Breast Reconstruction - Post-Mastectomy Surgery
Breast reconstruction, commonly performed following mastectomy, is a comprehensive procedure to recreate the breast.
Breast reconstruction consists of two major stages: Breast mound reconstruction and follow up procedures to create a new nipple and to enhance the symmetry and balance of the reconstructed breast with the natural breast.
Breast mound reconstruction
Breast mound reconstruction may be accomplished by many different techniques. A breast implant can be placed after adequate tissue expansion or in combination with a flap. Alternatively, the breast can be reconstructed with the patients' own tissue. This can only be done with the use of a flap of tissue from another part of the body.
Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion involves implanting a device called an expander, which is simply an expandable implant that can be slowly increased in size, encouraging new skin growth in the breast area. Some skin expansion procedures use expanders that can be used as the final implant, while other procedures require the expander to be removed and replaced with a permanent implant after the skin has expanded to accommodate the new breast mound.
Flap Reconstruction
Flap breast reconstruction, an alternative to tissue expansion, involves transferring a flap of tissue from the abdomen, back, or buttocks onto the breast mound. This procedure is more difficult than skin expansion, and requires more healing time, but many patients and doctors feel that it produces more natural looking results.
Follow Up Breast Reconstruction Procedures
Once the breast mound is completed, many women opt to have additional procedures done to 'finish' their new breasts. These procedures may consist of one or more of the following:
- Recreation of the nipple, using a combination of sculpting techniques and tattooing, to create a realistic looking nipple and areola.
- Breast reduction of the other breast, to recreate symmetry.
- Replacement of the tissue expander implant with a permanent implant, to perfect the size and balance of the breasts.
- A breast lift procedure, to lift the remaining breast so that it is symmetrical to the newly created breast.
When considering a breast reconstruction procedure, it is important to consult with a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Bray as early as possible. In some cases, the breast reconstruction procedure can be started during the mastectomy procedure. Your plastic surgeon can help you evaluate your options, assess your risks and goals, and reach the best possible solution for your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Breast Reconstruction Questions
To learn more about breast reconstruction procedures, or for assistance in evaluating your options and planning your breast reconstruction procedure, call or email our breast surgeon today to schedule a consultation.
