Breast Reconstruction
For many patients battling breast cancer, the loss of a breast or both breasts is a life altering but necessary step towards physical well-being. Breast reconstruction involves restoring the look of the breasts after lumpectomy or mastectomy, often with the use of implants or the patient’s own tissue from elsewhere on the body.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Kevin Day, MD recognizes the vulnerability and sensitivity experienced by women undergoing breast cancer treatment. At Brighter Day Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Day and his compassionate team know that reconstructive surgery can be a key part of the healing process. They have seen firsthand how breast reconstruction helps patients take back what was lost, gain greater self-confidence, and achieve results that look both natural and beautiful.
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“The entire team follows the example of Dr. Day… Welcoming, warm, and professional. I have never before experienced such a healing atmosphere; Dr. Day is a stellar surgeon and person.”
What Are My Breast Reconstruction Options?
Breast Reconstruction with an Implant
Breast reconstruction with a breast implant is a procedure that restores the shape of the breast after mastectomy. This treatment involves placing a saline or silicone breast implant under the chest muscle or breast skin. Sometimes a temporary specialized implant known as a tissue expander is used first to develop a stable pocket for the permanent implant. Reconstruction can begin immediately following mastectomy or be delayed until after other cancer treatments are complete. The goal is to create a breast shape as close as possible to the natural breast.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Autologous breast reconstruction is a surgical technique that uses a patient’s own tissue, typically from the abdomen, back, buttocks, or thighs, to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. Unlike implant-based reconstruction, this method involves transferring skin, fat, and sometimes muscle to create a new breast mound. This type of reconstruction aims to achieve a more natural look and feel, as it uses the patient’s own body tissues. It is often preferred by women who want a natural-feeling breast without the use of implants. The surgery can be very complex and requires a skilled reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Day.
What Does the Breast Reconstruction Process Involve?
The breast reconstruction process typically begins with a consultation where Dr. Day and the patient discuss goals, the different reconstruction options (implant or autologous tissue), and the timing of the surgery. The choice between implant-based and autologous reconstruction depends on individual preferences, medical history, and body type.
The process of implant based reconstruction typically begins with a surgical placement of a tissue expander which establishes the size and shape of the reconstructed breasts. This is followed by a second surgery to place the permanent implant. Autologous reconstruction involves transferring tissue from another part of the body to the chest to form a new breast mound. This can sometimes necessitate the use of a surgical microscope and tiny sutures to reconnect blood vessels.
Both procedures may require multiple surgeries for optimal results. Adjunct procedures such as nipple repositioning, nipple/areola tattooing, and fat grafting may also be recommended. If only one breast is being reconstructed, other procedures such as a breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction can be performed to achieve a more symmetrical bustline.
What Can I Expect After Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction results will likely be determined by the procedure choice, incision technique, and a patient’s body type and quality of skin. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Day, results are more likely to be long-lasting and natural-looking.
Recovery following breast reconstruction may include some discomfort and swelling. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication can often help patients feel more comfortable as they heal. Dr. Day recommends that patients limit their daily activities to light walks before slowly returning to their normal routines after several weeks. Rigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Patients will need to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and complete the tissue expansion process when tissue expanders are used.
Altered sensation or numbness may follow breast reconstruction surgery, and while those feelings may subside over time, some patients may notice longer-term changes in breast sensation. Dr. Day will go over all risks and potential side effects of this treatment before the procedure and address all questions and concerns.
Is Breast Reconstruction Covered by Insurance?
While the cost of breast reconstruction may vary between patients, the surgery is often covered by insurance. It is federally mandated that breast reconstruction is not considered a strictly cosmetic operation. If insurance previously covered a patient’s mastectomy, there is a good chance breast reconstruction will also be included. We recommend discussing your personal coverage with your insurance provider. A member of our team will also be happy to assist you with questions.
Contact Brighter Day Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery today for more information on breast reconstruction surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Day.