Breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery helps a woman restore the shape, size, and appearance of her breast after a mastectomy.
Women seeking breast reconstructive surgery should consult their surgeon to determine their candidacy for the procedure. Upon approval from an experienced and skilled surgeon, the next step will be a detailed, in-depth breast reconstruction consultation.
Such consultations prior to the mastectomy will allow the surgeon to devise the most suitable surgical plan for the patient. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides breast reconstruction to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Benefits
- Symmetrical appearance of the breasts in tight-fitting clothes
- Permanent breast shape restoration
- Replacement of synthetic prosthesis with natural breast
- Reacquiring self-confidence and self-esteem
Breast Reconstruction Options
Various types of breast reconstructive procedures are available to patients today. But these techniques involve multiple procedures over several months.
A candidate should comprehend every aspect of the procedure from the surgeon to make a well-informed choice.
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed using two main surgical techniques:
- Breast implant surgery with saline or silicone breast implants
- Tissue flap procedure that utilizes the body’s own tissue
Either one of these techniques is used in most cases. But, at times, the surgeon may decide to undertake a combination of the two techniques for more aesthetically appealing reconstruction results.
Additionally, the surgeon may perform fat grafting to create the appearance of remodeled breasts close to natural breasts.
In addition, they may reconstruct the areola or nipple for more complete breast reconstruction results. However, the nipple-areola complex will be devoid of any sensation.
Implant Breast Reconstruction
The surgeon will perform the implant reconstruction cosmetic surgery in multiple phases. At the outset, the surgeon will place a balloon expanded underneath the chest muscle to expand this area.
It may take several months for this region to expand appropriately to hold a breast implant. After that, the reconstructive procedure will be undertaken using an implant of an appropriate size and shape.
Flap Breast Reconstruction
The surgeon will commence the reconstructive process by removing excess tissue from donor areas such as the back, butt, or abdomen.
This tissue will then be purified before being grafted in the chest area to develop the chest mound. Sometimes the surgeon may also insert an implant simultaneously.
In the flap technique, more incisions may be necessary. This may cause slightly more scarring and an extended healing period. But the outcomes of the flap method can appear more natural and may be more sustainable compared to the implant method.
Reconstruction after Lumpectomy or Partial Mastectomy
Women who undergo lumpectomy or partial mastectomy do not necessarily have to consider breast reconstruction. But sometimes the patient may have to grow through life with misshapen breasts until they undergo breast reconstruction to restore the appearance of the deformed breasts.
Depending on the patient’s needs, the surgeon can place smaller implants or undertake fat grafting. Breast reconstruction surgery also has certain associated risks, similar to any surgical procedure.
The choice of the surgeon is the single most important factor determining the successful outcomes of the procedure. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.