Empowering Breast Reconstruction Procedures in Grand Rapids
As the most common cancer among American women, breast cancer’s impact extends far beyond the physical battle, often affecting a woman’s self-image and confidence. Fortunately, advancements in plastic surgery have paved the way for remarkable breast reconstruction procedures, offering hope and restoration to those who have undergone mastectomies, lumpectomies, or have congenital deformities. In Grand Rapids, skilled plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Associates are dedicated to providing compassionate care and cutting-edge techniques to help women reclaim their bodies and boost their self-esteem after breast cancer treatment.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy or other procedure that removes abnormal breast tissue. Surgical techniques may include using the patient’s own tissue to rebuild the breast, a prosthetic implant, or a combination of both methods to achieve the most natural-looking results. For more comprehensive results, a breast reconstruction can also mean restoring the nipple and areola.
What Is the Difference Between Breast Reconstruction and Breast Augmentation?
Breast reconstruction and breast augmentation are two distinct surgical procedures, each serving different purposes. Breast reconstruction is primarily performed to restore the shape and appearance of a breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer, focusing on rebuilding the breast mound using implants or the patient’s own tissue. In contrast, breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing breast size and shape for aesthetic reasons, typically using saline or silicone implants. While both procedures may involve similar techniques and materials, the motivations behind them and the patient experiences differ significantly, with reconstruction at Plastic Surgery Associates often addressing the emotional and physical impacts of cancer treatment.
What Is the Breast Reconstruction Procedure Like?
The breast reconstruction procedure typically involves several steps to rebuild the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy. It can be performed immediately following mastectomy or as a delayed procedure. The surgery may use implants, the patient’s own tissue (autologous reconstruction), or a combination of both. If using implants, the procedure often involves tissue expansion to create space for the implants. For autologous reconstruction, surgeons take tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or back, to form the new breast. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient’s comfort throughout the entire surgery. Multiple surgeries are often needed to achieve the desired result, including potential nipple reconstruction and adjustments for symmetry.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery from your breast reconstruction will kick off with a 2-6 day hospital stay, where you will be monitored and cared for to ensure you are all set to embark on your recovery at home. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness during your initial recovery, but this can easily be managed with pain medication. Recovery can last from 6-8 weeks, and you may be required to wear a surgical support garment to protect your new contours. Our dedicated team at Plastic Surgery Associates will support you during every step of the recovery period, offering you detailed instructions for post-surgery care, pain management with appropriate medication, and routine follow-ups to ensure a healthy healing process and optimal progress.
Luxurious and Trusted Care
Our Grand Rapids practice, located in the historic Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, is renowned for offering high-quality plastic surgery services to clients, with a particular focus on breast reconstruction. Both out-of-town and local patients can recover in a peaceful and luxurious environment when you stay in one of our dedicated recovery suites.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about the life-changing breast reconstruction procedures performed by the surgical team of Plastic Surgery Associates, schedule a consultation today by filling out an online contact form. We are dedicated to empowering each of our patients through surgical excellence and compassionate care.
