For women who have undergone (or are considering) mastectomy as part of their fight to defeat breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery can often be an excellent option to help restore the breasts to a normal shape, size, and overall appearance. At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, our doctor offers several different techniques, including implant reconstruction, fat grafting, and DIEP flap breast reconstruction. In some instances, a nipple sparing mastectomy can be performed prior to breast reconstruction in order to help preserve the nipple-areolar complex.
Implant Breast Reconstruction
Prior to breast reconstruction with implants, a tissue expander is used to create a breast pocket large enough to safely and effectively accommodate the patient’s implant of choice. Once enough room has been created, the breast implant(s) will be placed and positioned using limited incisions for an optimal result. If desired, fat grafting can often be employed to finely shape the breast for an enhanced outcome.
Breast Reconstruction with Fat Grafting
Similar to natural breast enhancement, breast reconstruction with fat grafting involves the harvesting and transfer of fatty tissues to create a new breast mound. Prior to the procedure, the BRAVA® tissue expansion system is used to create an optimal environment for the transfer of fat to the breasts. Once this process is complete, fat is harvested via liposuction from one or more areas of the body that contain an ample amount of fat accumulation. The fat is then purified and reinjected into the breast(s) until an ideal outcome is achieved.
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap technique for breast reconstruction uses tissues taken from the patient’s lower abdomen to rebuild the breast(s). During this procedure, fat and abdominal tissues are extracted and relocated to the chest wall, and small blood vessels are connected to enable sufficient blood supply. The tissues are then carefully sculpted to form the new breast shape, and the skin of the abdomen is redraped and tightened for a more toned aesthetic.
The length of the procedure as well as the recovery timeframe for breast reconstruction will depend on the particular technique being employed. On average, the majority of patients are able to return to normal, non-strenuous daily activities within one to two weeks.