Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Breast reconstruction is performed to improve the appearance, shape, symmetry, and size of one or both of the breasts following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities. There are several different types of breast reconstruction procedures to choose from. You and your doctor can discuss which type is best for you based on your health and personal preferences. It is important to take the time to educate yourself on the different types of breast reconstruction procedures before making a final decision.

DIEP Flap Reconstruction is a microsurgical reconstructive technique that can restore the breasts after mastectomy. Your reconstructive surgeon uses your own abdominal tissue to create new breasts with a completely natural look and feel. DIEP flap breast reconstruction involves using the skin, fat, and blood vessels of the lower abdominal region to rebuild a soft, warm, living breast mound on the chest.  This method of breast reconstruction is also known as “autologous” or natural tissue reconstruction because it uses the patient’s own tissue without any implants. It can be an excellent option for women who develop radiation damage, or implant-related complications.

Natural tissue flap reconstruction is used when there is not enough tissue left on the chest way following a mastectomy or radiation therapy to successfully cover and support a breast implant during reconstruction. In these cases, using skin and fat from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or glutes.

Following mastectomy to remove the breasts in order to treat or prevent breast cancer, breast reconstruction is a surgical option to restore the shape of the breasts. One option for breast reconstruction includes reconstruction using breast implants. There are two main types of breast implants used today, including silicone gel or saline implants. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled with a firm silicone gel and feel more like natural breast tissue. Saline implants are filled with saltwater and tend to feel firmer than silicone implants. The type that is best for you can be discussed with your plastic surgeon.

Oncoplastic surgery is done to completely remove cancer from the breast(s) while minimizing the unwanted effects of surgery. This can lead to quicker physical and emotional healing. This type of surgery is commonly performed with a lumpectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of cancerous or abnormal breast tissue.

Both BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are genes that create proteins that help to repair damaged DNA. Every individual has two copies of each of these genes, with one copy inherited from each parent. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are also known as tumor suppressor genes because when they have certain mutations, cancer can develop. Individuals who inherit harmful variants in one of these genes have an increased risk of different cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer. These individuals also tend to develop cancer at younger ages than those without the variants.

Radiation therapy is a treatment option for some individuals with breast cancer. During this treatment, high-energy particles are used to destroy the cancer cells in the body. Radiation may be used after a lumpectomy or mastectomy procedure as well. The two main types of breast radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy.

Every individual who undergoes a mastectomy has the right to feel comfortable with her results. Revision surgery is done to correct problems that occurred during or after breast reconstruction that negatively impact your everyday life and/or health. This procedure may be needed due to poor cosmetic results from a prior mastectomy, complications that developed over time, or if you are unhappy with the results of your reconstruction surgery.

Symmetry procedures are performed following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction that has resulted in asymmetry between the breasts. In many cases, women have a single mastectomy, which results in one breast that looks different from the other. Symmetry procedures are performed to adjust the breasts to match in size and appearance for an improved sense of well-being.

Breast cancer can form in both men and women, though it is more rarely found in the breast tissue of men. Male breast cancer is more commonly found in older men, though it may occur at any age. Men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage have the best chance for a cure.

During mastectomy to remove cancerous tissue from the breast(s), one or both of the nipples may be removed. In these cases, some patients choose to undergo Nipple Reconstruction Surgery to restore their nipples for a more natural look to the breast. Nipple reconstruction surgery is usually done about 3-4 months after surgery to let the reconstructed breast heal.

3D nipple tattooing is done on reconstructed nipples or on breast tissue to create the appearance of natural-looking nipples and areolae. There are many advantages to choosing 3D tattooing of the nipple alone, including avoiding surgery that creates new scars, easier healing and recovery process, and fine details and coloring that can be added to the nipple tattoo for a natural appearance.