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What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is performed to restore one or both breasts following lumpectomy, mastectomy, or congenital deformities. Mastectomy is a procedure to completely remove the breasts and is the main treatment for most breast cancer. Lumpectomy is a procedure to remove cancer or abnormal tissue from the breast. By using your own body tissue or implants, the surgeons at Plastic Surgery Associates can reconstruct a breast that is close in form and appearance to your natural breast, so you can feel more like yourself again.
Who can Benefit from Breast Reconstruction?
In some cases, breast reconstruction may be possible immediately following a mastectomy or can be done years later. Some women may require reconstruction of just one breast or both. Multiple surgeries in several stages may be recommended depending on your individual case.
The procedure has no known effect on cancer’s recurrence. It also does not usually interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment if you do have a recurrence of your cancer. To learn more about breast reconstruction and if you are a good candidate, contact Plastic Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation.
The Procedure
Breast reconstruction usually requires more than one operation. The first is performed in a hospital, and the follow-up is often done on an outpatient basis.
There are two main types of breast reconstruction operations:
Skin Expansion
Your surgeon inserts a tissue expander beneath your skin and chest muscle following your mastectomy. This is injected with sterile saline water over the next few weeks or months to stretch the skin. The expander is replaced with a more permanent implant when the skin is sufficiently stretched. The nipple and areola (the dark skin around your nipple) are reconstructed in a future procedure.
Flap Reconstruction
A flap consisting of fat, muscle, and skin is taken from your back or abdomen and rotated into the chest. This may be done with or without an implant. If the flap is large enough, it can serve as the breast mound. This procedure is more complex than skin expansion, but the results may be more natural-looking.
Breast Reconstruction Testimonial
Patient Story
“My best investment is me. I finally did it. No more waiting for the right time, just do it. I love my breasts!”
Patient reviewsBreast Reconstruction Recovery
Following breast reconstruction surgery, your breasts will be wrapped with dressings, and you will need to wear a special surgical bra to help reduce swelling. You should be released from the hospital in two to five days, depending on the extent of your surgery. It may take you up to six weeks to recover fully if you have a combined mastectomy and reconstruction. Our team will provide you with specific instructions regarding post-surgery recovery.
State of the art Surgical Facility
Our operating facility is conveniently located on the sixth floor of the Exhibitor’s Building adjacent to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our surgical facility is accredited by the AAAHC, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. This association is committed to improving quality care provided to patients by reviewing standards, performance, and safety of our facility.
Learn MoreContact Us Today
For more information regarding breast reconstruction at Plastic Surgery Associates, contact us today. One of our skilled surgeons will be happy to meet with you during a consultation to determine if this procedure is right for you.
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