What is Breast Reconstruction?
A mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital asymmetry may leave you with uneven breasts or little to no breast tissue. This can affect you far beyond your physical well-being, hindering your self-confidence, body image, and sexuality. Breast reconstruction surgery can restore your natural breast form, making them even, symmetrical, and harmonious. The improved physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing many women feel following a breast reconstruction is well-described and has been extensively studied.
Breast reconstruction surgery typically encompasses multiple steps, depending on the technique you and your plastic surgeon elect. This life-changing process can begin at the time of the mastectomy or later, depending on what works best for your specific circumstance.
Let our plastic surgeons guide you through your reconstructive journey as they use their artistry to reconstruct your breasts and showcase your natural beauty.
What are the benefits?
After breast reconstruction surgery at Optum Plastic Surgery in New York, you can expect:
- Restoration of symmetrical breasts and fundamental feminine form
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Balanced bodily proportions
Who is the ideal candidate?
Women who have experienced a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or who otherwise have asymmetric breasts may all be great candidates for breast reconstruction. Ideally, a candidate:
- Is physically and emotionally capable of undergoing multiple surgeries required for breast reconstruction
- Has a positive attitude and realistic expectations for their outcome
- Maintains a healthy weight
- Is a non-smoker
The timing and the techniques utilized for a breast reconstruction often involve complex decision making which takes into consideration a variety of factors including, but not limited to, a patient’s anatomy, mental / physical well-being, and the need for chemo or radiation therapy. Your reconstructive surgeon will help you navigate this decision making and arrive at a personalized treatment plan that is both safe and meets your individual expectations.
What can I expect from recovery?
After your breast reconstruction, you will experience some pain. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication as needed to alleviate some of the discomfort. During surgery, your surgeon may also temporarily place surgical drains to help decrease excess fluid from the breasts. You will be encouraged to move your arms soon after surgery, but your upper body movement may be limited for a few weeks.
Bruising, soreness, and swelling are normal and will subside with time. Your plastic surgeon will closely monitor your progress with follow-up appointments, and regular activities can typically be resumed 6-8 weeks after your breast reconstruction.
What type of techniques are available?
There are two fundamental types of breast reconstruction procedures: implant-based reconstruction and tissue-based (or “flap”) reconstruction.
Following your breast reconstruction, you may consider nipple reconstruction. This is a simple outpatient procedure that completes the breast reconstruction journey.
Depending on your situation, your surgeon will make recommendations and help you decide which procedure is best suited to your specific circumstance.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction utilizes saline or silicone breast implants to form the reconstructed breast mounds. A tissue expander (temporary, adjustable implant) is generally placed as a first stop, either at the time of mastectomy or later, to help prepare the body for final breast implant placement. In a second surgical procedures, typically several months following tissue expander placement, the tissue expander is removed and replaced with permanent silicone or saline implants. Other reconstructive modifications may be performed at that time.
Flap reconstruction
Flap reconstruction uses a combination of your own body fat and connective tissue, and in rarer cases, muscles to reconstruct the breasts. This technique may also include placement of tissue expanders to create an appropriate shaped pocket for the subsequent flap transfer or breast implants at a later procedure for a fuller look in select cases.
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical steps of breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction is a very general term for restoration of the breast mound(s) following a partial or complete mastectomy, or in cases of profound breast asymmetry, and is highly individualized for each patient. In general, breasts can be reconstructed with implants or one’s own tissue. If an implant is being used for breast reconstruction, the first stage (may be performed either at the time of your mastectomy or at a later day. Your surgeon will determine with you what the best timing would be in your case.), may be performed at the time of your mastectomy. Several months later, in a second procedure, the tissue expander(s) are removed and replaced with permanent implants.
If one’s own tissue is being used to reconstruct the breasts, this is performed as a separate procedure typically several months following the mastectomy. A tissue expander may be recommended as a preconstruction step prior to the flap reconstruction.
What are the risks involved with breast reconstruction?
The risks of a breast reconstruction are highly variable depending on the type of reconstruction being performed. Your surgeons will review the risks of all stages of breast reconstruction with you at the time of your consultation.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Depending on the type of reconstruction being performed, a breast reconstruction will either be performed in a hospital (typically the same hospital as your mastectomy) or at our outpatient surgery center.
What results should I expect after a breast reconstruction?
Restoration of greater breast symmetry and a more natural feminine form.
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