Breast Reconstruction
For many breast cancer victims, it can become necessary to perform a mastectomy – which removes the breast in order to remove the cancerous area. This can be a life–altering experience for women, as the loss of a breast can lead to trauma, depression, and some believe the ability of the body to properly heal.
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and a mastectomy has been offered as an option, we'll be more than happy to discuss the possibility of reconstructing your breast during a procedure immediately following the mastectomy.
We'll work with your oncologist and surgical team to formulate a plan that's right for you. Your initial surgery must be done in a hospital, but breast reconstruction usually takes more than one procedure – in which case, the additional procedure can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.
During a breast reconstruction, a saline– or silicone gel–filled implant will be affixed in the breast area, and one of two techniques can be used:
- Flap reconstruction, in which we take skin from your back area and move it to the breast
- Skin expansion, in which an expander valve is inserted and gradually filled over time in order to allow the skin to expand naturally
The, during a second procedure, your nipple and areole will be reconstructed. Within six weeks, you should be fully healed and ready to live a full, healthy life!