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What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery can restore the appearance of one or both breasts in a woman who has undergone a mastectomy.

The procedure can help a woman to enhance her sense of femininity and self-image. It is essential for patients to realize that breast reconstruction is a major invasive procedure, and should only be performed by a highly experienced and trained surgeon.

At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about all aspects of breast reconstruction, address her concerns and doubts, and help her make a judicious and appropriate decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify can provide breast reconstruction to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding locations in this part of The Golden State.

Candidacy

Women who have undergone mastectomy for one or both breasts due to breast cancer can be candidates for a breast reconstruction surgery. The right candidate will have the following characteristics:

  • Is interested in restoring her breast shape and size
  • Does not have cancerous tissue
  • Does not smoke or can quit smoking for a certain period
  • Has been able to cope well with cancer treatment
  • Is amenable to multiple surgeries
  • Has realistic expectations from the plastic surgery

The surgeon will explain to the patient the benefits as well as potential risks of breast reconstruction surgery.

Procedure

The patient can choose to go through with breast reconstruction surgery right after the mastectomy or wait until she has healed from the previous surgery. The reconstruction can be carried out using two methods: breast implants or flap technique. The implant method involves placing a silicone or saline breast implant beneath the chest muscle.

The flap method of reconstruction involves the use of muscle, fat, or skin from another location on the patient’s body for the plastic surgery. The surgeon will closely guide the patient to ensure that she can choose the technique that is best for her.

Implant Reconstruction

The implant technique of breast reconstruction takes places in multiple stages. At the onset, a balloon expander may be placed beneath the skin and chest muscle to allow the region to stretch. This process can take a few weeks or months till the skin stretches enough to allow the implant to be placed. Then the surgery is performed to position the silicone or saline implant.

Flap Reconstruction

The surgeon will remove extra tissue from an area of the body like the buttock, back, or abdomen and moves it to the chest. The new tissue is used to create the breast mound. If required, and an implant may also be used.

There will be more scarring in this method due to additional incisions, which can lead to lengthier healing times. But the results with the flap method may be more realistic looking than the implant technique.

Recovery

The downtime involved in breast reconstruction surgery is typically two weeks. The patient is advised to take short walks and undertake lighter activities within their home, and not to exercise vigorously or lift heavy weights. Profound and prudent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other neighborhoods and cities in this area of the west coast for breast reconstruction.

See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach, Orange County, Irvine, Anaheim, Fullerton, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA and surrounding areas.