breast reconstruction…

Breast reconstruction attempts to recreate a breast mound in women who have had their breasts altered or removed by breast cancer surgery. The goal is to rebuild a natural looking breast with symmetry to the other breast. Depending on the circumstances, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after mastectomy or as a delayed procedure, anywhere from several weeks to years following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction typically requires more than one operative procedure, with additional surgeries to optimize symmetry or rebuild a nipple areolar complex.

There are several different methods of breast reconstruction, although the three most commonly employed techniques include expander/implant reconstruction, latissimus flap reconstruction and TRAM flap reconstruction. Consultation with your plastic surgeon is necessary to determine which method best meets individual patient needs. Depending on the technique used, breast reconstruction will require anywhere between one to several days of inpatient hospital care. Breast reconstruction, including any surgery done to the opposite breast for symmetry, is covered by insurance.

You may be interested in any or all of the following breast procedures currently being offered at Paces:

• Breast augmentation – breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty is used to enhance body contours and offer a woman more control over her breast size
• Breast reduction - breast reduction mammoplasty is used for women who have health issues or severe self-consciousness about the size of her breasts
• Corrective breast surgeries – correct the issues caused by previous surgeries
• Male breast reduction procedures – done for men with gynecomastia, which is a condition of male breast over-development

To see Before and After Images of Breast Reconstruction and other Breast Surgeries, visit our Image Galleries.