Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction plastic surgery can recreate the appearance of one or both the breasts in a patient who has undergone a mastectomy.
Depending on her needs, this surgery can enable a woman to feel more feminine and have more confidence. It is important for patients to understand that breast reconstruction is a major surgical procedure which should only be performed by an expert plastic surgeon.
During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient on various facets of a breast reconstruction surgery and answer any questions that she may have to help her arrive at a well-informed decision.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast reconstruction surgery procedure to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and cities in this region of SoCal.
Candidacy
Ideal candidates for a breast reconstruction surgery can be women who have lost one or both breasts due to a mastectomy. A suitable candidate will have the following attributes:
- Is interested in the restoration of her breast shape and size
- Does not have cancerous tissue in and around the breast
- Does not smoke or is willing to stop smoking for a specific period
- Has been resilient during the cancer treatment
- Is not averse to multiple surgeries
- Has realistic expectations from the reconstruction surgery
The surgeon will inform the patient about the advantages and the possible risks associated with the breast reconstruction plastic surgery.
Procedure
The patient can elect to undergo breast reconstruction surgery immediately following the mastectomy or wait till she heals from the previous procedure. The surgeon can perform the reconstruction using two approaches, namely breast implants or flap technique. In the implant technique, the surgeon places a silicone or saline breast implant underneath the chest muscle.
In the flap method, the surgeon utilizes fat, muscle, and skin from another site on the patient’s body to perform the procedure. The surgeon will guide the patient carefully to make sure that she can decide upon a technique that is most appropriate for her.
Implant Reconstruction
Implant breast reconstruction technique involves many stages. The process begins with the surgeon placing a balloon expander underneath the skin and chest muscles to enable the area to stretch.
This process can extend over a few weeks or months until the skin stretches enough to create adequate space for implant placement. Then the surgeon will place the saline or silicone implants where they need to go.
Flap Reconstruction
The surgeon takes extra tissue from areas of the body such as the back, buttock, or abdomen and grafts this to the chest. They will use this tissue to develop a breast mound. In case the patient needs an implant as well, the surgeon will use it in the procedure.
This method involves more scarring because of additional incisions. This leads to a more extensive recovery period. However, outcomes with the flap technique may appear more natural than from the implant technique.
Recovery Process
A breast reconstruction surgery usually involves a downtime of 2 weeks. The surgeon will advise the patient to take gentle walks and perform light activities with their home. However, the patient should not lift heavy weights or exercise vigorously.
Committed plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other suburbs and cities in area of California for breast reconstruction surgery.
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