Breast Reconstruction
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Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to rebuild the shape and appearance of a breast after a mastectomy (removal of the breast due to cancer) or a lumpectomy (removal of a part of the breast). This procedure can help restore the breast’s form and symmetry and improve a person’s self-image and quality of life.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction aims to restore one or both breasts following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities. It often involves multiple procedures performed in stages, which can begin at the time of mastectomy or at a later date. Reconstruction offers many women the chance to regain control over their body image following the often emotional journey of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Defyne Approach
We understand that everyone’s breast reconstruction journey will look different. Because of this, our compassionate surgeons create highly personalized surgical plans to help each patient meet their unique goals. Because we use only the most advanced, proven surgical methods and techniques, you can feel confident that you are in good hands at Defyne.
What To Expect
A consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons is the first step toward determining if breast reconstruction is right for you. At Defyne, our surgeons use the innovative Breast Reconstruction Algorithm (B.R.A.) to work with patients to create the best possible treatment plan. During your consultation, our surgeons will review this algorithm with you, analyzing various factors such as your general health status, whether one or both breasts require reconstruction, your breast size, how much tissue is currently available on the chest, and which area(s) of the body tissue can possibly be taken from.
This allows our plastic surgeons to design a customized treatment plan while providing you with as much information as you feel comfortable with. Our goal is to allow patients to make the most informed decision possible about their own care.
Breast reconstruction can generally be broken up into two main categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. While implant reconstruction relies on the use of breast implants [link to breast aug page] to create a new breast mound, flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from another area of the body to form a new breast. Our surgeons will consider several factors, such as the type of mastectomy, cancer treatments, and your individual body type and preferences, when choosing which surgical option is best.
Following flap breast reconstruction, you will need to stay in the hospital for approximately 48 hours to ensure proper healing. Implant-based reconstructions allow patients to return home the same day as their procedure. While in-patient stays were once longer, we are proud to reduce this time for our patients using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. An elastic bandage or support bra will need to be worn during healing to minimize selling. Drains may also be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid during healing.
The length of recovery will vary depending on the specific reconstruction technique used. However, recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks, with increasing activity beginning at two weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding how to care for your surgical sites, when to take pain medication, and when to schedule follow-up visits.
What To Expect
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Prepare
A consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons is the first step toward determining if breast reconstruction is right for you. At Defyne, our surgeons use the innovative Breast Reconstruction Algorithm (B.R.A.) to work with patients to create the best possible treatment plan. During your consultation, our surgeons will review this algorithm with you, analyzing various factors such as your general health status, whether one or both breasts require reconstruction, your breast size, how much tissue is currently available on the chest, and which area(s) of the body tissue can possibly be taken from.
This allows our plastic surgeons to design a customized treatment plan while providing you with as much information as you feel comfortable with. Our goal is to allow patients to make the most informed decision possible about their own care.
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During Your Procedure
Breast reconstruction can generally be broken up into two main categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. While implant reconstruction relies on the use of breast implants [link to breast aug page] to create a new breast mound, flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from another area of the body to form a new breast. Our surgeons will consider several factors, such as the type of mastectomy, cancer treatments, and your individual body type and preferences, when choosing which surgical option is best.
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Downtime & Recovery
Following flap breast reconstruction, you will need to stay in the hospital for approximately 48 hours to ensure proper healing. Implant-based reconstructions allow patients to return home the same day as their procedure. While in-patient stays were once longer, we are proud to reduce this time for our patients using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. An elastic bandage or support bra will need to be worn during healing to minimize selling. Drains may also be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid during healing.
The length of recovery will vary depending on the specific reconstruction technique used. However, recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks, with increasing activity beginning at two weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding how to care for your surgical sites, when to take pain medication, and when to schedule follow-up visits.
Every Body is Different
Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Depending on your individual aesthetic goals, our surgeons are skilled in performing a variety of breast reconstruction techniques. During your consultation at Defyne, your plastic surgeon will discuss these surgical options and help you choose the one that best suits your personal goals.
DIEP Flap
DIEP, which stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator, is the name of the blood vessel that supplies the lower part of the belly. The DIEP Flap technique involves a flap of skin and fat from the lower abdomen to be transferred to the chest to rebuild the breast. This technique is muscle-sparing, meaning that no muscle is removed from the abdomen.
PAP Flap
PAP, or Profunda Artery Perforator, is the name of the blood vessel that supplies the skin and fat of the inner thigh. This technique involves transferring tissue, fat, and associated blood vessels from the back of the upper thigh to the chest to reconstruct new breasts. Using the PAP Flap technique, our surgeons have multiple incision patterns, which can allow for maximum tissue harvesting, depending on each patient’s individual tissue distribution.
LTP Flap
Lateral Thigh Perforator, or LTP Flap, uses tissues, fat, and blood vessels from the patient’s outer thigh to reconstruct breasts. This option is often used when other flap locations are unavailable.
GAP Flap
The GAP Flap, or the Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap, involves harvesting excess skin and fat from the buttocks to form the breasts. GAP Flap surgery is a muscle-sparing procedure, which means that no muscle is taken from the gluteal region.
TDAP Flap
The TDAP, or Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap, is a flap that harvests fat and potentially skin from a patient’s back. Because this tissue often lacks the volume needed to reconstruct the entire breast, this technique is most often used for revision breast reconstruction surgery or repairing contour deformities.
LAT Dorsi Flap
This reconstruction technique uses the latissimus dorsi muscle on the upper back’s side to create a breast mound. Unlike other flap techniques, the blood vessels of this flap are left attached to the original blood supply in the back. Because a portion of muscle is used in this procedure, this flap is typically considered to be a muscle-transfer reconstruction technique.
Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction involves placing breast implants under the chest tissue to restore the look and feel of breasts. This type of reconstruction can be performed in one or two stages, depending on your anatomy. This form of reconstruction often involves total envelope fat grafting to provide more natural-looking and feeling results.
S.P.A.R.E Technique
After mastectomy, the nerves that supply the special sensation to the breast are necessarily cut. The S.P.A.R.E. procedure is a new technique in which the main nerves that supply the nipple and breast that would normally be cut during a mastectomy are identified under magnification, tagged, and protected. Specialized nerve grafts are then used to bridge the gap prior to breast reconstruction and secured to allow regeneration of the native nerve. Peer-reviewed data to date have indicated that this procedure not only allows faster recovery and better sensation but is the first technique that preserves the natural kind of sensation.
What Our Patients Say
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Wonderful, professional and caring team with strong expertise across a range of state-of-the-art skin rejuvenation and enhancement techniques. With the right blend of knowledge, personal attention and proactive solutions, tailored to my individual needs, Dr. Tessler and his team delivered outstanding results.
- B.W.
Dr. Tessler is fantastic, he listened to everything I was nervous about and made me feel very comfortable. He gave me exactly what I was imagining and hoping for! All of the staff was very welcoming, sweet, and kind as well. I couldn’t recommend them enough!
- K.M.
Are You a Good Fit?
Breast Reconstruction Candidates
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether or not breast reconstruction is right for you. Candidates often include those who are generally healthy, non-smokers who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy and are looking to restore the appearance of the affected beast(s). To discuss whether breast reconstruction is right for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Scottsdale, AZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the advantages of autologous breast reconstruction compared to implant-based surgery?
Both Autologous breast reconstruction, or Flap reconstruction, and implant-based surgery offer their own pros and cons. To determine which procedure is right for you and your individual anatomy and goals, please schedule a breast reconstruction consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Defyne.
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Implant VS Autologous Flap Reconstruction - Which looks better?
This is not always the case, but typically, our patients are more pleased with the cosmetic appearance of a tissue flap (autologous) over implant-based reconstruction. Patients also receive the added benefit of skin and fat reduction from “problem” areas being used as donor sites for the flap.
Contact Us
Request a Consultation
If you are ready to take the first step toward defining your destiny and achieving your best look yet? At Defyne, our board-certified plastic surgeons are skilled in performing both surgical and non-surgical procedures, achieving individualized, natural-looking results. Contact Defyne in Scottsdale, AZ, today to schedule your consultation appointment.
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