Breast Reconstruction
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis often brings about feelings of fear, confusion, and an overall sense of helplessness. Our goal is to work with you and your breast cancer team to make sure that first and foremost your cancer is treated--and then find the best type of breast reconstruction to fit your lifestyle.
Whether it be an immediate breast reconstruction (at the time of your lumpectomy or mastectomy) or delayed breast reconstruction (after you have healed from your lumpectomy or mastectomy), our goal is to restore what breast cancer has taken away—and in some cases even improve the overall aesthetic appearance of your breasts.
When considering breast reconstruction it is often easiest to explore options by putting them into three distinct categories: (1) Implant Reconstruction, (2) Autologous (Using Your Own Tissue) Reconstruction, and (3) Autologous Reconstruction with an Implant. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages related to the final aesthetic outcome, invasiveness of operative procedure, time needed for recovery, and the need for future operations. Please click on the links below for more information about each type of breast reconstruction.
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Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammaplasty) improves the size, shape, and overall cosmetic appearance of the breasts. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, breast reduction surgery helps to improve/eliminate associated symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder grooving, and skin infections that are often associated with excessively large breasts.
Quick Facts About Breast Reduction
Description of Surgery: Removal of excess skin, fat, and breast tissue to improve the cosmetic appearance of the breasts and alleviate associated symptoms.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient: Typically outpatient, but may require one night in the hospital.
Type of Anesthesia: General
Length of Surgery: 3-4 hours
Expected Recovery: Return to work in 5-7 days. Support/Sports Bra for 2-4 weeks. No heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
Risks of Surgery: May affect ability to breast feed. Other risks include: bleeding, asymmetry, skin loss, scarring, numbness, and changes/loss of nipple sensation.
Duration of Results: Typically long term improvement. May be affected by changes in weight, pregnancy, and aging.
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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lift surgery (also known as a mastopexy) is an outpatient procedure that helps to restore breasts to a more youthful appearance. Factors such as aging, weight loss, pregnancy, and breast feeding can all contribute to “ptosis” or sagging of the breasts and displacement of the nipple-areola complex.
Quick Facts About Breast Lift Surgery
Description of Surgery: Removal of excess breast skin to improve the lift sagging breasts, improve nipple position and overall shape of the breast.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient: Typically outpatient
Type of Anesthesia: General
Length of Surgery: 2-3 hours
Expected Recovery: Return to work in 3-5 days. Support/Sports Bra for 2-4 weeks. No heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
Risks of Surgery: Risks include: bleeding, asymmetry, skin loss, scarring, numbness, and changes/loss of nipple sensation.
Duration of Results: Typically long term improvement. May be affected by changes in weight, pregnancy, and aging.
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Breast Augmentation
Quick Facts about Breast Augmentation
Description of Surgery: Placement of saline or silicone implants to increase the size and improve the cosmetic appearance of the breasts. Can be placed above or below the pectoralis muscle.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient: Outpatient
Type of Anesthesia: General or Monitored Sedation
Length of Surgery: 1-2 hours
Expected Recovery: Return to work in 2-3 days. Support/Sports Bra for 2-4 weeks. No heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
Risks of Surgery: May affect ability to breast feed. Other risks include: bleeding, asymmetry, skin loss, scarring, numbness, and changes/loss of nipple sensation.
Duration of Results: Implants need to be replaced approximately every 10 years. May be affected by changes in weight, pregnancy, and aging.
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Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
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