Some women need restorative breast surgery after suffering from breast cancer or because of deformity or a disease process. We can help select patients in these situations with breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction is often an emotional and physically challenging journey for many women. This procedure can restore a more natural appearing breast profile and improve woman’s sense of self-confidence.
Other breast procedures, such as breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction may be recommended to achieve breast symmetry and restore balance.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Patients who do not have enough breast tissue after mastectomy to support breast implants may require a “flap”, in which tissue is transferred from a donor area of the body to reconstruct a breast mound. Types of flaps include:
- TRAM flap: A TRAM flap utilizes donor tissue, muscle, fat and skin from the abdomen to reconstruct a breast.
- Latissimus Flap: A flap where tissue is taken from the back to reconstruct a breast, sometimes with the addition of a small breast implant.
In patients who do not wish to undergo breast reconstruction with a flap, the use of tissue expanders may be used. Tissue expanders slowly expand the skin at the breast site to make room for a breast implant. This is a multistage process and can take several months to complete.
After the patient has enough breast tissue to support an implant, the breast implants are placed and then the nipple and areola are reconstructed.
The surgical technique will vary to fit the needs of each individual patient to meet their goals.
Recovery
Results from breast reconstruction surgery depend on the type of surgery performed but can take take anywhere from weeks to months. Compression breast garments are often required and usually surgery is done in stages.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Nasir provides Breast Reconstruction surgery to patients in Westport, Fairfield, New Haven, and surrounding areas. If you would like more information on Breast Reconstruction procedure, please contact us today by completing our online form, or at (203) 221-5809 to schedule your consultation.
