In the event that a woman loses one or both breasts during a mastectomy, she can restore the appearance of her breast(s) with breast reconstruction plastic surgery.
This cosmetic surgery procedure can improve the patient’s confidence, self-worth, and sense of femininity. But breast reconstruction is a major procedure which should be performed only by a qualified and highly trained surgeon.
At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will determine the patient as a candidate for breast reconstruction and offer recommendations on the most appropriate breast reconstruction technique. In addition, they will address any questions or concerns that the patient may have to allow them to make a judicious choice.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.
Appropriate Candidates
Ideal candidates for a breast reconstruction procedure usually have the following qualities:
- Is interested in restoring the natural breast appearance after a mastectomy
- Is free of cancer
- Is willing to discontinue smoking for a specified period and follow the surgeon’s guidelines before and after the procedure
- Has coped well with the cancer treatment
- Is willing to devote the time necessary for various procedures
- Is positive with reasonable expectations from the procedure
The surgeon will explain the benefits and limitations of the breast reconstruction plastic surgery to the patient and offer details on the steps that are involved in the process to allow the patient to prepare properly for the surgery.
Surgical Procedure
A patient can decide to undergo breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery simultaneously with the mastectomy or wait until the mastectomy has been done and the healing is complete.
The flap reconstruction and implant technique are the two main methods of breast reconstruction. In the flap method of reconstruction, the surgeon uses excess fat, tissue, and skin from other areas on the patient’s body to recreate the breasts.
The implant procedure involves the surgical placement of silicone or saline implants beneath the chest muscle. The surgeon will assist the patient in determining the correct method based on their unique needs.
Implant Breast Reconstruction
The implant method of reconstruction is undertaken in various phases. Initially, the surgeon will expand the chest skin and muscle by placing a balloon expander in this region. It can take up to a few months for this area to extend sufficiently to create space for a breast implant. Afterwards, the surgeon will place an implant of the appropriate size and shape.
Flap Breast Reconstruction
This process starts with the elimination of excess tissue from donor areas such as buttocks, back, or abdomen. This tissue then undergoes purification prior to being grafted in the chest region. This new tissue helps develop the chest mound. In some cases, the surgeon may insert an implant at this time.
The flap technique may need more incisions, which creates slightly more scarring and necessitates an extended recovery period. However, the results of the flap technique can be more natural in appearance and longer-lasting in comparison to the implant method.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
