Breast Reconstruction
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstructive surgery is performed to restore the chest to an attractive size, shape, and appearance after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. It’s also an option to repair breast damage from a birth defect or trauma. Advanced options in reconstructive surgery make it possible for breast cancer patients to feel complete and have breasts that look natural, even after they have been removed. This surgery generally involves several procedures and different stages that may either be performed at the same time as your breast cancer treatment or delayed until the treatment is complete. Plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet creates a unique treatment plan with a compassionate approach as we work with you and your cancer team to restore your appearance and confidence at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in New Orleans, LA.
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How Is Breast Reconstruction Performed?
When considering the best technique for your breast reconstruction, we will consider factors, like your specific cancer diagnosis, when the reconstruction is being performed, whether you will use natural tissue or implants, and if nipple-sparing or nipple reconstruction is a part of the treatment plan. To rebuild the breast, there must be enough tissue to adequately cover the breast mound. Flap methods accomplish this by using your own skin, fat, and muscle to build and cover the breast. The most frequent flap techniques are:
- TRAM Flap
This technique takes muscle, skin, and fat from your abdominal area to build the breast. The tissue selected to build the new breast may be detached from the stomach or it may stay attached to the donor location, keeping the original blood supply. - DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) Flap
This method takes fat, skin, and blood vessels from the lower abdominal area, but it doesn’t take the muscle. During this process, skin and fat from the stomach are moved to form the breast mound, then microsurgery is used to attach the blood vessels to the chest wall. - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
This technique uses muscle, skin, and fat from your back. Tissue is taken from the back to the breast(s) via a surgically created path so it stays attached to the donor location, which keeps the original blood supply intact. - PAP (profunda artery perforator) Flap
This technique uses fat, muscle, and skin tissue from your inner thigh to build your breast(s). - LTP Flap
The LTP flap is often used when there is not enough tissue for a TRAM. Tissue from the outer thigh is used to build the breast. - Composite Flap
Also called a composite stacked flap, this method takes flaps from various sections of your body to reconstruct the breast.
Breast reconstructive surgery is performed in several stages. In some phases, general anesthesia is often used and an overnight stay may be required. All of this will be discussed as we build your customized treatment plan. When the last step has been completed for your breast reconstruction, we will have you wear a compression bra and give you medication to help control swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. Over time, your breast(s) will look normal so you can feel more confident.
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
How much does breast reconstruction surgery cost?
Breast reconstruction surgery can be complicated, so you should choose a surgeon with years of skill and training like Dr. Charvet for the cheapest price to get great results. During your initial consultation, Dr. Charvet will take time to understand your needs and goals before crafting your unique treatment plan. Once this is done, he will talk to you about costs, payment methods, and low-interest financing.
Does insurance cover my surgery?
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 requires health insurance policies that cover breast cancer surgery (mastectomy) and breast reconstruction surgery. If you have insurance, someone from Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa will help explain your policy and benefits. We will also help you submit needed information and paperwork to your insurance.
Which technique should I choose?
With so many options, no single reconstruction technique is right for everyone. The best technique for you will depend on your concerns, wants, and physique. In your consultation, Dr. Charvet can discuss your options, including implants and flaps, so you understand the advantages and drawbacks of each before you decide on your treatment plan. Whether you decide on a flap or implants, Dr. Charvet will do his best to give you natural-looking results.
Reclaim Your Self-Confidence After Breast Cancer
Although the process of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy can take time, it’s probably one of the most beneficial surgeries for many of our New Orleans, LA patients at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. Not only can it help improve the emotional and physical impact of breast cancer treatment, but it can also help you boost your figure and self-confidence. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have had trauma to the chest, or have a congenital defect that affects the appearance of your breasts, we encourage you to call our New Orleans, LA office and make an appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet.