Breast Reconstruction Surgeons In Atlanta Ga
After obtaining a cancer diagnosis, there are a variety of reasons why someone might decide to have breast reconstruction surgery. The earlier you set up your appointment, the more time we’ll have to prepare for your operation before your next appointment with your oncologist or surgeon.
We offer several types of breast reconstruction procedures including: nipple-sparing mastectomy, DIEP flap reconstruction and TRAM flap reconstruction. All of these procedures entail removing the malignant tissue from the breast and using what is left over to reconstruct another area of the body (the breast).
You can also read about chest reconstruction surgery cost and breast reconstruction surgery cost ireland.
What is breast reconstruction all about
For most patients, a diagnosis of breast cancer often comes with significant concern over the possible loss or deformity of the breast. The improvements made in the field of breast reconstruction remain unknown to many patients, nevertheless. In most cases, our surgeons can reconstruct a woman’s breast following mastectomy or lumpectomy with outstanding, natural results. We recognize that enhancing your sense of completeness and self-worth is essential to your recovery from breast cancer treatment and equally crucial. In short, your recovery from breast cancer treatment no longer means living without your breasts.
Breast reconstruction is a staged process in which the breast mound is reconstructed either immediately following mastectomy or at a later date depending on a patient’s individual situation. Our doctors will often use an adjustable implant or a tissue expander that is placed at the time of mastectomy under a patient’s skin and pectorals muscle. This following several (2-5) painless in-office expansions over 2-3 months, a second operation is required to then exchange the temporary expander with a soft permanent implant. The nipple and areola are reconstructed using small in-office procedures and medical tattooing.
Implant Reconstruction
Tissue expander and implant reconstruction offers excellent results with less downtime and risk to patients. For this reason, our surgeons perform this type of reconstruction more often. Some patients, however, may need a more aggressive type of reconstruction depending on their specific situation and type of cancer treatment.
In some cases, your surgeon may recommend the use of a your own tissue for reconstruction. Commonly, this “autologous” reconstruction uses either a patient’s abdominal skin or muscle—TRAM flap, or back skin and muscle—latissimus flap, for reconstructing the breast mound. Patients with a history of or future need for radiation treatment may benefit from this type of reconstruction; however, many patients with radiation may still be a candidate for implant reconstruction. It really depends on how a patient recovered from the radiation treatment and the quality of the chest skin.
Mastectomy and Reconstruction
Patients who undergo mastectomy and reconstruction on one breast commonly undergo a symmetry procedure on the opposite breast to match. This may be an augmentation, reduction or lift, depending on each situation. If you have already had a mastectomy, even if it was years ago, Gawley Plastic Surgery and the Arizona Breast Center can still begin the reconstructive process and create beautiful, symmetrical breasts.
It is very common that over the years following breast reconstruction, changes may occur in a patient’s breasts—asymmetry, implant hardening, and recurrent deformity. Our surgeons can often offer revisional surgery to improve size, shape, and symmetry years after your cancer treatment and reconstruction.
Most importantly, both initial and revisional breast reconstruction surgeries are usually covered by your insurance.
Every patient is different and has different needs. I will discuss your alternatives with you and assist you in selecting the best approach.
Breast Reconstruction Safety
Breast reconstruction will not cause your cancer to come back and does not interfere with treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. Cancer patients who have a positive outlook typically have a much better treatment outcome. Breast reconstruction, which helps many women preserve optimism, self-esteem, and a positive outlook while reducing the emotional toll and sense of loss, is a significant component of healing.
Congenital Defects
Gawley Plastic Surgery and the Arizona Breast Center can reconstruct your breasts if you suffer from congenital defects and breast abnormalities such as missing nipples or lack of chest muscle (Poland’s Syndrome).
Corrective Breast Surgery
Gawley plastic surgeons are some of the few cosmetic surgeons who are willing to perform corrective breast surgery for patients who have undergone prior breast surgery with poor results. If you have had breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift and are unhappy with the results, Gawley Plastic Surgery can restore the beauty of your breasts.
Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast
After a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be performed either immediately at the time of the mastectomy or at a later time after the mastectomy has been completed. Both options are available. Patients typically choose immediate reconstruction because they go into surgery with a breast and emerge from surgery with a breast, and there is only one procedure required to remove and restore the breast. This makes immediate reconstruction the most beneficial option. With the goal of ensuring that his patients are aware of all of their available choices, Dr. Elliott engages in a comprehensive conversation with each of these alternatives. Breast implants, tissue expanders, scarless latissimus surgery, TRAM/free TRAM procedures, DIEP flap, nipple/areolar reconstruction, and post augmentation reconstruction are some of the techniques that are available for reconstructing the breast. Other techniques include post augmentation reconstruction.
What is the difference between a TRAM flap and DIEP flap?
Until a few years ago, the TRAM flap technique was the gold standard in breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy, but it has been replaced by the cutting edge DIEP flap technique today. The TRAM surgery has three different forms that can be used – the Pedicled TRAM flap, the Free TRAM flap, and the Muscle-sparing Free TRAM flap. All these procedures use abdominal tissue to recreate the breast except that in the Pedicled TRAM, the skin, fat, and muscle from the abdomen is tunneled under the upper skin of the abdomen to create the new breast. In the Free TRAM technique, the tissue flap is disconnected and reconnected at the chest area with microsurgery. The Muscle – sparing TRAM is the most beneficial since during it, the majority of the abdominal muscle is spared and it leads to lesser complications.
The DIEP flap is the most advanced form of breast reconstruction and like the muscle-sparing TRAM, it also uses your own abdominal skin and fat to recreate a soft breast. However, unlike the TRAM, all your abdominal muscles are preserved. It is like a tummy tuck wherein you experience less pain, maintain the strength of your abdomen and recover faster.
How long does it take to recover from a DIEP flap surgery?
During your DIEP flap surgery, the incision is made along your bikini line to remove the excess skin and fat which are then moved from your abdomen to the chest to create a new breast. No muscles are moved or cut during the procedure. An extra artery and vein from the abdomen are reconnected to an artery and vein in the chest using microsurgery (and sutures finer than human hair). For both breasts, it takes between 6 to 8 hours for completion. You will get detailed aftercare instructions before surgery. The most important aspect after surgery is to rest and refrain from vigorous physical activity. You will be up and walking the same day and ready to leave hospital after a day or two. With the Enhanced Recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, most patients need only Tylenol and ibuprofen to manage their discomfort. However, you must avoid any strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for about 6 weeks after your DIEP flap surgery. There will be incisions and drainage tubes in the abdominal donor area as well as your reconstructed breasts for a week or two. Overall, most women are pleasantly surprised how well they recover from this surgery when they follow the instructions.
Insurance and Breast Reconstruction
In most cases, breast reconstruction is covered by health insurance because it is not an elective procedure. Gawley Plastic Surgery accepts insurance for reconstructive breast surgery. Unfortunately, we cannot accept insurance for corrective breast surgery.
Getting Ready for Your Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Whether they have undergone a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, Dr. Larsen has successfully done breast reconstruction surgeries on women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer. Women whose cancer has been eradicated at least to the extent that it can be determined are the most suitable candidates. A significant number of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are candidates for reconstruction during the same operation that has the breast removed.
Breast reconstruction can be conducted either soon after your removal surgery or several months later, depending on your individual circumstances and the treatment plan that you have chosen. Sometimes you might not feel emotionally ready to undertake reconstructive surgery right away. This is something that can happen.
Despite the fact that there are a great number of various breast reconstruction techniques, they may be broken down into two primary categories: implant-based techniques and autologous approaches.
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Breast Reconstruction with an Implant The technique known as tissue expansion is widely utilized in the process of breast reconstruction that is based on the use of implants. In order to reconstruct the breast mound and provide room for the implant, the physician will first put an expanding implant beneath the chest tissue. Additionally, the chest tissue will be gradually filled with saline. Other surgical techniques that entail the use of implants may involve the construction of a tissue flap (for example, the latissimus dorsi flap) that creates a pocket in which the breast implant can be placed.
Techniques of Breast Reconstruction Utilizing Flap Structures
For the purpose of reconstructing the breast, there are a few different flap procedures that make use of the patient’s own tissue. There is the possibility of transferring a flap of tissue from the buttocks, the abdomen, or the back. It is possible to obtain a blood supply for the graft by transferring it from the donor site, or it can be obtained from another location and subsequently attached to the graft with the use of microsurgery.
When Breast Reconstruction is Completed
It is dependent on the method used and the extent of your surgery that you will recover. During the time that your body is recuperating, you should anticipate spending up to five days in the hospital. The placement of a surgical drain may be necessary in order to prevent the accumulation of excess fluids at the surgical sites; however, this drain is normally removed within a week, along with any sutures or stitches that may have been used. Implant-based breast reconstruction typically results in a shorter amount of time required for recovery compared to flap procedures.
It is inevitable that you will become aware of the alterations as soon as the operation is completed. The goal of Dr. Larsen is to ensure that you have a smooth transition to your new breast and to your new life after cancer, regardless of whether you had your breast reconstruction performed shortly after the removal operation or several months later. The process of breast reconstruction, which is frequently an emotional experience, has assisted a great number of breast cancer survivors in regaining control of their life after the disease.
Chest Reconstruction Surgery Cost
Total out of pocket costs without insurance coverage for chest reconstruction top surgery at our office can range between $8,500 to $10,000.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Cost Ireland
The breast implants that we provide range from €4,600 to €5,100. Factors such as the size of the implants, as well as the type and the placement of the implant, can affect the overall cost. At GBC Clinic Ltd, we do require the cost to be paid upfront beforehand.
Finding the right plastic surgeon for your breast reconstruction
To guarantee the greatest potential result should you choose to get breast reconstruction, it is imperative to choose a seasoned, board-certified plastic surgeon. A qualified and recognized surgeon can guide you through the complexity of the operation and provide the required care and encouragement all through your path. Your breast surgeon can suggest competent plastic surgeons to guarantee you access to experts with a track record in breast reconstruction.
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to help you be even more sure you are in good hands. For confirming a plastic surgeon’s qualifications, the American Board of Plastic Surgeons is a first-rate source. Getting in touch with them can help you find out whether your surgeon satisfies the high requirements needed for doing breast reconstruction and is board-certified. Knowing that you are handing your treatment to a qualified professional gives you confidence in your selected surgeon and helps you to relax.
One of the most important steps on your path of breast reconstruction is investing time to locate the appropriate surgeon. Working with you, a trained and compassionate plastic surgeon will create a customized treatment plan addressing your particular requirements and goals. With the correct help and knowledge, you can get the desired outcomes and rebuild your confidence and well-being.
