Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction refers to the surgical process of rebuilding the shape and appearance of a breast. It is mostly done on women who have undergone surgery to treat breast cancer. Breast reconstruction involves using implants, autologous tissue, or a combination of both.

The primary objective of breast reconstruction is to restore the breast or breasts to near normal shape, size, symmetry, and appearance after undergoing a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities.

Types of breast reconstruction

There are several different reconstruction techniques. Dr. Lesesne will be able to recommend the best option for you.

There are two main techniques used in breast reconstruction:

• Implant reconstruction: This technique involves using an implant filled with silicone gel or saline.
• Autologous or flap reconstruction: This technique involves using tissue transplanted from other parts of your body like your thigh, belly, or back.

Breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery is done to reshape or reform one or both breasts following a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Mastectomy refers to the surgical procedure for removing the entire breast, including the nipple and areola, to prevent breast cancer. The removal of a small section of the breast to remove a tumor is called a lumpectomy.

Your surgeon may use autologous surgery or implants or a combination of both to give the breast a more natural appearance. The surgeon may also use additional techniques to reconstruct the nipple and the surrounding area.

Immediate reconstruction refers to breast reconstruction that is done in conjunction with mastectomy or lumpectomy. However, it is also possible to undergo breast reconstruction surgery after you have healed from mastectomy and after your other cancer treatments are completed.

Implant reconstruction

During implant reconstruction, the surgeon will insert silicone or saline implants underneath the muscle or skin to replace the previous breast tissue.

In the first stage, the surgeon places a tissue expander underneath the remaining breast skin. The expander works as a temporary saline implant that gradually stretches the remaining tissue. Once the patient has healed completely from the surgery, the surgeon will inject sterile saline through the skin into the tissue expander regularly. It grows gradually, stretching the overlying skin and muscle till the patient is comfortable with the breast size.

The second procedure is done after the breast tissues have healed and enough saline has been added to the tissue expander to prepare for the implants. The tissue expander is removed and replaced with either a silicone or saline implant.

In some cases, the surgeon may insert a permanent silicone or saline implant at the time of mastectomy without using a tissue expander.

Skin flap surgery

With this technique, the surgeon uses tissue from another part of the body and uses it to rebuild the breasts. In most cases, the tissue is removed from the abdominal area, but it may also be taken from the buttocks, thighs, or back.

There are two methods available in skin flap surgery. The first one is free flap surgery, where the surgeon completely removes the tissue and blood vessels and place it in the breast to provide it with circulation. The second one is pedicle flap surgery, in which the surgeon does not completely remove the blood vessels from the transplanted tissue. The tissue remains attached to the body, and the surgeon rotates it into the chest to form the breast.

Many people suffer from anxiety and self-image issues at the loss of their breasts. However, it is important to consult a doctor to understand if breast reconstruction is suitable for them.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation for your breast reconstruction in NYC. Dr. Cap Lesesne is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is dedicated to providing our patients with the expert surgical care they need. He can provide you with natural-looking results from your breast reconstruction in New York City.