Breast Reconstruction
Rebuilding confidence.
Breast Reconstruction Breast Reconstruction Approaches
Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction utilizes an implant comprised of saltwater (saline), or silicone gel. Implant reconstruction typically involves a shorter hospital stay and operative times, as well as a quicker recovery and return to daily activity. Your surgeon will discuss the advantages of each type of implant, as well as the possible use of tissue expanders in your reconstruction.
Autologous or Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction utilizes tissue from another part of your body (autologous), from areas such as your belly, back or thigh. Because your own tissue is used in the procedure, there is no risk of rejection by your body, regardless of the addition of implants. Flap reconstruction is an intricate process, which can lead to increased procedure times. In addition, there is more recovery time after flap reconstruction as there are multiple surgery sites. The final results can be more natural-appearing than implant reconstruction.
In contrast to breast implants that are silicone bodies that can create scarring along with other risks, flaps replace breast with fat so that they deliver lasting and consistent results.
Combined Implant and Flap Reconstruction
There are certain situations where a combination of implant and flap in breast reconstruction is appropriate. If the patient would like to have a breast implant but does not have enough tissue to cover it, a flap reconstruction may be used. Certain patients also would like a fuller breast that cannot be achieved with a flap alone, and so a breast implant is used. It is also an excellent option for women who are having reconstruction on both sides but may not have enough tissue to cover the bilateral reconstruction.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Nipple and areola reconstruction helps give the breast a more natural look and feel. Nipple reconstruction is an easy procedure, and is usually done under sedation or light general anesthetic. It usually forms the shape using the local tissue from the surrounding area, or tissue from the opposite nipple. The areola can be reconstructed with a skin graft from the lower abdominal wall skin, groin crease, or the extra skin outside the mastectomy scar. Patients can also choose to have the nipple and areola tattooed, rather than using tissue. Tattoos use 3D color shading to give the visual illusion and depth of a nipple.
Breast Reconstruction What to Expect
There will be visible incision lines or scars, whether from mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction that may fade over time. The reconstructed breast should not be expected to look like a perfect match for your natural breast. If your breast reconstruction removes tissue from another part of your body, those areas will also look different post surgery. The entire breast reconstruction may involve follow-up procedures, such as the option to reconstruct your nipple and areola. Speak to your plastic surgeon and discuss the right solution and what else to expect during your breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction Risks & Complications
Patients should be aware a reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feeling as their natural breast. However, some of that feeling may return after a few years. The site where the tissue came from may experience loss in feeling or muscle strength. There may be problems with the breast implant, such as movement, leakage, rupture, or scar tissue formation. There is a chance of infection at the surgery site(s). Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the possible risks prior to your consent.
Rebuilding Confidence Breast Reconstruction in Lakewood Ranch, FL
Breast reconstruction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed at Palm Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The technology for breast reconstruction has greatly evolved and many women are choosing to have breast reconstruction as a vital part of their breast cancer treatment. Breast reconstruction is a solution for women who have had a breast removed (mastectomy) or parts of a breast removed (lumpectomy) due to sickness, such as breast cancer or a tumor. Breast reconstruction has a few approaches to rebuilding the breast mound—breast implant, flap reconstruction (autologous, combined implant and flap reconstruction), and nipple and areola reconstruction. According to your breast cancer treatment plan, the breast reconstruction can occur at the same time as the mastectomy or a few months or years after.
During the breast reconstruction procedure, a plastic surgeon rebuilds the breast shape using an artificial implant (implant reconstruction), a flap of tissue from another part of your body (autologous reconstruction), or a combination of the two.
Contact Palm Aesthetics at (941) 822-8955 for more information on Breast Reconstruction services. We serve the Sarasota communities of Ana Maria, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Parish and Siesta Key.