Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can address issues related to trauma, medical surgeries such as a mastectomy, and previously failed plastic surgeries. It is a specialty at Spectrum Plastic Surgery, one of the few practices with 3D Vectra Imaging technology that allows your surgeon to simulate an “after” photo using your real images. This is the only way to see what your own results will genuinely look like, and is only available at select surgical practices.

Trauma, surgeries, and accidents can lead to removal of breast tissue that dramatically alters the appearance of the chest. Breast reconstruction is designed to restore and reshape the appearance of a woman’s breast. Losing breast tissue is an understandably traumatic experience, and choosing to undergo breast reconstruction surgery is a big decision. However, it’s the only way to permanently restore the original shape of the breast.

Benefits of breast reconstruction surgery include:

An increase in confidence—many women don’t feel like themselves after losing their breast tissue
Symmetrical, beautiful, natural-looking breasts
The ability to comfortably wear a wide variety of clothing without feeling the need to “hide” lost breast tissue
The breast reconstruction procedure can be combined with other breast procedures, such as a breast lift or breast augmentation, to further enhance the appearance of your breasts

Breast Reconstruction Photos

Breast Reconstruction Gallery

Types of Breast Reconstruction

There are two primary types of breast reconstruction procedures including the autologous (or flap) reconstruction and implant reconstruction. The technique used for you will depend on your breasts and your goal.

Flap reconstruction

Flap reconstruction restores volume to the breast by transplanting tissue from another part of the body (such as the back, thighs, or buttocks) to the chest. The latissimus dorsi muscle can also be used as a “donor site” and can work quite well for an autologous reconstruction. However, a patient must have enough mass in the donor site to be able to use the flap reconstruction technique, and it isn’t always the best approach for all patients.

Implant reconstruction

Implant reconstruction is the most popular technique and uses breast implants to restore volume. Silicone or saline may be used, and (depending on the level of trauma) the implant may be placed above or below chest muscles. Sometimes women opt for breast implants in both breasts when undergoing reconstruction in one breast for optimal symmetry and youthfulness.

Nipple Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction may be necessary depending on the level of trauma. When a nipple requires reconstruction, it may be possible to harvest an areola from an existing areola. When this is not possible, a raised flap can be used to simulate an areola. Afterwards, cosmetic tattooing allows for natural-looking coloring to be added.

Frequenty Asked Questions

Can breast reconstruction surgery be combined with other procedures?Lily2020-04-29T12:40:30-07:00

Can breast reconstruction surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It is very common for patients to opt for more than one procedure when undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. Breast reconstruction is meant to improve the appearance of the breasts and restore your confidence, which is also the goal of every cosmetic procedure. Commonly paired with breast reconstruction surgery is a breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, and a tummy tuck.

Will my breasts feel natural?Lily2020-04-29T12:41:40-07:00

Will my breasts feel natural?

How breasts feel after breast reconstruction surgery varies based on the technique used, whether donor sites are harvested, whether implants are used, and the placement of the implants. Patients can rest assured that all approaches to breast reconstruction prioritize results that both look and feel natural.

Will breast reconstruction really look natural?Lily2020-04-29T12:41:04-07:00

Will breast reconstruction really look natural?

When performed by reputable experts in their field, breast reconstruction can and should look like your real, natural breasts. There may be light scarring from incisions dependent on your unique procedural plan, but this is also true of any breast procedure. Patients are instructed of their incision placement before the procedure.

I have severe damage/trauma to the breast. Is reconstruction possible?Lily2020-04-29T12:38:51-07:00

I have severe damage/trauma to the breast. Is reconstruction possible?

Spectrum Plastic Surgery doctors specialize in reconstructing a variety of breast damage, from mild to severe. There is almost always a means of improving the appearance of the breast through reconstruction. The first step is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to gauge the level of damage and discuss your options.

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

The Vectra 3D Imaging System is always the best way to appreciate what your breast reconstruction results will look. However, reviews can also be a useful tool when choosing a surgeon:

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 17 years ago and had chemo and radiation. A couple of years later I had some breast reconstruction to help make my breasts more even shaped and have never been very happy with the results. I was tired of surgeries and didn’t want to bother fixing them. Over the past several years I have living with pain and severe hardness over the radiated area and spoke to a few doctors who could not offer me any solution … [Dr. Geoghegan] was incredible and I am so happy with the results!”

“Was very pleased with my reconstruction performed by Dr. Stutman.”

“Dr. G performed breast reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy! I am so happy with the results!”

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

The Vectra 3D Imaging System is always the best way to appreciate what your breast reconstruction results will look. However, reviews can also be a useful tool when choosing a surgeon:

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 17 years ago and had chemo and radiation. A couple of years later I had some breast reconstruction to help make my breasts more even shaped and have never been very happy with the results. I was tired of surgeries and didn’t want to bother fixing them. Over the past several years I have living with pain and severe hardness over the radiated area and spoke to a few doctors who could not offer me any solution … [Dr. Geoghegan] was incredible and I am so happy with the results!”

“Was very pleased with my reconstruction performed by Dr. Stutman.”

“Dr. G performed breast reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy! I am so happy with the results!”

Breast Reconstruction: Additional Details & Recovery

The timeline for healing and recovery is based on the patient and their unique breast reconstruction procedure. During your consultation, you will learn about your personalized timeline for recovery and milestones for returning to daily activities. It’s important to have someone help you for the first few days after your procedure, as routine activities such as washing and cooking can be challenging for about one week. A supportive garment will be provided in order to reduce swelling and bruising immediately after the procedure, and patients will need to stop smoking and taking certain medications (under the guidance of their prescribing physician) before breast reconstruction surgery takes place.

If you have experienced trauma or breast tissue loss due to an accident, illness, or surgery, help is available. A breast reconstruction procedure at Spectrum Plastic Surgery can help restore your physical and mental well-being.