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Breast Reconstruction at MD Plastic Surgery
Breast reconstruction is a staged process in which the breast mound is reconstructed either immediately following mastectomy or at a later date depending on a patient’s individual situation. Our doctors will often use an adjustable implant or a tissue expander that is placed at the time of mastectomy under a patient’s skin and pectorals muscle. This following several (2-5) painless in-office expansions over 2-3 months, a second operation is required to then exchange the temporary expander with a soft permanent implant. The nipple and areola are reconstructed using small in-office procedures and medical tattooing.
Breast reconstruction is a safe surgical procedure option and will not cause your cancer to come back and does not interfere with treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. Cancer patients who have a positive outlook typically have a much better treatment outcome. For many women, breast reconstruction is an important part of recovery, minimizing the emotional impact and sense of loss and helping them maintain hope, self-esteem, and a positive outlook.
If you are anticipating mastectomy, MD Plastic Surgery can coordinate with your surgeon for a streamlined mastectomy/reconstruction procedure.
I am 18 or older
I am 18 or older
I am 18 or older
Choosing Your Procedures
During your initial consultation, one of our surgeons will listen to your goals and concerns and will recommend the right procedures options that will best achieve the results you desire. Our surgeons also have experience working alongside other doctors involved in your diagnosis to determine the best treatment plan for you.
You may also be looking to reconstruct your breasts if you suffer from congenital defects and breast abnormalities such as missing nipples or lack of chest muscle (Poland’s Syndrome), or to correct a previous surgery. MD plastic surgeons are some of the few cosmetic surgeons who are willing to perform corrective breast surgery for patients who have undergone prior breast surgery with poor results. If you have had breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift and are unhappy with the results, MD Plastic Surgery can restore the beauty of your breasts.
Our surgeons believe it’s important for patients to be well-educated about the risks associated with any cosmetic surgery.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Implant Reconstruction
Tissue expander and implant reconstruction offers excellent results with less downtime and risk to patients. For this reason, our surgeons perform this type of reconstruction more often. Some patients, however, may need a more aggressive type of reconstruction depending on their specific situation and type of cancer treatment.
In some cases, your surgeon may recommend the use of a your own tissue for reconstruction. Commonly, this “autologous” reconstruction uses either a patient’s abdominal skin or muscle—TRAM flap, or back skin and muscle—latissimus flap, for reconstructing the breast mound. Patients with a history of or future need for radiation treatment may benefit from this type of reconstruction; however, many patients with radiation may still be a candidate for implant reconstruction. It really depends on how a patient recovered from the radiation treatment and the quality of the chest skin.
Mastectomy & Reconstruction
Patients who undergo mastectomy and reconstruction on one breast commonly undergo a symmetry procedure on the opposite breast to match. This may be an augmentation, reduction or lift, depending on each situation. If you have already had a mastectomy, even if it was years ago, MD Plastic Surgery and the Arizona Breast Center can still begin the reconstructive process and create beautiful, symmetrical breasts.
It is very common that over the years following breast reconstruction, changes may occur in a patient’s breasts—asymmetry, implant hardening, and recurrent deformity. Our surgeons can often offer revisional surgery to improve size, shape, and symmetry years after your cancer treatment and reconstruction.
Most importantly, both initial and revisional breast reconstruction surgeries are usually covered by your insurance.
Recovery & Results from Breast Reconstruction
During your DIEP flap surgery, the incision is made along your bikini line to remove the excess skin and fat which are then moved from your abdomen to the chest to create a new breast. No muscles are moved or cut during the procedure. An extra artery and vein from the abdomen are reconnected to an artery and vein in the chest using microsurgery (and sutures finer than human hair). For both breasts, it takes between 6 to 8 hours for completion. You will get detailed aftercare instructions before surgery.
The most important aspect after surgery is to rest and refrain from vigorous physical activity. You will be up and walking the same day and ready to leave hospital after a day or two. With the Enhanced Recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, most patients need only Tylenol and ibuprofen to manage their discomfort. However, you must avoid any strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for about 6 weeks after your DIEP flap surgery. There will be incisions and drainage tubes in the abdominal donor area as well as your reconstructed breasts for a week or two. Overall, most women are pleasantly surprised how well they recover from this surgery when they follow the instructions.
I would highly recommend Dr. Gawley and the staff both in the office and at the surgery center. I greatly appreciate Dr. Gawley’s commitment to perfection and my satisfaction. I was treated with integrity and respect during my consultation, procedure and follow up appointments. Definitely a 5 star experience.
- Lauren
More Patient StoriesArizona’s Board-Certified Experts
Gawley’s board-certified experts make a serious commitment to helping you get the results you want and the care you need. We combine our cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line procedures with expertise and genuine compassion to help you reach your aesthetic goals while giving you the most comfortable experience possible.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Bryan Gawley, MD, FACS
Founder, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
A commitment to your comfort
Transforming Lives
with Precision
We make a serious commitment to helping you get the results you want and the care you need. We combine our cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line procedures with expertise and genuine compassion to help you reach your aesthetic goals while giving you the most comfortable experience possible.
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