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Breast Reconstruction in Beverly Hills

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be the most terrifying moment of a woman’s life. Overcoming your battle with breast cancer can leave you filled with joy but also worried about the next step. Many women struggle to overcome the negative feelings that can stem from losing their breasts due to a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction surgery can help women reclaim their confidence and bodies following their breast cancer battle.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Restore Breast Shape

During a complete mastectomy, all of your breast tissue is removed, including the external features. This will leave you with no breast shape. The goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate the appearance of the breast in the most natural way possible.

Add Nipple-Areolar Complex

The entirety of the nipple-areolar complex is removed during a complete mastectomy. During the reconstruction process, we can construct a nipple out of your breast skin. Tattooing can restore the color of the areola.

Provide Closure

Choosing breast reconstruction is a personal decision. Some women do not wish to undergo the procedure following their mastectomy. However, women who do often say they feel whole again and that having breasts provides them with closure after their arduous journey.

Designing Your Breast Reconstruction

Candidates
  • Non-smokers or those who haven’t smoked for several months
  • Undergoing a mastectomy or double mastectomy
  • Have concluded radiation treatment
  • Have approval from their oncologist
  • Have realistic expectations of the procedure
  • Desire to restore their breasts for themselves, not someone else
Unilateral Reconstruction
  • In cases where only one of the breasts is removed, we can perform a unilateral reconstruction.
  • In these situations, we may need to also make adjustments to the opposite breast not undergoing reconstruction.
  • Breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction techniques may be used to create a symmetrical appearance.
  • Some choose to add implants to both breasts so they look and feel similar.
Tissue Expanders & Breast Implants
  • Breast implants for reconstruction are placed using a two-step process involving tissue expanders.
  • A temporary expander is first placed in the breast pocket.
  • Over a series of weeks, the tissue expander is slowly filled to widen or stretch the breast pocket.
  • Once the tissue has been sufficiently stretched, the expander is replaced with a breast implant.
  • Although the two-step surgical process takes longer than tissue flap reconstruction, the recovery wit
Tissue Flap Reconstruction
  • Tissue flap reconstruction is the best solution for creating breasts that look and feel extremely natural.
  • This method only produces small to moderately sized breasts. If you desire a larger cup size, you may want to consider using implants.
  • Your surgeon creates a new breast mound using a flap of excess tissue taken from the abdomen, back, or thighs.

Have Concerns About Breast Reconstruction?

Recovery

The recovery experience after breast reconstruction largely depends on the type of procedure chosen and whether you underwent breast reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy or had delayed reconstruction. Dr. Rey will provide you with a recovery timeline and instructions to help your recovery go smoothly. As your body heals and you begin to appreciate your recreated feminine curves, you can experience the emotional healing from breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Scars

The amount of scarring that develops is dependent on the techniques used as well as your body’s natural healing process. While some women will develop visible scarring, it is likely to fade over time.

Cost

Breast reconstruction is required by law to be covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider about your coverage options.

Pain

Anesthesia is used to prevent pain during the procedure. Discomfort after the surgery can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction

When is the best time to undergo breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy or once you have healed from it—usually after six months. Reconstruction that is performed at the same time as your mastectomy is known as immediate reconstruction, whereas reconstruction after is called delayed reconstruction. There is “best” time to undergo reconstruction; this varies between women and where they are both emotionally as well as in their cancer treatment. Not every woman is a candidate for immediate reconstruction.

Why would I not be a candidate for immediate reconstruction?

Many women prefer immediate reconstruction because it eliminates them having to see themselves without a breast. Unfortunately, immediate reconstruction is only appropriate for women who have already completed or do not need chemotherapy and/or radiation. If your mastectomy surgery preceded your chemotherapy or radiation, you will be required to postpone your reconstruction until after having finished your cancer treatment and received a clean bill of health.

What type of implants can be used for breast reconstruction?

You have the option of using saline or silicone breast implants. However, many women choose silicone because it better simulates the look and feel of breast tissue.

How is the donor area for flap reconstruction determined?

The area with the most excess tissue is typically used for flap reconstruction. Women who are thinner may not be good candidates for flap reconstruction.

If I only had a mastectomy on one breast, will I need breast enhancement on the other?

Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer only require the removal/partial removal of one breast. While not required, some women choose to have breast enhancement (either breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, or breast reduction) on the other breast to maintain symmetry.

Will breast reconstruction interfere with future mammograms or cancer screenings?

Even if you lost your breast due to breast cancer, you are still required to undergo routine cancer screenings and mammograms to ensure that cancer does not return or spread. Breast reconstruction (with either implants or tissue flaps) does not prohibit these screenings; however, additional steps may need to be taken during them if an implant is present (the X-rays used in a mammogram cannot penetrate an implant), so additional/alternative pictures are taken.

Will I regain sensitivity in my nipples?

Unfortunately, nipple reconstruction only creates the appearance of the nipple. It cannot restore nipple functionality or nerves.

How long will my breast reconstruction results last?

Breast reconstruction surgery is designed to provide long-term restoration of your breasts. Most women achieve a satisfactory breast appearance that lasts for years. Those with implants may require replacement after 10 or 15 years if they become worn or damaged. Consult the manufacturer for typical implant life and warranties.

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