Breast Reconstruction
DIEP Experts Experienced Accredited Surgery Center
Understanding Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical process to restore one or both breasts’ shape, volume, and appearance after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other traumas. This procedure stands as a beacon of hope, allowing many to regain confidence and feel complete after battling breast cancer or facing genetic predispositions.
Our surgeons provide various breast reconstruction options to correct deformities secondary to trauma and infection, as well as a lumpectomy (partial removal of breast tissue) and mastectomy due to breast cancer. This surgery is tailored to each woman’s individual case and uses implants and/or existing tissue to shape and contour symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breasts.
Each of our consultations includes the full range of reconstructive options, from an aesthetic flap closure to the most advanced reconstructive techniques, such as a DIEP flap. Our mission is to help each individual achieve their post-mastectomy goals.
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All of our surgeons are Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
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We have over 60+ years of practical plastic surgery experience serving patients just like you!
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Our expert team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way through your journey.
Breast Reconstruction Gallery
Breast Reconstruction Experts in Macon, GA
When Should Breast Reconstruction Be Considered?
The timing of your surgery is an important consideration. You have the option of having your breast reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy or waiting until after you have healed. In some cases, the surgery must be postponed for radiation or chemotherapy after the mastectomy. If you have already completed one of these therapies or are not scheduled to have them, you can choose to have the reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy. Most women in this situation prefer immediate reconstruction so they can heal from both surgeries at the same time and not have to undergo another surgical procedure months or years down the road. Also, many women do not want to live without breasts for any longer than necessary. Some women feel they can heal emotionally as well as physically from their breast cancer more completely when they have their reconstruction completed at the time of mastectomy.
However, other women choose to delay the surgery due to personal preference or until they know they are completely in remission. There is no time limit regarding breast reconstruction. It can be completed months or years after a mastectomy and should never be rushed. Breast reconstruction is an emotional process; patients should only pursue treatment when they are completely ready.
Before your procedure, we will examine you and consult with you and your oncologist to devise the most advantageous surgical plan for you.
Breast Reconstruction Experts in Macon, GA
What Can Breast Reconstruction Correct?
Though breast cancer makes up the vast majority of instances where a patient might seek breast reconstruction, there are other entities that can cause breast absence or deformity. Breast reconstruction can:
- Correct deformities due to trauma or severe infection
- Correct congenital or developmental deformities
- Reconstruct tissue that was removed during a lumpectomy or biopsy
During the procedure, the breasts are better matched in size, shape, and position. Implants are often used in reconstruction, and the nipples and areolas may need to be raised or lowered to provide a symmetrical result. Your surgeon will thoroughly consult with you before your surgery to determine if you want to match the size and shape of your breasts in the case of mastectomy or if you want to choose a smaller or larger size. In the cases of reconstruction due to congenital deformities or trauma, the surgeon will determine your desired size and shape to provide the right type of implant.
Are There Visible Scars after Breast Reconstruction?
No two breast reconstruction surgeries are the same. While we do our best to place incisions in discreet areas, there are usually some visible scars after this surgery. However, they do fade a great deal over time. Your surgeon will fully explain what these scars will look like, where they will be on your body, and how best to take care of your incisions after surgery to keep the scarring as minimal as possible. It’s important to keep all your follow-up appointments with your surgeon so we can monitor your incisions and ensure they are healing properly.
What Happens During Breast Reconstruction?
Patients often want to know what exactly will take place during their breast reconstruction procedure. We fully discuss pre and post-operative instructions before your surgery takes place. Instructions might include dietary restrictions before your surgery, and you may need to discontinue certain medications and refrain from smoking. We will make sure all your questions are answered and that you fully understand what will take place during your procedure.
Breast reconstruction is an inpatient procedure that requires a short hospital stay. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, with a certified anesthesiologist present to monitor you throughout the surgery. The procedure usually takes one to three hours, depending on the individual case. You will need to have someone take care of you when you are released after the surgery, as you will be advised to keep your activity to a minimum. Any straining, lifting, or heavy activity will impede the healing process and could cause significant damage to your health. We ensure that you have put the necessary plans in place before your reconstruction surgery so that your recovery is as smooth as possible.
Breast Reconstruction Experts in Macon, GA
Which Reconstructive Surgery is Right For You?
One of our surgeons discusses the differences between breast reconstruction options in the video below.
Expander Procedures
The most common breast reconstruction technique requires the placement of a tissue expander to stretch the skin so that there is enough to cover an implant properly. This process requires four to six months, during which time we gradually fill the expander during weekly office visits. Once the adequate size and space have been achieved, we allow two to three months for the tissues to stabilize before exchanging the expander for implants. The decision about the size and type of implant will be made with you at that time.
Flap Procedures
There are a variety of flap techniques utilized, depending on which one will provide you with the best result.
In this technique, muscle, fat, and skin are taken from the back and placed over an expander at the chest. This added tissue can markedly improve the outcome versus tissue expanders or implants alone, especially if the patient has undergone radiation.
In this case, the skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen, typically removed during an abdominoplasty, are used to reconstruct one or both breasts. In some instances, a small segment of muscle from the abdomen is used to help reconstruct the breast area. Although the abdomen is flatter after this procedure, the result is not quite the same as a tummy tuck.
This is currently the gold standard of breast reconstruction, where we reconstruct your breasts using the tissue that would normally be discarded in a tummy tuck. This technique is similar to a TRAM flap, except that no muscle is used to rebuild the breast; it is then commonly referred to as a muscle-sparing procedure. Using a specialized microsurgery technique, fat, skin, and vessels from the lower belly area help rebuild the breasts. Because no muscle is affected, most patients recover quickly and have a lower risk of minimized abdominal strength.
There are benefits and considerations to be taken into account with every approach to breast reconstruction, and DIEP procedure is not different. Our Expert Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons will thoroughly review these with you to help set appropriate expectations and give you the best information to make an informed decision. Learn More about DIEP Breast Reconstruction here.
This is another form of reconstruction that utilizes tissue from the inner thighs for breast reconstruction. It is performed in the same manner as the DIEP flap, preserving all of the musculature.
This is a great option for patients who do not have enough abdominal tissue for reconstruction with DIEP flaps.
An autologous flap, such as a DIEP flap, and an implant are used for reconstruction. Mastectomies often leave the patient with very thin breast tissues. This remaining skin and fat often does not adequately camouflage the implant. In order to counteract this, your surgeon may discuss first performing a DIEP flap to provide improved coverage and contour over the implant. The implant can provide additional volume to those who are concerned their abdominal tissue may not quite give them enough breast volume.
What Can You Expect After Breast Reconstruction?
Just as each breast reconstruction surgery is individualized, recovery time and experience also vary from patient to patient. However, you can expect to experience some discomfort, inflammation, and bruising post-surgery. We will provide you with a prescription for pain medication, as well as detailed after-care instructions. Follow-up appointments are also scheduled to check the healing progress.
Bandages will be placed after your surgery, and you will be given a surgical bra to wear for weeks. Your breasts will require some time – perhaps months – after your surgery to settle into their final shape. You can expect to be off from work for at least two weeks and perhaps longer, depending on your health and the requirements of your occupation.
Many patients opt for nipple reconstruction, which can be completed as a relatively simple outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. We now also have a professional partnership with Kevin Dixon of Cherry Street Ink, who specializes in nipple tattooing. Nipple tattooing can make reconstructed breasts look much more natural. We are excited by the results our patients have experienced with nipple tattooing and feel it makes the entire process of breast reconstruction at our facility complete.
Breast Reconstruction Experts in Macon, GA
Survivors Getting Inked After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Learn more about nipple tattooing after reconstruction. We are happy to share three reputable tattoo artists who perform nipple tattooing. Our patients have had excellent results and have shared how satisfied they are with their experience and their outcomes.
Anna Burns Permanent Cosmetics
www.annaburnspermanentcosmetics.com
(404) 860-1671
6065 Roswell Rd. #360
Atlanta, GA 30328
Emily (Lady Luck Permanent Makeup)
(407) 914-0266
39 Keys Ferry St
McDonough, GA 30253
Restoration Body Art
Kris Fernicola
(973) 500-4018
351 S. Hwy 1 Unit 101, suite 113
Jupiter, FL 33477
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons
All Our Providers are Board-Certified and State-Licensed Medical Professionals.
Experience Matters
All of Our Medical Providers Have Years of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Experience.
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Surgical and Non-Surgical Options. Plus an Accredited Surgery Center On-Site.
Qualified & Caring Staff
Our Staff Has Years of Experience Providing Plastic Surgery Care and is Ready to Serve You!
