office. Once the desired size is reached there is a second surgery to remove the implants and put in a permanent implant. This type of reconstruction requires the least amount of recovery time. The other two types of breast reconstruction are done with the transfer of muscle flaps to the breast. One of them uses an abdominal muscle or a muscle from the back. The benefit of muscle flaps are that implants are not always needed and they have a more natural appearance and feel. Not every one is a candidate for muscle flap procedures. Contraindications would include: smoking, radiation treatment, abdominal surgeries, or chronic health conditions such as diabetes. When muscle flaps are used there is more recovery time needed and requires a longer hospital stay.
The final stage of breast reconstruction is nipple reconstruction. There can be several months to years before this stage is started. The surgeon will want to wait until your breasts have “settled” before he reconstructs the nipple. This assures proper placement. If only one breast is reconstructed the surgeon may recommend a procedure be done to the unaffected breast. Usually it would be a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation to match the reconstructed breast.
During your consultation you may feel overwhelmed with the information and questions that you have. This is a difficult circumstance for all women faced with breast reconstruction. We recommend that you bring a friend, or family member to support you during your consultation to help you recall the information we discuss. At anytime after your consultation we invite you to call our nursing staff with questions or concerns about your reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction is most often covered by all insurance companies. Our office will persue pre approval please be sure to bring all current insurance cards with you to your appointment.
Click here for a printable brochure on breast reconstruction (Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
CASE 1: STAGED RECONSTRUCTION WITH TISSUE EXPANDER PLACEMENT
PRE-OPERATIVE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
POST-OPERATIVE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION WITH TISSUE EXPANDER
RECONSTRUCTION
CASE 2: STAGED TISSUE EXPANDER PLACEMENT, WITH IMPLANT PLACEMENT FOR SYMMETRY ON OPPOSITE BREAST
PRE-OPERATIVE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
POST-OPERATIVE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
WITH TISSUE EXPANDERS AND IMPLANT PLACEMENT
