BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Breast reconstruction involves reconstructing the breast mound. Usually breast reconstruction is performed to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. Occasionally breast reconstruction is performed for patients who have partial mastectomies, for woman when their breasts develop there is significant asymmetry, or for woman who are born with congenital breast deformities. 

For a woman who plans on having a mastectomy, she may be a candidate to have the breast mound recreated immediately after her initial mastectomy. Some women decide to have the mastectomy without immediate reconstruction and may be a candidate for delayed reconstruction. Delayed reconstruction of the breast may be months to years after your initial mastectomy. Reconstruction can be performed with implants or with your own tissue (autologous). In addition, if a mastectomy is performed on one side, a balancing procedure may be performed on the other breast to improve symmetry. 

For a woman who undergoes a partial mastectomy, reconstruction may be performed to either increase the size of the smaller breast or decrease the size of the larger breast, or both. For a woman who develops asymmetric breasts during puberty, a variety of techniques may be used to improve the symmetry. Depending on the discrepancy between the two breasts, options could include reducing one breast, increasing the size of one breast with an implant or with one’s own fat.

BENEFITS OF SURGERY

• Recreates breast mound
• Decrease need for breast prosthesis
• Improves breast symmetry
• Increases variety of clothes to add to one’s wardrobe

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once the decision is made to move forward with surgery, our team will schedule a pre-procedure visit and help you select your surgery date. Breast reconstruction will be performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep for the operation. Surgery typically takes about two to three hours to complete. The scar will vary depending on the type of reconstruction you decide with Dr. Szymanski. Most patients find the benefits outweigh the scars. You will go home the same day as surgery to recover. We recommend you plan for extra help around the house for the days following your procedure as you adjust and recover. Recovery for each patient varies and depends on your lifestyle.

YOUR CONSULTATION

If you are considering breast reconstruction or wondering if it may be the right procedure for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Szymanski to review your goals and desired results. It is important that you understand and have realistic expectations for the procedure before moving forward. Dr. Szymanski may have you undress to more fully evaluate the area and talk through you concerns. 

Deciding if a plastic surgery procedure is the right choice for you is your individual decision. We want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Before your first consultation with our office, we recommend you write down any questions you have and bring your list with you. It can also be beneficial to bring someone with you who is supportive and a good listener. If you find you have a lot of questions after your consultation, a second appointment to address your questions with Dr. Szymanski is always an option. Schedule your consultation today.