Breast Reconstruction Surgery after Mastectomy

If you are considering breast reconstruction after undergoing or planning to have a mastectomy for breast cancer, it's important that you understand your options.

This procedure can be complicated and difficult to select the best one based on individual circumstances. Therefore, it is essential that an experienced medical professional evaluate all possibilities before making any decisions about breast augmentation techniques in order for the most successful outcome.

Don't hesitate to reach out today for more information!

What factors affect the choice of breast reconstruction method?

Numerous factors are taken into consideration when determining the best breast reconstruction method for a specific patient, including existing breast tissue size and shape, type of mastectomy performed or planned, past treatments (such as radiation therapy), surgical risk factors like cigarette smoking and weight gain, availability of autologous tissue for reconstruction purposes, tumor location in the breast area, as well as overall health standing.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction is an intricate process that can take several months to fully complete and requires numerous visits with your doctor and sometimes several procedures.

One option for reconstructive surgery is the use of temporary implants (tissue expanders) placed during the mastectomy surgery, which are later replaced by permanent breast implants for a more natural look.

Autologous flap reconstruction involves transfer of tissue such as fat, muscle or skin from areas of the body like buttocks, abdomen and back. If you're interested in considering this option, various forms of autologous reconstructions are available – ranging from Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap to Profunda Artery Perforator (PAP) flap techniques – all designed specially to help rebuild breasts after cancer treatment.

Why choose Adam Levy, MD for Breast Reconstruction?

Dr. Levy is a board certified plastic surgeon who offers the latest advancements in breast reconstruction surgery, including fat grafting, autologous flap reconstructions and implant-based reconstructive procedures. He has extensive experience in performing these complex surgeries utilizing the most advanced technology to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care and results.

Dr. Levy is devoted to providing customized attention for every patient in his care, crafting a plan of action that perfectly fits the individual's needs and lifestyle while ensuring maximum comfort throughout their breast reconstruction experience.

Understanding that the decision to undergo surgery can be a stressful and difficult process, he creates an environment where you will feel supported as you take on this journey.

We work closely with medical oncologists, breast surgical oncologists and radiologic oncologists to make sure that your breast cancer treatment plan optimally suits your health and aesthetic needs. We are also experienced in dealing with insurance companies to ensure you receive the best coverage for your procedure.

You have plenty on your plate right now. Dr. Levy is here to help you make an informed decision about your breast cancer surgery. Contact us today for more information!

What kind of follow-up care and rehabilitation is needed after breast reconstruction?

Following breast reconstruction, patients typically require follow-up visits to monitor the healing process, especially if breast reconstruction requires a staged approach. Recovery varies depending on the type of reconstruction, though most patients can expect to resume normal activity within a few weeks to two months.

Rehabilitation following breast reconstruction may include physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility in the chest area. We offer in-house post-mastectomy therapists that are here to help you with the rehabilitation process. Our occupational therapists will work closely with you to create an individualized plan for your recovery, helping restore strength and range of motion, as well as reducing pain in the chest area.

What are the first steps in breast reconstruction?

The first step in breast reconstruction is to consult with a plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure. At your initial consultation, you will discuss all your options for reconstruction and learn more about which technique might be best for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your body type, desired shape and size, as well as any prior surgery or radiation that you may have received to craft an individualized treatment plan.

Once you and your plastic surgeon decide on a procedure, they will guide you through preoperative instructions that includes any necessary testing and preparation prior to surgery. During this time it is important to ask questions and express any concerns that you may have.

Our team is here to make sure that you are well-informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.

How do surgeons use tissue from a woman's own body to reconstruct the breast?

Autologous tissue reconstruction is a reconstructive breast surgery that utilizes skin, fat, blood vessels, and even muscle to achieve the desired result.

These tissues are referred to as 'flaps,' which can be taken from various areas of your body - most commonly abdominal or back tissue - but sometimes even from one's thigh area!

Depending on the circumstances, we employ two methods for this purpose: pedicled or free-flap procedures. Pedicled flaps transfer the tissue to the chest area with intact main blood vessels, while free-flap procedures require microsurgery to connect the blood vessels of the flap and donor site. A free flap disconnects the flap from the donor site, allowing it to be relocated elsewhere in the body, such as the chest.

Autologous reconstruction can provide excellent results and maintain a natural look as it utilizes your own tissue. Autologous tissue reconstruction can provide both delayed and immediate reconstruction options, depending on the patient's needs. In either case, the procedure is highly specialized and requires a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in autologous tissue transfer.

How do surgeons reconstruct the nipple and areola?

The nipple and areola can be reconstructed during the breast reconstruction process. This procedure is typically performed once the new breast has healed and reached its final shape and size.

The surgeon will create a mound of skin with the correct shape and size to mimic the nipple. A specialized tattoo artist or plastic surgeon can then create a realistic-looking areola. This may involve several sessions to achieve the desired look and color.

Our surgeons take great care to ensure that your nipple reconstruction look as natural as possible.

How do surgeons use implants to reconstruct a woman's breast?

Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common procedure performed after mastectomy for breast cancer. This type of reconstruction uses saline or silicone implants to create the desired shape and size of the reconstructed breast.

Staged Tissue Expander - Implant based reconstruction

Staged tissue expander reconstruction is a multi-step process that can be used to restore the size, shape, and contour of the reconstructed breast. This technique begins with a tissue expander placed beneath above (pre-pec) or below the chest muscle (pectoralis major), which is slowly filled with saline over several weeks in order to stretch the skin and create a pocket for an implant. After the desired size is achieved, the tissue expander is removed and replaced with a silicone or saline implant.

This technique can provide excellent results and is often preferred due to its relatively short recovery time compared to other techniques. During the consultation process, your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks associated with this technique.

Why use tissue expanders?

The decision to use the staged tissue expander implant reconstruction technique over the direct-to-implant reconstruction technique is based on many factors, including the patient’s anatomy and skin quality.

Staged tissue expander implant reconstruction allows us to adjust the size of the breast gradually, which can be beneficial for women who desire a larger implant size than what their current body can accommodate.

This technique also eliminates the possible complications associated with one-step reconstruction, such as implant malposition, displacement and mastectomy skin necrosis. Additionally, it provides more control over the aesthetics of the breast reconstruction, allowing us to craft a look that meets the patient’s needs.

What is direct-to-implant based reconstruction?

Direct-to-implant reconstruction is a single-step procedure that can be used to reconstruct the breast mound after mastectomy. This technique uses an implant that is placed directly into the chest cavity without the need for a tissue expander.

This technique can provide excellent results and has a shorter recovery time than staged tissue expander implant reconstruction. This type of breast reconstruction, however, is not suitable for all patients and your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of this technique during the consultation process.

Will health insurance cover breast reconstruction?

WHCRA (Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act) guarantees that most health insurance plans cover the cost of breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider regarding the specifics of coverage.

At our practice, we understand that a breast reconstruction can be an emotional and financial burden for many women. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and making sure that our patients receive the coverage they need.

Our staff is here to help you navigate the process and ensure that your breast reconstruction is covered.

What factors affect the timing of breast reconstruction?

The timing of breast reconstruction surgery depends on many factors, including the type of mastectomy performed and whether or not radiation therapy is needed.

Depending on the situation, your surgeon may recommend waiting several months or even years after the mastectomy before beginning reconstruction.

Other factors that may affect the timing of your breast reconstruction include the patient's overall health and body type even years before undergoing breast reconstruction.

For instance, if you have undergone a mastectomy and plan to undergo radiation therapy, your surgeon may recommend waiting a few months after the radiation is complete before completing the next stage of your reconstruction. This allows time for the chest tissue to heal and ensures that the reconstruction has the best possible outcome as radiation can greatly impact wound healing and increase risk of infection.

Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more information about what factors could affect the timing of your breast reconstruction and work with you to develop a timeline that meets your needs.