Breast Reconstruction

For women who have had to undergo a mastectomy, double mastectomy, or lumpectomy, a breast reconstruction surgery can improve your self-confidence and help you feel like yourself again. There are many different options available to reconstruct the breast and we will discuss the them in detail to you before choosing the most suitable method, because of the variations and sensitivity of the process.

PROCEDURES

We will create a customized treatment plan specifically for you. There are several different ways in which your breast reconstruction can be accomplished:

Flap Techniques

These procedures (such as TRAM flap, DIEP flap, SGAP flap, and latissiumus dorsi flap) use muscle, fat and skin from other parts of your body such as your abdomen, buttocks, or back to recreate a breast mound. The donor tissue is often tunneled to the mastectomy site and remains attached to its original blood supply. In many cases, a flap technique may be combined with a breast implant and/or fat transfer.

Tissue Expansion

With tissue expansion, an expander will be placed underneath the skin and be filled gradually to stretch the skin, making room for an implant. This procedure, although time consuming, can have the advantage of quicker and easier recovery when compared to flap procedures.

Breast Impants

A breast implant (either saline or silicone) can be used to recreate the breast mound. This is often combined with flap techniques, tissue expansion or fat transfer.

PROCEDURES

We will create a customized treatment plan specifically for you. There are several different ways in which your breast reconstruction can be accomplished:

Flap Techniques

These procedures (such as TRAM flap, DIEP flap, SGAP flap, and latissiumus dorsi flap) use muscle, fat and skin from other parts of your body such as your abdomen, buttocks, or back to recreate a breast mound. The donor tissue is often tunneled to the mastectomy site and remains attached to its original blood supply. In many cases, a flap technique may be combined with a breast implant and/or fat transfer.

Tissue Expansion

With tissue expansion, an expander will be placed underneath the skin and be filled gradually to stretch the skin, making room for an implant. This procedure, although time consuming, can have the advantage of quicker and easier recovery when compared to flap procedures.

Breast Impants

A breast implant (either saline or silicone) can be used to recreate the breast mound. This is often combined with flap techniques, tissue expansion or fat transfer.

RECOVERY

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a week or two after implant surgery, and longer after flap procedures. We will give you medicines to control pain and other discomfort. You may be discharged with one or more drains in place, but should be up and around in 6-8 weeks. You will want to avoid any overhead lifting, strenuous sports, and some sexual activities for 4 to 6 weeks after reconstruction.

FAQ

Am I a good candidate?

When is the best time to have breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction typically involves several procedures performed in multiple stages. It can begin at the same time as your mastectomy, or be delayed until you heal from your mastectomy and recover from any additional cancer treatments. It’s important that you feel ready for the emotional adjustment involved in breast reconstruction, as it may take some time to accept the results of breast reconstruction.

How much does the procedure cost?