What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is commonly performed as part of breast cancer therapy, helping women regain their self-confidence, body image, and overall well-being. Through breast reconstruction surgery, women can restore their breasts’ size, contour, symmetry, and appearance. Our experienced plastic surgeon works closely with breast reconstruction patients to understand their goals and develop customized treatment plans that address their needs. At Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we believe in empowering our patients through compassionate care and comprehensive support.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction
Ideal candidates for breast reconstruction are women who have undergone mastectomy surgery or lumpectomy as part of their breast cancer therapy and are seeking to restore their physical appearance and emotional well-being.
Good candidates include those who are in stable health, have realistic expectations about the surgical outcomes, and are emotionally ready to embark on the reconstructive journey. Whether you’re considering immediate reconstruction following your mastectomy or delayed reconstruction months or years later, our experienced team works closely with your oncologist and surgeon to determine the optimal timing for your unique situation.
Candidates should be prepared for the recovery process and understand that breast reconstruction is often a multi-stage procedure that requires patience and commitment to achieve the best results. At Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we believe every woman deserves to feel whole and confident in her body after cancer therapy, and we’re dedicated to providing personalized breast reconstruction options that honor your individual goals and circumstances.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
One of the most significant advantages is restoring a woman’s self-esteem and body confidence. Breast cancer can take a toll on a woman’s emotional well-being, often causing feelings of insecurity and loss of femininity. Women can reclaim their bodies and regain their self-identity by undergoing this procedure, improving their psychological well-being.
The procedure allows women to resume normal daily activities with increased comfort and confidence in their appearance. It helps restore balance in body proportions, making it easier for clothes to fit correctly and improving posture. The physical benefits also extend beyond aesthetics. Reconstructive surgery can address discomfort caused by prosthetics or clothing restrictions necessary after mastectomy.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction presents a multifaceted process with various breast reconstruction techniques for women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. There are three primary types of breast reconstruction: implant-based, autologous tissue-based, and oncoplastic breast reduction.
The implant-based approach employs silicone or saline implants to create a new breast mound. Its benefits include shorter surgery time, quicker recovery, and achieving symmetry by adjusting the implant’s size and shape. Often, direct to implant based reconstruction can be performed the same day as the mastectomy. This offers quicker recovery from surgery and may potentially help expedite post-mastectomy radiation or chemotherapy treatments. Sometimes implant-based reconstructions require two stage surgery, where a tissue expander is placed after the mastectomy. After a few months, the tissue expander is removed and replaced with a permanent breast implant.
Autologous tissue-based reconstruction involves using the patient’s tissue from other body areas like the abdomen, back, or thighs to reconstruct the breast. This technique yields a more natural appearance without the maintenance of an implant. Modern surgical techniques using a microscope transfer abdominal tissue to the chest to create breasts. This procedure is often referred to as deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap technique. The recovery process is slightly longer with this procedure and requires patients to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery for close monitoring.
Oncoplastic breast reduction is a hybrid reconstructive technique that is performed after lumpectomy (partial breast tissue removal). After the breast surgeon removes the breast tissue that is concerning, the surgeon will rearrange the breast tissue to create a more perky, smaller, and naturally shaped breast.
Recovery from Breast Reconstruction
Recovery and healing are integral parts of the breast reconstruction process. After undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy, women often face physical and emotional challenges. The recovery period will look different for every patient. Expect pain management and allow time for the incisions to heal.
Patients need access to support services during the healing process. Aesthera Plastic Surgery strives to create a supportive environment where patients can feel safe as they navigate their new reality and gain restore self confidence.
Breast reconstruction surgery allows women who have undergone breast cancer treatment to feel capable and in control. Through our dedication to reconstructive solutions tailored to each patient’s circumstances, we aim to help them achieve long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional healing after breast cancer surgery.
Breast Surgery Unveiled Guide
Download the exclusive The Complete Guide to Transformative Breast Surgery to learn more about our aesthetic treatments.
Long-Term Results and Satisfaction with Breast Reconstruction
Long-term results and satisfaction are crucial aspects of breast reconstruction surgery. This procedure’s goal is to restore the physical appearance of the breasts and improve a woman’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
For many breast cancer survivors, having breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy significantly affects their long-term satisfaction. They can feel whole again by undergoing breast reconstruction, helping them overcome the psychological impact of losing one or both breasts. This boost in self-confidence often leads to improved mental health and enables women to embrace their bodies again.
Breast reconstruction offers long-lasting results that can impact a woman’s life for years. Once the reconstructive process is completed, patients can enjoy an improved silhouette under clothing and during intimate moments. These lasting physical changes contribute significantly to overall patient satisfaction by allowing women to move forward confidently after cancer treatment.
At Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we understand that each patient’s journey is unique, so our skilled surgeons work closely with individuals throughout the reconstructive process. Our commitment goes beyond just restoring physical appearance; it extends into providing emotional support and personalized solutions tailored to each woman’s needs. We strive to achieve exceptional long-term results while ensuring our patients’ utmost satisfaction.
Breast Reconstruction Cost
The cost of breast reconstruction varies based on several personalized factors, and at Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we believe in providing transparent pricing information during your consultation.
Your investment in breast reconstruction depends on the specific technique chosen – whether using implants, your own tissue (autologous reconstruction), or a combination approach – as well as whether you’re pursuing immediate or delayed reconstruction and the complexity of your individual case.
We’re proud to work with most major insurance providers, as breast reconstruction following mastectomy is typically covered under federal legislation, and our dedicated patient coordinators will verify your benefits and help navigate the insurance process to ensure you understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses. Your investment includes our comprehensive approach to care from initial consultation through your complete healing journey, encompassing all pre-operative planning, the surgical procedure, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reconstruction
When should I get a breast reconstruction done?
Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or delayed until later, depending on each patient’s preferences.This is often a team discussion involving the patient, oncologist, breast surgeon and the plastic surgeon to figure out the optimal timing for breast reconstruction.
How will reconstructed breasts feel different than my natural breasts?
People who undergo breast reconstruction report differences in how reconstructed breasts move with your body. Other reported changes include sensitivity levels, texture, and weight. Every person’s experience will be different. Talk to an Aesthera surgeon before doing a breast reconstruction to get a clear idea of what to expect after the operation.
Will I have sensation in my breasts after reconstruction?
During mastectomy, the sensory nerves are cut to remove all the breast tissue. In the past, women did not have an option to have breast sensation after mastectomy. Recent innovations in plastic surgery have led to novel surgical techniques where the sensory nerves are reconnected using a nerve graft. This can be performed with implant-based or autologous tissue-based reconstruction. The return of sensation is not immediate and often it takes up to a year for patients to start experiencing sensation.
Does radiation have an impact on my breast reconstruction?
Radiation therapy is often required as part of breast cancer treatment. By working closely with the radiation oncologist, the plastic surgeon can help manage some of the detrimental effects of radiation. The complication rates after radiation are much higher and during your consultation with Dr. CV Chegireddy, he will review the risks and tailor an individualized surgical plan to minimize complications.
What should I expect regarding my opposite breast and the overall reconstruction process?
Breast reconstruction is a comprehensive journey that involves multiple procedures performed over several months to achieve optimal results.
During your initial consultation, we'll discuss how to address your opposite breast to ensure symmetry, which may involve a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation to match your reconstructed side. The reconstruction process focuses on restoring your breast skin's natural contour and creating a normal shape that complements your body.
Our goal is to create a natural looking breast that helps restore your confidence while also planning for nipple reconstruction as a final step in the process.
What factors should I consider when choosing between different breast reconstruction techniques?
When selecting the most appropriate reconstructive surgery approach, several key factors influence the decision-making process. The choice between implant-based reconstruction with a permanent implant versus autologous tissue reconstruction depends on your individual anatomy, the condition of your remaining breast skin, and your desired breast shape. Your surgeon will evaluate implant placement options, including positioning above or below the chest muscle, to achieve the most natural results.
Health insurance typically covers breast reconstruction procedures, and our patient care team will help verify your benefits and coverage details. Many women find that discussing their lifestyle, recovery preferences, and aesthetic goals helps determine the best technique for their situation.
Post-surgical care includes specific instructions to reduce swelling and promote optimal healing, with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a symmetrical appearance between both breasts.
What can I expect if I'm developing breast cancer and need reconstruction for only one breast?
When developing breast cancer affects only one breast, reconstruction focuses on restoring that woman's breast while achieving symmetry with the unaffected side. The surgical approach may involve other procedures on the healthy breast to ensure balanced results.
During reconstruction, a small incision is made for implant placement, whether using a tissue expander initially or proceeding directly to a permanent implant depending on your specific case. Our goal is to restore a natural breast shape that closely matches your normal shape and proportions.
Through careful surgical planning and technique, we work to achieve optimal results that meet your expected results for both appearance and symmetry, helping you feel confident and whole again after treatment.
Experience Aesthera
Our team understands breast cancer survivors’ physical and emotional journey, and we are dedicated to providing personalized reconstructive solutions that meet your unique aesthetic needs. Schedule an appointment today to discuss how breast reconstruction can positively impact your physical appearance and emotional well-being. Let us be a part of this transformative journey.
Experience Aesthera
Our team understands breast cancer survivors’ physical and emotional journey, and we are dedicated to providing personalized reconstructive solutions that meet your unique aesthetic needs. Schedule an appointment today to discuss how breast reconstruction can positively impact your physical appearance and emotional well-being. Let us be a part of this transformative journey.