Is Breast Reconstruction Painful?

Most patients experience soreness and tightness in the chest area right after the procedure, with the most intense discomfort occurring in the first few days. Swelling is also common and can contribute to feelings of discomfort, while some may notice altered sensations, such as numbness or heightened sensitivity, which often improve over time. Although some discomfort is part of the process, many patients find that the benefits of reconstruction far outweigh the temporary pain.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You can plan to have around three to five appointments during your breast reconstruction process. Initially, you’ll meet with your surgeon for a consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, and the reconstruction options available to you. This appointment typically includes a physical examination and may involve reviewing photos of previous results. After that, additional visits will be scheduled to prepare for surgery, where you’ll go over the surgical plan and any necessary pre-operative instructions. Post-surgery follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery, assess the healing process, and address any concerns you may have.

How Long Until I See Results?

After breast reconstruction surgery, the timeline for seeing results can vary. Initially, you may notice swelling and bruising, which are normal parts of the healing process. You’ll begin to see more defined results within a few weeks as the swelling subsides. However, the final outcome can take several months to become fully apparent as your body matures and adjusts.

Can I Combine Breast Reconstruction With Other Procedures?

Certainly! Some of our patients opt for a simultaneous breast lift or augmentation to achieve a more proportionate and youthful appearance. Additionally, if you’re looking to refine your overall silhouette, pairing reconstruction with body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction can create a more balanced look.

What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Reconstruction?

While breast reconstruction is a common and generally safe procedure, it does come with certain risks that patients should be aware of. Some potential complications include: Possible infection The potential for scarring Changes in nipple sensation Implant issues Delayed healing If you’re concerned about any of these, discussing them with Dr. Motykie prior to surgery can help you better understand how to prevent them and make sure you feel ready to proceed with breast reconstruction surgery.

Beverly Hills

Breast Reconstruction

Introduction to Breast Reconstruction

If you’ve ever experienced a mastectomy or have congenital challenges, breast reconstruction surgery can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your self-image. At Dr. Motykie Plastic Surgery in the Beverly Hills & West Hollywood area, we prioritize understanding your story and doing whatever we can to help you achieve your dream body.

Dr. Motykie takes the time to listen to your desires, ensuring that your results align with your expectations. Our focus is on creating natural-looking outcomes that enhance not only your shape but also your self-esteem.

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What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is designed to restore a natural and balanced appearance to the chest, enhance body proportions, and help clothes and swimsuits fit better. Reconstructive surgeons achieve this by creating a breast, nipple, and areola that closely mimics the shape, size, and position of the woman’s original breast.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction produces a natural and symmetrical look and restores the nipple and areola of the breast. Many women have reported feeling a boost in self-esteem and feeling more confident with their body image after receiving breast reconstruction surgery, as the process can aid in emotional healing, helping women cope better after their surgical treatments.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Breast Reconstruction?

The best candidates for breast reconstruction are typically women who have undergone mastectomy, those with congenital breast abnormalities, or individuals experiencing significant breast asymmetry. Ideal candidates often include:

Women who have completed their breast cancer treatment and are in good overall health.
Patients who can commit to the recovery process and follow post-operative care instructions.
Women who have a support system in place for emotional and physical recovery.
Candidates who are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure.

A thorough consultation with Dr. Motykie in West Hollywood can help determine if breast reconstruction aligns with the patient’s goals and health status.

Your Breast Reconstruction Removal Journey with Dr. GARY MOTYKIE

What’s the First Step?

The first step in breast reconstruction is booking a consultation with Dr. Motykie. During this visit, he will evaluate your specific situation, including the type of mastectomy you had, your body type, and your personal preferences. Dr. Motykie will discuss various reconstruction techniques, such as implant-based reconstruction or autologous tissue methods, like the TRAM or latissimus flap.

He’ll explain the procedure details, including how it will be performed, the expected recovery time, and any necessary pre-operative preparations.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Once you’re ready, anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable during the surgery. The technique Dr. Motykie selects will depend on your individual needs and may involve using implants, tissue expanders, or your own body tissue from areas like the abdomen or back (using TRAM or latissimus flaps).

During the surgery, Dr. Motykie will carefully reshape the breast to achieve the desired size and contour while also creating a nipple-areola complex that mimics the look of your natural breast. He aims for precision, focusing on both the aesthetic outcome and the functionality of the reconstructed breast.

The procedure can take several hours, and once completed, you’ll be monitored closely as you wake up from anesthesia.

Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off. While it’s normal to experience some grogginess, swelling, and tenderness, these symptoms typically improve over time.

Rest is essential in the initial days, and light activities can usually be resumed within a few weeks. However, avoid strenuous exercises or heavy lifting for several weeks to allow for proper healing.

Follow-up appointments will ensure that your recovery is on track. Significant improvements in comfort and appearance generally become noticeable within a few months. Dr. Motykie’s expertise will guide you through this process, ensuring you feel supported and confident along the way.

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How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost in West Hollywood, CA?

The cost of breast reconstruction in West Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area varies, but on average, clients can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000. Book a consultation at Dr. Motykie Plastic Surgery for precise pricing and to discuss any financial options that may be available to you.

Why Choose Dr. Motykie?

Dr. Gary Motykie brings a unique blend of engineering precision and artistic vision to the world of plastic surgery, with a background in Biomedical Engineering, where he’s worked on advanced projects like artificial organs and prosthetics. After earning his medical degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Texas, he focused on his aesthetic skills alongside top surgeons in Miami and completed a prestigious fellowship in Advanced Cosmetic Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Today, Dr. Motykie’s reputation as a Top Doctor on RealSelf reflects his ability to guide patients through their cosmetic journey with care and innovation. His approach is all about balance—creating natural and timeless results that enhance each patient’s unique beauty.

Another reason to choose Dr. Motykie is his esteemed affiliation with elite organizations like the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (FASPS), the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and the Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons (LASPS). This extensive expertise and forward-thinking mindset place him among the top surgeons for those seeking refined, natural-looking results.

Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S

Most patients experience soreness and tightness in the chest area right after the procedure, with the most intense discomfort occurring in the first few days. Swelling is also common and can contribute to feelings of discomfort, while some may notice altered sensations, such as numbness or heightened sensitivity, which often improve over time. Although some discomfort is part of the process, many patients find that the benefits of reconstruction far outweigh the temporary pain.
You can plan to have around three to five appointments during your breast reconstruction process. Initially, you’ll meet with your surgeon for a consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, and the reconstruction options available to you. This appointment typically includes a physical examination and may involve reviewing photos of previous results. After that, additional visits will be scheduled to prepare for surgery, where you’ll go over the surgical plan and any necessary pre-operative instructions. Post-surgery follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery, assess the healing process, and address any concerns you may have.
After breast reconstruction surgery, the timeline for seeing results can vary. Initially, you may notice swelling and bruising, which are normal parts of the healing process. You’ll begin to see more defined results within a few weeks as the swelling subsides. However, the final outcome can take several months to become fully apparent as your body matures and adjusts.
While breast reconstruction is a common and generally safe procedure, it does come with certain risks that patients should be aware of. Some potential complications include:
- Possible infection
- The potential for scarring
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Implant issues
- Delayed healing
If you’re concerned about any of these, discussing them with Dr. Motykie prior to surgery can help you better understand how to prevent them and make sure you feel ready to proceed with breast reconstruction surgery.

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