Breast implant reconstruction is a restorative option for women who have undergone mastectomy, offering a renewed sense of confidence and wholeness. This procedure uses implants to restore breast shape and volume, often completed in stages for the most natural-looking outcome.
What Is Breast Implant Reconstruction?
Breast implant reconstruction is a procedure that restores breast shape and volume after mastectomy using saline or silicone implants. This method is one of the most common types of breast reconstruction and can be performed in one or multiple stages, depending on the patient's treatment plan and personal preferences. This procedure can address the following:
- Loss of breast volume due to mastectomy
- Desire for a symmetrical or proportionate shape
- Preference for a minimally invasive reconstructive option
- Cases where autologous (flap) reconstruction is not an option
- Previous implant complications requiring revision
Breast implant reconstruction at Tucson Plastic Surgery can often be done in one phase, which is known as direct-to-implant reconstruction. In this procedure, the implant is placed at the time of mastectomy, eliminating the need for expansion. Sometimes however, two stages are required for breast implant reconstruction. The first phase includes the use of a tissue expander beneath the chest muscle or remaining breast tissue, gradually stretching the skin to create a natural contour. Once the tissue has sufficiently expanded, the second surgery replaces the expander with a permanent implant.