Breast Reconstruction

Losing a breast to cancer is an extremely upsetting event. Fortunately, with the latest surgical advancements, there are excellent ways to recreate a normal-appearing breast after mastectomy through breast reconstruction. Recreating the breast is a critical step for many women in restoring self-confidence and quality of life.

Breast which have been reconstructed may not look exactly like the breast which was lost. It’s important for breast reconstruction candidates to be able to understand this and have realistic expectations for the procedure and outcome. Ideal candidates should be in good health and not suffering from any condition which would hinder proper healing and recovery. Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or be delayed months or even years after cancer treatments have been completed.

During your consultation Dr. Mirabile will ask questions pertaining to your health, your lifestyle, as well as your goals for the procedure. At the consultation you will be informed of all applicable surgical options. This is also the appropriate time for you to address any concerns or questions you have, and to discuss what the best plan for achieving your aesthetic goals.

Pre-surgical protocol may include getting tested or evaluated, taking or adjusting medications. If you are a smoker, it’s important to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure. Dr. Mirabile and his staff will advise you what to do prior to the day of the procedure. Let’s take a look at some of the basic issues related to breast reconstruction:

• Breast reconstruction may take place at the time of mastectomy or in a delayed fashion. Plans of the surgical oncologist may impact timing. The plastic surgeon and mastectomy surgeon need to coordinate a plan, considering patient desires.
• There are different techniques used for breast reconstruction including implant or tissue reconstructions. Tissue reconstruction use the abdominal or back tissue most commonly. In a TRAM flap, donated muscle, fat and skin from the abdomen is used to reconstruct the breast. In a Latissimus Dorsi Flap, the muscle, fat and skin is donated from the back and tunneled to the reconstruction site. An implant may be necessary to achieve the volume necessary .These “flap” techniques often require at least another surgical stage for fine tuning and nipple reconstruction. Patients usually stay in the hospital one to two nights after these reconstructive procedures. View real results utilizing the “flap” techniques and visit our patient education section to learn more about this procedure.
• Breast Implant reconstruction is another option and does not impact other body regions for the reconstructive surgery. While implant reconstruction with tissue expansion may present a shorter surgical procedure and easier recovery, the process continues into the postoperative period with skin expansion. An expander will be filled over four to six months to achieve the volume necessary to match the opposite breast. In a later stage, a permanent implant will be place, and nipple reconstruction will be performed.
• There are different techniques used for breast reconstructions including implant or tissue reconstructions. Tissue reconstruction uses the abdominal or back tissue most commonly. In a TRAM flap, donated muscle, fat and skin from the abdomen is used to reconstruct the breast. In a Latissimus Dorsi Flap, the muscle, fat and skin is donated from the back and tunnedled to the reconstruction site. An implant may be necessary to achieve the volume necessary. These “flap” techniques often require at least another surgical stage for fine tuning and nipple reconstruction. Patients usually stay in the hospital one to two nights after these reconstructive procedures. View real results utilizing the “flap” techniques and visit our patient education section to learn more about this procedure.
• Breast Implant reconstruction is another option and does not impact other body regions for the reconstructive surgery. While implant reconstruction with tissue expansion may present a shorter surgical procedure and easier recovery, the process continues into the postoperative period with skin expansion. An expander will be filled over four to six months to achieve the volume necessary to match the opposite breast. In a later stage, a permanent implant will be placed, and nipple reconstruction will be performed.