After a breast injury or breast cancer treatment, you may choose reconstructive surgery to help rebuild the shape and appearance of your breasts. Breast reconstruction can help restore symmetry when only one breast is affected, and it avoids the need for an external prosthesis to improve body image and self-esteem. A skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sanjay Lalla, could work with you to restore your feminine silhouette with natural-looking breasts.
Breast reconstruction may involve multiple procedures, and several options are available depending on your anatomy and physiology. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how breast reconstruction in New Jersey could help you achieve your aesthetic goals and boost your self-confidence.
Breast reconstruction is usually performed after breast removal, called mastectomy, for breast cancer treatment. However, the procedure can also address a deformity due to an injury or a malformation that has been present since puberty.
When breast reconstruction is considered after a mastectomy, the surgical procedure can be performed at different times, depending on your medical condition, personal preference, and the treatment plan. One approach is to do the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy. This option can reduce the number of surgeries and your recovery time.
However, an immediate reconstruction is not always possible, especially if radiation and chemotherapy are necessary after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is performed after your body has recovered from chemotherapy and radiation so the tissue can heal appropriately after surgery.
Another option is staged reconstruction, which involves multiple procedures. This might start with a tissue expander and then later be followed by the placement of a permanent implant or autologous reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction is a personal choice, so you should discuss the options with your New Jersey plastic surgeon to determine the best approach based on your medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
Our New Jersey practice offers several options for breast reconstruction surgery, and not all can be accomplished in an immediate reconstructive procedure. The best option depends on your medical history, body type, cancer treatment plan, and personal preferences.
Implants are biocompatible saline or silicone products that help to restore the shape and appearance of the breast. This option is typically less invasive than a flap reconstruction and has a shorter recovery time. Breast implants can be placed immediately after the mastectomy, or you could choose a two-stage reconstruction in which a tissue expander is first used to stretch the skin after the mastectomy has healed.
Implant-based reconstruction usually has shorter surgery and recovery with less scarring. However, the implants typically need to be replaced over time since they have a finite lifespan.
A tissue flap reconstruction uses your own tissue to create a new breast. This can include skin, fat, and sometimes muscle. This approach offers a more natural look and feel compared to implants. There are several different types of flap procedures, and the best option for you will depend on your anatomy and the amount of reconstruction needed.
While these look and feel more natural and have long-lasting results, the surgery is typically longer and requires a longer recovery time. There is also the potential for scarring at the donor site.
Tissue expanders are a preliminary step in implantation reconstruction. An expander is a balloon-like device that is placed under the skin and gradually filled with saline. This stretches the skin over the expander and creates space for a permanent implant. With this process, it takes several weeks to months until the final implant is placed.
Nipple reconstruction is an additional procedure that recreates the appearance of a natural nipple and areola. This is an optional final step in the reconstruction process and is typically performed after the new breast shape has healed and settled, usually several months after the last reconstructive surgery.
The decision to have breast reconstruction in New Jersey is a personal one. We encourage you to call our office and schedule a free consultation so you can learn more about the procedure and your options, including whether it is possible to have reconstruction surgery during your mastectomy.
Whatever your desires, our friendly team will help you find the plastic surgery solution you are looking for! With over three decades of cosmetic surgery expertise, we combine medical excellence with personalized and compassionate care. Fill out the form below to discover a better and brighter you with Personal Plastic Surgery today!
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