Thigh lift plastic surgery is a major lower body sculpting procedure. At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient on various facets of the procedure.

Some surgeons may also choose to show the patient thigh lift cosmetic surgery before and after images during the consultation.

The primary goal of a dedicated surgeon should be to educate the patient about thigh lift and enable them to make a judicious choice. Before and after images can play an important role in this matter.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

What are Thigh Lift Before and After Photos?

Thigh lift before and after images refer to a pair or group of pictures of previous patients who underwent the same surgery with effective outcomes. These pictures are taken before the surgery and after the procedure at a time when the post-operative inflammation and bruising have resolved, and the new thigh contours are fully visible.

The surgeon will ensure that the images are taken with the express consent of the patient and shown to new patients in a judicious and discreet manner.

The identity of the patient will be kept private, according to standard norms. The only goal of the surgeon in displaying these images is to educate new patients on the potential outcomes of thigh lift surgery.

 

Benefits

A thigh lift is a significant lower body sculpting cosmetic surgery. Patients are understandably anxious about how the procedure will impact their lower body contours and proportion, and whether it will actually help them meet their aesthetic goals. Some patients may only need an inner thigh lift, while others may require both lateral and medial thigh lift.

In some instances, thighplasty may have to be undertaken in combination with liposuction. Regardless of the case, the patient will be better positioned to make an appropriate decision upon viewing thigh lift before and after images.

These images can then be applied to the body of the patient and it’s much easier to do this because they are digital. Gone are the days when we have to rely on some ambiguous brochure with images that were faded and did not satisfy our need to know.

The consultation will satisfy you. Dr. Hustak wants you to be content if you agree to sign on the dotted line.

 

Keeping Realistic Expectations

Experienced surgeons understand the significance of before and after images in enabling new patients to develop realistic expectations about a procedure such as a thigh lift.

For this reason, in many cases, they may choose to showcase thigh lift before and after images during the initial appointment itself. The surgeon will encourage the patient to view these images carefully and then arrive at a final decision.

This simple initiative often ensures that the patient is better placed to appreciate the final outcomes. The risk of future disappointment from the procedure is reduced as well.

 

Online Photos

The surgeon may showcase thigh lift before and after images on the practice website, or even spread the pictures to a wider audience through social media platforms. This can create more awareness about body contouring surgery such as a thigh lift.

You certainly want to ask to see these images during the consultation if they are not on the site. This process is explained on the site but you can receive more salient details during the consultation. Dr. Hustak’s consultation are informative which is why she has a successful practice and she has so many patients that are impressed and happy with her work.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.

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.

Ear reshaping surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to correct the shape, size, and appearance of one or both ears to make them proportionate to the face and head.

 

The Fundamentals

Ear reshaping surgery is one of the few cosmetic procedures that can also be undertaken on children. But the child should have achieved complete ear development prior to receiving this surgery.

Ear shape deformities typically occur from birth and can be easily corrected with otoplasty.

The cosmetic surgeon will cautiously evaluate the shape and condition of the ear relative to the face and head structure and then recommend a suitable otoplasty surgery plan. The objective of the surgeon should be to accomplish the desired outcomes in the least invasive way possible.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides ear surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Ideal Candidates

Any person who is in good overall health and is concerned about the appearance of large, misshaped, flapping, or asymmetrical ears can be an ideal candidate for otoplasty.

A child will misshapen, or deformed ears can also undergo this plastic surgery if they are at least five years of age, and the ear cartilage has developed fully and achieved stability.

Teenagers and adults are equally suitable candidates for ear reshaping cosmetic surgery.

 

Common Congenital Defects

• Cagot Ear: Absence of earlobe
• Cat’s Ear: The ear edges are folded forward
• Lop Ear: The ear sharply curves inward
• Scroll Ear: The ear is curled forward
• Wildermuth’s Ear: The top curve of the ear is reversed
• Stahl’s Ear Deformity: Abnormal folding of the ear
• Cleft Earlobe: An indent within in the earlobe

At times, skin cancer and malignant melanoma patients require ear surgery to eliminate cancer and then reconstruct the remaining tissue.

 

Surgical Procedure

Otoplasty is undertaken with mild general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. In case the ears are quite protuberant, the surgeon may augment or enhance the anti-helical fold inside the rim of the ear. They will simultaneously reduce the enlarged conchal cavity.

The surgeon will usually place the incisions behind the ears so that the scars remain discreet. Some patients may require ear reshaping on the front side. But even then, the incisions will be made within the ear folds. The newly shaped cartilage will then be sutured into the desired position.

The incisions will be sealed with external sutures once the procedure is complete. In the hands of an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon, otoplasty can create natural-looking and beautiful outcomes. Generally, the results of this procedure are permanent.

 

Recovery

The recovery duration can differ between two patients, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether one or both ears have been operated upon. Most patients will be able to resume their regular routine or return to work in a week.

The patient may need to use pain meds during the initial few days after the procedure to remain comfortable. From the second week onwards, bruising and inflammation will subside considerably.

The surgeon will usually remove external sutures at the time of the first post-operative appointment at the end of the first week.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for ear surgery.
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.

A thigh lift is a customized cosmetic surgery procedure planned and performed according to the patient’s unique preferences, medical needs, and the area of the thigh it treats. Therefore, the costs of the procedure may differ widely.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.  

 

Cost Factors

The factors that usually influence thigh lift surgery costs are as follows:

 

Amount and Location of Excess Skin, Fat, and Tissue

This will influence the incision type and surgical techniques used during the procedure, which impacts the cost. In general, smaller incisions with simpler tissue removal will cost less than extended incisions and more intricate surgical processes.

 

Surgeon’s Credentials

The charges of an experienced and trained surgeon specializing in this type of surgery are likely to be higher.

But working with a skilled doctor can help the patient save discomfort, money, and inconvenience in the long-run as an experienced surgeon is more likely to develop beautiful outcomes without complications or the requirement for revision procedures.

 

Practice Location

The average income, cost of living, and taxes may vary between different areas, which will impact the cost of surgical procedures such as thigh lift as well. Additionally, plastic surgeons operating out of hospitals typically have higher facility fees in comparison to those who undertake procedures in medical centers or independent clinics.

 

Anesthesia Type or Sedation

Certain surgeons may use general anesthesia while others may administer local anesthesia along with IV sedation for thigh lift plastic surgery. The type and amount of anesthesia or sedation used will impact the cost of the thighplasty.

 

Other Procedures along with Thighplasty

Many patients choose to combine liposuction with thighplasty for more complete outcomes. This procedure can also be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), or non-surgical treatments like dermal filler injectables.

 

Insurance Coverage

Thigh lift surgery is considered an elective surgical procedure. Therefore, most patients will likely not receive insurance coverage for this procedure.

But patients who have lost extreme amounts of weight and experience sagging skin around their thighs which prevents them from moving properly or cause skin infections may be able to receive full or partial insurance coverage.

The plastic surgeon will discuss the cost factors associated with the patient’s specific case during the pre-operative consultation.

 

Payment

A majority of thigh lift patients feel that the cost of the procedure is a worthy investment in their attractiveness, comfort, confidence, and health. Many cosmetic surgeons offer financing, either through their own practice or with an outside lender, to make their thigh lift more affordable.

This enables the patient to spread their payments out, typically over a span of six months to one year. However, the interest accrued will increase the total cost of the procedure.

If the patient does not choose a financing option, the complete payment for their thigh lift surgery will usually be due on or before the day of their procedure. Some practices offer rebates to patients who pay upfront.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.
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.

The choice of a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction surgery is a decision that will affect a patient’s life for many years to come, if not her entire lifetime.

The patient can benefit significantly from a successful breast reconstruction procedure, as long as it is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.

On the other hand, in the hands of an inexperienced or less qualified plastic surgeon, the chances of poor results increase. This may mean additional expense, time, and disappointment for the patient. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Why Choose an ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Ideally, patients should work with an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certified plastic surgeon for their breast reconstruction procedure.

Many people hold a misconception that state medical boards provide a credible indication of the skills and training of the surgeon on the procedures that they promote.

In reality, however, surgeons are not required by law to be trained in the specific surgical procedures that they offer to patients. This makes it even more vital for the patient to work with an ABPS certified surgeon for their breast reconstruction procedure.

A doctor must undertake a minimum number of years of surgical training after medical school to receive this prestigious certification. In addition, they must undergo plastic surgery residency training for at least three years and clear a written and oral exam as well.

After completing their training, the surgeon will need to submit documentation on the cases that they take on to the board. The board also requires surgeons to take renewal exams every ten years to retain their certification.

The patient should choose a plastic surgeon whose cosmetic sensibilities appeal to them.

It is important to accomplish natural looking outcomes in breast reconstruction. Apart from relying on recommendations and the cosmetic surgeon’s experience, the patient should also see pictures of previous breast reconstruction patients who have undergone this procedure with the surgeon and understand how these relate to their own aesthetic sense.

 

A Patient’s Predilection

Reviewing breast reconstruction before and after pictures of previous patients will help the patient understand the breast surgeon’s artistic sensibilities. They should assess whether the results appeal to them.

They should pay close attention to previous patients who look similar to them, especially in terms of torso and breast shape.

The patient should also check the results of the surgeon’s previous breast reconstruction patients for consistency and understand if they find the outcomes appealing.

It is important that the patient feels at ease and relaxed with the plastic surgeon and their staff. Working with a plastic surgeon with whom the patient feels comfortable is vital for a significant procedure such as breast reconstruction surgery.

 

Questions to Ask

When identifying a suitable plastic surgeon, the patient should ask themselves the following questions:

• Am I comfortable in the company of this surgeon?
• Do I trust that this surgeon will recommend safe and appropriate procedures to me?
• Is the surgeon friendly and approachable? Will I be able to ask them any questions that I may have during the surgical process?
• Will I be able to comfortably reveal my entire medical history and lifestyle behaviors to this surgeon?

 

Do Your Research

The decision to undergo breast reconstruction plastic surgery is a significant one. Along with committing time to the surgical process, the patient should also set aside enough time to perform thorough research on the procedure and the surgeon.

The patient should be upfront and well-informed. Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery can be life-altering for the patient. Therefore, she should try to get the most from her consultation with a plastic surgeon to ensure that this decision is the right one.

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.

The upper legs become an increasingly troublesome area for some women as they age. Some others may have thighs that remain unresponsive to diet and exercise after massive weight loss.

The thighs can accumulate fat cells, excess skin, and cellulite, making an individual look older, heavier, and less fit than they actually are.

Loose skin on the thighs can make a person feel self-conscious about their appearance. Some people may be able to accomplish good results with an aggressive diet and exercise regimen, others may find it challenging or even impossible to tone their upper legs.

Thankfully, cosmetic surgery offers a potentially optimal solution in the form of thigh lift surgery. A thigh lift is an optimal procedure to achieve tauter and more appealing thighs.

This surgical procedure is particularly helpful for people who struggle with sagging, excess skin resulting from significant weight loss. A thigh lift (thighplasty) involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin to tone and sculpt the thighs.

There are various techniques available to cosmetic surgeons which enable them to individualize the thigh lift procedure to the exact needs of each individual patient. The surgeon will work with the patient to develop a customized surgical plan tailored to their unique goals and desires to enable them to enjoy more appealing legs.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Inner Thigh Lift

As the name suggests, this type of thigh lift treats the inner thigh. This procedure is helpful for individuals who have problems in removing excess fat from this body area through diet and exercise. An inner thighplasty may also be used to correct reduced skin elasticity which may occur due to extreme weight loss or the aging process.

In an inner thigh lift procedure, the plastic surgeon will place an incision in the area where the thigh connects to the pubic region. This allows them to access the underlying tissue while making the incision as inconspicuous as possible.

Any resulting scars can be easily concealed by underwear. The plastic surgeon will then remove a wedge of skin and possibly fat from the area and tighten the skin that remains to enhance the leg contours.

 

Bilateral Thigh Lift

The bilateral thigh lift plastic surgery procedure is also known as the “outer thigh lift.” This procedure is meant to tighten the skin on the front and outside of the leg.

In the bilateral thigh lift, the surgeon will place an incision at the top of the leg, where the lower edge of a pair of underwear or bikini bottom would lie, creating a “V” shape.

This incision may wrap around the patient’s hip or butt area, depending on their needs. The surgeon will then eliminate a specific amount of skin, and pull the remaining skin up and attach it to the same region so that it is smooth.

In this manner, a bilateral thigh lift tightens skin along the right as well as the left side of the leg.  

This procedure is particularly effective for those people who have excess skin after massive weight loss as it can be used to eliminate more substantial amounts of tissue in comparison to other techniques. This procedure can also help lift the posterior along with the thighs.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.
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.

Both physical and emotional aspects are a part of the recovery process for breast reconstruction plastic surgery. The time taken to physically recover from the plastic surgery depends on the surgical technique used to perform the reconstruction procedure.

Flap reconstruction often involves more recovery time than implant reconstruction as there will be healing in two areas of the body in the former.

 

Some Key Considerations

Patients can typically expect to recover fully within six weeks following surgery. But the recovery may be prolonged in case post-operative complications occur or if the patient chooses to undergo another procedure, such as nipple reconstruction.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Immediately After the Surgery

For the first few days after breast reconstruction surgery, patients usually feel tired and experience soreness in the treated areas. Some patients may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring in the initial recovery.

The surgeon will often insert drain pipes in the incision sites beneath the skin to eliminate excess fluid from the surgery area. These drains and any sutures will remain in place for one to two weeks. Patients can expect the following symptoms during their initial recovery period:

• Inflammation
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Soreness at the surgical site
• Numbness or sensation loss

To help the patient remain comfortable in the initial breast reconstruction surgery phase, the surgeon may prescribe her pain medication. After she is released from the hospital, the patient should follow the surgeon’s post-surgical guidelines carefully. This can ensure a speedier and safer recovery.

The surgeon may recommend the following to the patient for a safer and faster recovery:

• Do not perform strenuous activities such as lifting objects overhead, engaging in sexual activity, or participating in sports for a few days
• Clean all wounds properly
• Change bandages often
• Gently massage the skin and scars when the incisions have healed
• Wear a firm, supportive bra without underwires

 

Post-Operative Scarring

Patients can expect to have scarring in one or multiple locations depending on the breast reconstruction technique chose. The areas where scars develop are the breast, abdomen, nipple, back, navel, buttocks, or another site from where tissues were taken to develop a breast mound.

Flap reconstruction leads to a bit more scarring than the implant reconstruction technique. This happens as the former involves two incision areas. While surgical scars will fade away over time, they are not likely to disappear completely.

 

Restoration of Normal Life

The breast reconstruction recovery phase differs for each patient. The patient should slowly return to her regular routine at her own pace. She should also be in touch with the surgeon’s office as well as attend all follow-up appointments.

The patient can gradually start her daily chores such as shopping, housework, or driving as the incisions heal. Patients who undergo breast reconstruction using the flap technique may need a little more downtime as this technique can weaken the abdominal or arm muscles.

 

Emotional Recovery

Many patients may require time to adapt emotionally to having a reconstructed breast. Breast reconstruction can restore the cosmetic appearance of the breast. However, the breast will not appear or feel exactly the same as the natural breast.

Patients usually find it reassuring to speak with other women who have undergone breast reconstruction or to a mental heal professional. 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.

Breast reconstruction plastic surgery can be undertaken using various techniques. Depending on the technique chosen and if the surgery is performed along with a mastectomy or later, the steps of the plastic surgery procedure will vary.

During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will discuss the procedure steps to inform and reassure the patient on what the surgery process will involve.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Anesthesia

Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant procedure and is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the patient will not be awake and will not feel any pain or have any memory of the surgery regaining consciousness.

The patient’s health condition and history of drug allergies will also be reviewed before she is deemed fit to receive anesthesia.

 

Incisions

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will initiate the reconstructive plastic surgery procedure by placing the incisions in a targeted and inconspicuous manner. The surgical techniques used will determine the size and location of the incisions.

The flap technique involves a greater number of incisions as tissue relocation between areas is involved. The implant method will require fewer incisions. The type of technique chosen and the size and number of incisions will impact the time taken to recover as well as the level of scarring.

 

Developing New Breast

As decided during the surgical planning stage, the surgeon will develop the breast mound using either the implant or flap method.

Implant Reconstruction

This procedure takes place in various stages. At the outset, the surgeon will place an expander beneath the skin and chest muscle to expand the area.

After that, they will add liquid to the expander over the next few weeks and months to stretch the skin enough to hold the implant. Saline or silicone implants will be placed when the skin has stretched appropriately.

Sometimes, the surgeon may perform both these steps simultaneously. To eliminate the need for the second stage of the procedure, permanent skin expanders may be used as implants. The surgeon will develop the optimal treatment approach in close discussion with the patient.

Flap Reconstruction

In this technique, the surgeon will remove excess tissue from a donor area and relocate it to the breast region. The blood vessels in the tissue that has been relocated will be re-attached to new ones in the breast. The surgeon will use the new tissue to create the breast mound. In certain cases of flap reconstruction, an implant may also be placed.

 

Bandages and Sutures

After the surgeon creates a natural and symmetrical looking breast mound, they will seal the incisions using sutures and dress them with bandages. The surgeon will provide them with comprehensive guidelines for sutures and bandages to reduce the possibility of infection development.

The patient should avoid putting any strain in the incision sites for six weeks after the surgery to enjoy a safe and rapid recovery. In the case of conventional sutures, the surgeon will remove them in around a week to 10 days after the surgery.

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.

Breast reconstructive plastic surgery is a significant procedure and one that involves an extensive treatment and recovery process.

The patient should be willing to commit the necessary time for this procedure. The surgeon will offer the patient detailed preparation instructions for the reconstruction surgery.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.

 

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Preparation

The patient will need to follow the below mentioned preparatory steps before the breast reconstruction procedure:

• Get certain tests done such as chest x-ray, specific blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. Sometimes the surgeon may also order specialized mammograms for the patient as well.
• If the patient smokes, she will need to discontinue smoking at least one month before the breast reconstruction to allow proper healing.
• Not use blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and specific vitamins and herbal supplements that may lead to bleeding.
• Change the schedule of prescription medications in consultation with the prescribing doctor.
• Stay properly hydrated for many days before and after the surgery for best results.
• Increase the consumption of lean proteins as well as have a balanced diet for several weeks before the surgical procedure.

 

At-Home Preparation

If the patient makes some advance preparations before the breast reconstruction surgery, she can transition seamlessly from the surgical venue to her home. These preparatory steps include:

• Ensure that essential items at home are placed within convenient reach because the patient will not be able to raise her hands for some days following the surgery.
• Arrange for frozen food or ask someone to help prepare meals for the initial few days of the recovery period.
• Do not lift weights heavier than five pounds for at least six weeks after the surgery. The patient should seek help for such tasks in the initial few weeks following the procedure.
• Purchase essential items and clothing before the surgery.
• Undertake any important home or work-related tasks prior to the procedure to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable recovery period.

 

Loose Clothing

The patient may be unable to wear a top that pulls over her head for a few days after the breast reconstruction procedure. Therefore, it is a good idea to arrange for some loose front-open sweatshirts and shirts ahead of the surgery. Sweatshirts with internal pockets can be helpful for the storage of drain tubes.

 

Other Suggestions

Prior to the surgery, the patient should place some extra blankets and pillows on her bed. In addition, she may set-up a recovery station by her bedside on a nightstand with vital items such as remotes, mobile phone, a medicine box, and a handheld mirror.

She should also range for some measuring cups in the bathroom for drain pipe evacuation as recommended by the surgeon. On top of this, the patient should arrange for aftercare depending on her particular needs to enjoy a stress-free and relaxed recovery phase.

 

Aftercare and Transportation

Breast reconstruction surgeries are usually performed on an outpatient basis. For this reason, the patient should ask someone responsible to drive her back after the surgery. In case the patient has small children at home, it’s sagacious to arrange for someone to take care of them for a few days.

Certainly it’s wise to have a close friend or relative know about this so if you need help afterward they are not hard to reach or taken by surprise.

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.

Breast reconstruction plastic surgery is a complex procedure which involves certain risks, similar to any other surgical procedure. The surgeon will explain the potential risks related to the procedure to the patient to allow her to make an enlightened choice during the pre-op consultation process.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Short-Term Risks

Poor Reaction to Anesthesia

The surgeon will typically undertake breast reconstruction plastic surgery with the patient under general anesthesia.

Patients with circulation, heart, or nervous system related pre-existing health conditions are at a greater risk for the development of complications.

The patient should freely discuss her complete medical history with the surgeon so that appropriate decisions can be made. Patients usually experience side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision upon gaining consciousness.

Infection

There is an inherent risk of infection in every surgery, including breast reconstruction surgery. The surgeon will prescribe antibiotic medications for infection prevention or treatment. In case there is a persistent infection after the reconstruction procedure, the patient should promptly reach out to her surgeon.

Excessive redness or color changes around the breast incision, discharge of fluid or pus from the area of the surgery, or a high fever are some signs of infection following this surgery. The risk of infection can be reduced by maintaining a sterile environment.

Bleeding

The patient may experience an increased risk of bleeding during or after the reconstruction procedure if she is presently taking blood thinners or other medications that can affect blood clotting or she has a history of bleeding.

The surgeon will ask the patient to not use certain drugs for at least two weeks prior to the surgery to reduce the risk. In case the patient experiences excessive bleeding during the recovery period, she should contact the surgeon promptly.

 

Long-Term Risks

Following breast reconstruction surgery using implants, the patient may experience complications due to capsular contracture, deflation, leakage, or damage to the implant at any stage. The complications associated with the flap technique involve a longer recovery phase and blood clotting.

Patients should assess their options carefully and identify the most appropriate surgical technique for them in consultation with their breast surgeon. At times, patients may experience vascular complications in the long-term, including:

• Restricted blood flow to the reconstructed breast
• Relocated tissue failure leading to dead tissue
• Reduced abdominal strength
• Weakness in the back, arm, or shoulder

 

Scarring

Depending on the breast reconstruction technique used, the scarring will differ. Patients undergoing flap reconstruction will experience more scarring than an implant reconstruction procedure due to the fact that both these techniques involve distinct incision areas.

The flap reconstruction technique may involve the development of scars in donor areas such as the back, navel, buttocks, abdomen, or another area along the nipples and breasts. However, an experienced surgeon will place the incisions such that the scarring is as inconspicuous as possible.

A majority of patients find that the benefits of breast reconstruction outweigh certain side-effects such as scarring. 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.

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.