Breast Reconstruction Dallas - Post Mastectomy Reconstruction Plano - Natrelle Breast Implants TX
Breast Reconstruction
In the United States each year over 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The option of Breast Reconstruction after a mastectomy is available to many women. While not everyone makes the choice to have Breast Reconstruction, women who do have Breast Reconstruction have reported an increase in their self-confidence, heightened emotional well-being, along with renewed body image.
- One-Step Implant Immediate Breast Reconstruction
- One-Step Implant Immediate Breast Reconstruction FAQ
During the consideration of your treatment options take the time to make an informed decision about Breast Reconstruction. This is a personal choice that Dr. Meade is ready to discuss with you right at the onset of your treatment for breast cancer. Even though Breast Reconstruction can be performed at the time of your mastectomy, delayed months or possibly years, being informed of your options now can reduce your fear and strengthen your decision.
What are my options?
Two-Stage Reconstruction with Breast Implants
Stage One – A tissue expander (a silicone shell) is filled slowly over time with saline stretching the skin and making room for your implant. The expander is inserted under your chest skin at the location of your planned reconstructed breast. A small needle is inserted through the skin to a “fill port” located inside the expander. Gradually over time, filling the expander with sterile saline and expanding the overlying tissues similar to a woman’s abdomen during pregnancy.
Stage Two – The second part of the Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction process is the placement of your breast implant. Once the tissue expander has reached an ideal pocket size, Dr. Meade will perform surgery, removing the tissue expander and placing either your saline or gel-filled breast implant. This procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours and should require no hospital stay. Recovery time is short, you should fully recover from the procedure in 2 to 3 days and be completely able to resume your normal activities.
Tissue Flap Breast Reconstruction Options
Autologous Reconstruction, commonly referred to as Tissue Flap Reconstruction, is when breasts are reconstructed through surgically moving a section of skin, fat and muscle from one area of your body to your chest.
Tissue can be taken from your abdomen, upper back, upper hip or buttocks. Depending on what Dr. Meade feels would achieve the best results for you, the tissue flap may be left attached to the blood supply and moved to the breast area through a tunnel under the skin called a Pedicle Flap, or it may be removed completely and reattached to the breast area by a microsurgical technique called a Free Flap.
The advantages of flap surgery vs. two-stage reconstruction is the replacement of chest area tissue. This is an important consideration if:
- Your chest tissue has been damaged and is not suitable for tissue expansion
- Extra tissue is needed to recreate a large breast without a breast implant
- Extra tissue coverage is needed over a breast implant
Some disadvantages of flap surgery vs two-stage reconstruction are:
- Flap Reconstruction is a major surgery and requires a hospital stay of several days
- The overall recovery time is a lot longer than the two-stage reconstruction
- Flap surgery also creates scars at the site where your flap was taken
- Additional scars are also possible at the site of your reconstructed breast
Are you interested in another procedure or have any questions for Dr. Meade?
If so click here to contact Dr. Meade now and set up a consultation today!
Suggested Readings
“Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book” by Susan M Love, MD & Karen Lindsey
“After Cancer: A Guide to Your New Life” by Wendy Schlessel Harpham, MD
“Cancer: 50 Essential Things to Do” by Greg Anderson
“Be Your Own Angel” by Nancy Swan Drew
“A Woman’s Decision: Breast Care, Treatment & Reconstruction” by Karen Berger & John Bostwick III, MD
“Staying Abreast” Rehabilitation Exercises for Breast Cancer Surgery…visit www.stayingabreast.com
