Daniela Rodriguez, MD, PLC
Breast Reconstruction in Michigan
What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction uses a variety of surgical techniques to restore breasts to their normal appearance after having a mastectomy. The two most common procedures are tissue expansion, which uses a temporary implant to expand the flesh on the chest, and flap reconstruction, which uses skin and muscle grafts to replace breast tissue.
Initially in tissue expansion a temporary implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle of the chest. This implant is gradually filled with a saline solution, causing the tissue surrounding it to expand and creating a pocket into which a permanent implant can be placed. This process of expansion can take several weeks or months, depending on the size of the breast being restored. Once the tissue has been sufficiently expanded a normal breast implant replaces the temporary one.
Flap reconstruction is a more involved process, in that it involves the movement of muscle tissue from one site of the body to the chest. This tissue can come from the abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks. A breast is formed out of this donor tissue using various surgical methods. In many cases an implant is used in addition to the transplanted tissue to create a more natural look.
Following both surgeries a nipple and areola are recreated during a follow-up procedure. Recovery from the expansion technique is typically faster than with flap reconstruction, but both methods usually require three to six weeks of recovery time. After this recovery time normal activities can gradually resume, though upper body exercises are not recommended.
What can breast reconstruction help correct?
Breast reconstruction can help restore your body to its former balance and proportions. It can provide closure following your mastectomy by bringing back confidence in your body and closing a difficult chapter in your life. It can restore the aesthetic appearance of your breasts and return you to a more physically and mentally comfortable place.
What breast reconstruction cannot do is restore normal sensation to the breast tissue. A loss of sensation is almost guaranteed. Some scarring will also be unavoidable, whether from the original mastectomy or from the reconstruction itself. In some cases with flap reconstruction the donor site will also be scarred.
Who is a candidate for breast reconstruction?
Anyone who has lost a breast due to a mastectomy is a candidate for breast reconstruction. The best results will occur for healthy patients who do not smoke. Having a clear idea of what to expect and a positive attitude is also essential. Talk with your surgeon about what can be expected throughout the process.
If you have undergone a mastectomy and wish to restore your body to what it was, then a breast reconstruction procedure is a good option. Bringing your figure back to its usual symmetry can be both a physical and psychological relief. Consult a surgeon about the amazing results that are now possible with current techniques.
Breast reconstruction uses a variety of surgical techniques to restore breasts to their normal appearance after having a mastectomy. The two most common procedures are tissue expansion, which uses a temporary implant to expand the flesh on the chest, and flap reconstruction, which uses skin and muscle grafts to replace breast tissue.
Initially in tissue expansion a temporary implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle of the chest. This implant is gradually filled with a saline solution, causing the tissue surrounding it to expand and creating a pocket into which a permanent implant can be placed. This process of expansion can take several weeks or months, depending on the size of the breast being restored. Once the tissue has been sufficiently expanded a normal breast implant replaces the temporary one.
Flap reconstruction is a more involved process, in that it involves the movement of muscle tissue from one site of the body to the chest. This tissue can come from the abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks. A breast is formed out of this donor tissue using various surgical methods. In many cases an implant is used in addition to the transplanted tissue to create a more natural look.
Following both surgeries a nipple and areola are recreated during a follow-up procedure. Recovery from the expansion technique is typically faster than with flap reconstruction, but both methods usually require three to six weeks of recovery time. After this recovery time normal activities can gradually resume, though upper body exercises are not recommended.
What can breast reconstruction help correct?
Breast reconstruction can help restore your body to its former balance and proportions. It can provide closure following your mastectomy by bringing back confidence in your body and closing a difficult chapter in your life. It can restore the aesthetic appearance of your breasts and return you to a more physically and mentally comfortable place.
What breast reconstruction cannot do is restore normal sensation to the breast tissue. A loss of sensation is almost guaranteed. Some scarring will also be unavoidable, whether from the original mastectomy or from the reconstruction itself. In some cases with flap reconstruction the donor site will also be scarred.
Who is a candidate for breast reconstruction?
Anyone who has lost a breast due to a mastectomy is a candidate for breast reconstruction. The best results will occur for healthy patients who do not smoke. Having a clear idea of what to expect and a positive attitude is also essential. Talk with your surgeon about what can be expected throughout the process.
If you have undergone a mastectomy and wish to restore your body to what it was, then a breast reconstruction procedure is a good option. Bringing your figure back to its usual symmetry can be both a physical and psychological relief. Consult a surgeon about the amazing results that are now possible with current techniques.
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Contact Us
Daniela Rodriguez, MD,
Plastic Surgery 21727 Mack Avenue Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080 Phone: (586) 777-7260 www.drdrodriguez.com Google Maps |
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