what is breast reconstruction?
Inland Empire board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ben Childers, understands how devastating a breast cancer diagnosis can be and how equally traumatized a patient feels after a mastectomy. Due to this, Dr. Childers offers a number of highly advanced and effective procedures to restore the breast(s) after a mastectomy. In some cases, he can work with a patient’s medical team to provide his reconstruction services right after a mastectomy, and the patient never has to be without breasts. Other times, Dr. Childers will schedule the procedure(s) out for maximum benefit. In any case, Dr. Childers works closely with a patient and her other doctors to do what’s best for her, while providing outstanding results.
How is breast reconstruction performed?
Each reconstruction technique will be tailored according to the patient’s physical health, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences. There are many factors playing into the approach that will be taken. The ultimate goal is to ensure the patient is healthy and happy with their final breast results.
There are two primary categories of breast reconstruction techniques:
- Procedures that involve using a breast implant
- Procedures that are autologous (use the patient’s own body’s tissue to reconstruct and recreate the breast)
Reconstruction With Implants
Breast reconstruction using silicone or saline implants is a common approach that generally starts with the use of a tissue expander to help form a suitable pocket for an implant. The expander may be inserted after the mastectomy procedure or during the same operative session. Over the course of several months, the expander will slowly be enlarged using a sterile solution injected through a port residing under the skin. During the scheduled reconstruction surgery, the expanders are removed and replaced with permanent implants.
Autologous Reconstruction
If there is limited tissue inside the breast, or limited skin on the outside, tissue may be used from another part of the patient’s body to supplement this loss. The most common areas to support this process are the buttocks, thigh or abdomen. This is an autologous approach to breast reconstruction. The TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous), the DIEP flap and SIEA flap techniques involve taking skin and fat from the abdomen and relocating it to the breast. The Latissimus Dorsi Flap is another common method using tissue from the patient’s back.
Nipple/Areola Restoration
During a mastectomy, the nipple and areola often cannot be saved. The loss of one’s nipple and areola can be as unnerving as the removal of the breast itself. However, reconstruction techniques have advanced greatly, allowing plastic surgeons the opportunity to recreate these areas of the breast to give a natural, aesthetically appealing appearance. In a separate procedure, the nipple is created using existing breast skin or from the abdominal or latissimus flap. Using a tattoo technique, the areola is recreated with a skin graft taken from the thigh, abdomen or back.
Breast Reconstruction Reviews
Dr. Childers did several surgeries for me, in the process of having bi-lateral breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Due to the level of tissue removal during the surgery of another surgeon for my cancer, I asked Dr. Childers to remove the other breast in order to give me a symmetrical result with my reconstruction. He and his staff were amazing through the entire process. I would highly reccommend him to anyone. I remember as I was being taken into the operating room on one occassion, the male nurse who was assisting told me that his wife had had surgery done by Dr. Childers and that they considered him an "Artist". I fully agree that he is very knowledgable, attentive and patient in all aspects of his care, and his staff we equally gifted in how they treated me. I plan to have abdominoplasty done soon, and am excited to see the results.
Best surgeon ever - I had breast reconstruction done by a newbee surgeon who is not even a board certified. I had my breast revision with Dr. Childers on Aug. 13. He did exactly what he promised me: larger implants, good appearance and symmetry 98% (that's to be expected in a breast reconstruction) He was very patient with me. I am very happy with the results.Thank you, Dr. Childers. God bless.I highly recommend Dr. Childers to those needing breast augmentation/revision.
I had a masectomey in 2013. Which left me withan ugly scar well thank god i meet Dr Childers this year 2018 for recunstrction.He fixed that scar !!!! And hes the doctor i trust for my recunstuction. THANK YOU DR CHILDERS!!!!
3
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Plan Your Procedure
Procedure Recovery Location
Out-Patient
what to expect following breast reconstruction surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. Some patients may be required to stay in the hospital to be monitored for complications. Patients who have had reconstruction using a flap technique will usually be required to stay in the hospital for 2-5 days. The recovery process can be somewhat lengthy, but many view it as the final step in their cancer journey thus the experience can be very rewarding. Most women are thankful to have had the opportunity to restore their breasts and are satisfied with their results.
Featured Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Qualified Surgeon?
This is a very specialized surgery that requires extensive knowledge, skill and experience. It is very important to research and find a qualified and reputable plastic surgeon who has experience with breast reconstruction surgery.
Can I Delay This Surgery?
In many situations, it is recommended to start the reconstruction process at the same time as the mastectomy. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your breast cancer surgeon and your plastic surgeon begin communicating about the steps that will follow. An advantage of doing the procedure immediately is waking up from your mastectomy surgery with the reconstruction process in place. The soft tissue that surrounds the breast will heal simultaneously with the reconstruction, which can enhance the final results.
Breast Sensation?
A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation as the breast did before the mastectomy. However, over time, some of this sensation will return to normal. This will depend on the extent of the reconstruction process and will vary by patient.
