Breast Reconstruction
Breast cancer affects women (and some men) of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. Cancer patients with this life-threatening disease often will be treated with a lumpectomy or mastectomy breast cancer treatment, in which breast tissue is removed to reduce the spread of cancer. Many women are naturally concerned with how they will look and feel after having one of these operations and choose to have breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction surgery can restore the breast, including the nipple and areola, and help women feel whole again.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is an opportunity to move forward, and we can help make it the best experience possible for you. There is a wide array of techniques available to reconstruct a natural breast shape, and our medical team can discuss the best approach for you during your initial consultation. Your individual body type, needs and goals are carefully considered to find the optimal course of action. Contact us today for more information about this procedure or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our surgeons.
Is Breast Reconstruction Right for You?
Whether you wish to undergo breast reconstruction is up to you, and not all women choose to do so. Our plastic surgeons will be happy to help guide you by explaining what can be done and what the expected results might be.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
The benefits of breast reconstruction are many, varied, and unique to each person. That said, in general, patients find that breast reconstruction can:
- Restore breast contour
- Enhance breast symmetry
- Develop the size and shape of the breast
- Restore a sense of wholeness and femininity
- Improve patient psychology and physical recovery following a mastectomy
You may discover other benefits as well. During your initial meeting with our plastic surgeons, you will discuss your concerns and goals, allowing them to customize a treatment plan that can help you feel like yourself again.
Our Approach to Breast Reconstruction
Reconstructive surgery is designed to restore the contour and volume of the breast after the cancer is removed. Treatment following a lumpectomy will be approached differently from treatment following a mastectomy. In a lumpectomy, a portion of breast tissue will be removed, which may leave a dent or bulge in the breast. Mastectomy involves the removal of the whole breast, including the nipple and areola. If one breast is removed, a symmetry procedure can be performed to make the breasts appear more similar. This operation may include breast augmentation, breast reduction, and/or breast lift.
Implant reconstruction is an option after mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Breast tissue is replaced using silicone breast implants to restore the breast’s shape and volume, and fat grafting can be added to achieve a more natural-looking appearance.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
In cases of mastectomy, areola and nipple reconstruction are often reserved until months after the breast tissue has been restored. This procedure utilizes a piece of breast skin to create the nipple. The areola can then be created from a skin graft or a tattoo, depending on the needs and goals of the patient.
Recovery Following Breast Reconstruction
The healing process following reconstruction procedures plays an essential role in the outcome of your new breasts. Every person’s recovery will be different and dependent upon their unique rate of healing, the type of reconstructive technique used, and various other factors. Commonly, patients experience swelling and bruising after the surgery, and these symptoms should gradually fade over several days. Some discomfort is to be expected, although it is usually mild and can be managed with prescription medication. Although your experience may differ, many women can return to work and normal daily activity after about one to two weeks, with more strenuous movement, such as weight lifting and vigorous exercise, to be avoided for at least six weeks. Our medical team will provide a comprehensive list of instructions to help make your recovery experience as pleasant, smooth, and swift as possible. If you have any questions outside of checkups, we welcome your phone calls at our office.
FAQs About Breast Reconstruction
How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost?
We understand that cost is an important part of your decision. Our practice does not accept any insurance but partners with reputable financing companies that offer payment plans with interest-free loans and appealing terms. If you are looking for insurance coverage, please contact your insurance carrier for options.
Does breast reconstruction have any risks?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction is considered safe. However, as with any surgery, breast reconstruction does have some risks which include anesthesia risks, infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing
How soon can I have breast reconstruction following a mastectomy?
How soon you can have breast reconstruction will be determined by you and your team of health care providers, including your oncologist and plastic surgeon. Some women undergo immediate breast reconstruction which is performed at the same time as a mastectomy. Others will have delayed reconstruction, which takes place once the tissue has healed enough for the next stage of reconstruction, typically two to six months following mastectomy.
Schedule Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation
Our surgeons are the primary reconstructive surgeons at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, and they have a vast amount of experience with all types of simple and complex breast and oncology reconstruction. We invite you to contact our office in Las Vegas at (702) 948-7595 to schedule your complimentary appointment.
1 ASPS. What are the risks of breast reconstruction? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction/safety. Accessed October 21, 2022..
2 NIH. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy. Available: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/reconstruction-fact-sheet. Accessed October 21, 2022.
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This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.