Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a physical and emotional rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other condition. The creation of a new breast can dramatically improve your self-image, self-confidence and quality of life. Although surgery can give you a relatively natural looking breast, a reconstructed breast will never look or feel exactly the same as the breast that was removed.

Am I a Good Candidate for this procedure?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:

A

You are able to cope well with your diagnosis and treatment

A

You do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing

A

You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your breast and body image

Results from Real Patients

Considering Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Your Personal Consultation

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast shape and size. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you how your nipples and areolas will be repositioned.

If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed. In addition, a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to improve symmetry of the size and position of both breasts.

How Will My Plastic Surgeon Evaluate Me?

Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements and preoperative photographs for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated.

You should tell your plastic surgeon if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, particularly if you have noticed that your breasts sag or become smaller with weight loss.

What will the day of Surgery be like?

Your breast reconstruction will be performed at a surgical center. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. When surgery is complete, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings. You will be permitted to go home after a few hours.

Breast Reconstruction Results

The final results of breast reconstruction following mastectomy can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of mastectomy.

Over time, scar lines will improve, although they will never disappear completely. There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their quality of life and ability to look and feel whole.