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Breast reconstruction plastic surgery can help a woman restore the size, shape, and appearance of her breast(s) following a mastectomy.
Women considering breast reconstructive surgery should consult their surgeon to establish their candidacy. After the surgeon approves, the next step would be to consult a skilled and experienced breast reconstruction surgeon.
Holding these consultations before the mastectomy will enable the surgeon to devise the most appropriate surgical plan for the patient. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
There are various benefits of breast reconstruction surgery, such as:
- Symmetrical breast appearance in tight-fitting clothing
- Permanent restoration of the shape of the breast
- Replacement of the synthetic prosthesis with natural breast
- Regaining self-confidence and self-worth
Breast Reconstruction Options
Today various types of breast reconstructive procedures are available to patients. However, these techniques warrant multiple procedures over several months.
The patient should be able to dedicate the necessary time to have a safe and effective surgery. A candidate should thoroughly understand every facet of the procedure from the surgeon to make an enlightened decision.
Breast reconstruction surgery is undertaken using two primary surgical techniques:
- Breast implant surgery involving saline or silicone breast implants
- Tissue flap procedure that uses tissue from the body itself
In a majority of cases, either one of these techniques is used. However, sometimes the surgeon may choose to perform a combination of the two techniques for more appealing breast reconstruction outcomes.
In addition, the surgeon may perform fat grafting to develop the appearance of the remodeled breasts close to natural breasts. They may also reconstruct the nipple or areola to complete the appearance of a breast. But the nipple-areola complex will not have any sensation.
Implant Breast Reconstruction
The surgeon will perform the implant reconstruction technique in multiple stages. Initially, the surgeon will place a balloon expander beneath the chest muscle to expand this region.
It can take many months for this area to expand sufficiently to hold a breast implant. Subsequently, the reconstructive surgery will be performed using an implant of a suitable shape and size.
Flap Breast Reconstruction
At the outset of this process, the surgeon will remove excess tissue from donor sites such as the buttocks, back, or abdomen which will then be purified prior to being grafted in the chest region.
This tissue will be used to develop the chest mound. In some cases, the surgeon may also insert an implant at the same time.
More incisions may be necessary for the flap method, which leads to slightly more scarring as well as a more extended recovery period. However, the results of the flap method can be more natural looking and sustainable in comparison to the implant method.
Reconstruction after Lumpectomy or Partial Mastectomy
It is usually not necessary for women who undergo lumpectomy or partial mastectomy to go for breast reconstruction.
However, at times, the patient may have to live with deformed breasts until they undergo a reconstructive procedure to restore the breast appearance. The surgeon can place smaller implants or perform fat grafting, depending on the needs of the patient.
The patient should discuss the benefits, limitations, risks, and suitability of the breast reconstruction surgery with her surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.
A Critical Decision
Similar to any other surgical procedure, breast reconstruction also carries its own risks. The most essential factor in undergoing a safe procedure is making a judicious choice for who the surgeon will be.
Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.