What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Reconstruction surgery for the breasts can be performed to restore one or both breasts to an attractive appearance in size and shape following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformity. Advanced techniques and tools in breast reconstruction surgery make it possible to help women feel complete and have breasts that look natural even after removal or damage. This surgery, at our Birmingham, AL office, generally falls into one of two categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. Either way, it is our goal to restore our patients' feminine form and symmetry. Our plastic surgeons at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery work to create a unique surgical plan and use a compassionate approach with each patient.
How Is Breast Reconstruction Performed?
There are a variety of surgical techniques available today for breast reconstruction. Our team also considers many factors when determining the technique that will produce the best results. A few of these factors include cancer diagnosis, when the reconstruction is performed, whether the patient will use implants or natural tissue, and if nipple-sparing or nipple reconstruction is a part of the process. If there is not enough tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant, a flap or tissue expansion technique may be chosen.
Flap techniques:
TRAM flap: This technique uses muscle, skin, and fat from the abdominal area to build the breast. The tissue used to build the new breast can be detached from the stomach, or it may remain attached to the donor location, keeping the original blood supply.
DIEP flap: Similar to a TRAM flap, the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdominal area, but it does not take the muscle.
Latissimus dorsi flap: This technique uses muscle, fat, and skin from the back. During this procedure, tissue is moved from the back to the mastectomy site through a surgically created tunnel and remains attached to the donor location, which keeps the original blood supply in place.
Tissue Expansion:
A tissue expansion is performed to stretch the healthy skin so it can provide enough coverage for a breast implant. This process may require several visits over 1 – 2 months so the expander can be filled with saline. If the expander is not meant to be permanent, a second procedure will need to be performed to remove the expander and replace it with implants.
Other possible aspects of reconstruction that our patients may wish to take into consideration could include:
Breast Implants:
Alternative to a flap technique, breast implants can be used to create breast mounds, either during cancer treatment as a temporary placeholder or more permanently afterward. Implants typically require tissue expansion, although this is not always the case.
Nipple Reconstruction:
If a nipple-sparing reconstruction surgery is not an option, reconstruction of the areola and nipple is possible. These techniques typically involve folding the skin and creating an ideal shape, then using 3D nipple-areola tattooing for a realistic appearance.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
No matter the reason for breast reconstruction, our team blends art and science to get outcomes that have our patients looking and feeling great. Some benefits of breast reconstruction at our Birmingham, AL practice are:
- Increased confidence
- Ability to choose between a few reconstructive techniques
- Large success rate, minimal risks, and lasting outcomes
- Achieving proportion in the chest
- Treating concerns from prior surgeries
- Treating aesthetic and medical issues alike
Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery Reviews
Dr. Hedden and staff were amazing! Dr Hedden did a full breast revision fixing my botched breast lift/implant procedure I had from another doctor. The whole experience was wonderful. All the nurses were super friendly and helpful and made sure I was comfortable and relaxed. They brought me warm blankets while I was in the pre-op room! The anesthesiologists were super gentle and nice enough to numb my arm before the IV. Dr Hedden was very knowledgeable and did a great job at explaining what the best option was for my desired outcome. Surgery went great. We are from out of town so we stayed at a hotel nearby and went back the next morning for my post-op check up. There was a small issue with the placement of my implant combined with a fluid pocket. Dr Hedden tried to drain the fluid but it didn’t work. He was very kind and encouraging that I could wear compression for a few days and if it didn’t fix it to come back and he would fix it! I had the BLISS insurance so there was no additional cost at all. Even though the fluid pocket went down substantially, I still wanted him to fix it and make it absolutely perfect. He gave no pushback and got me right in for surgery the morning I came back. The second surgery was quick and I had the same great experience. Overall, the whole process was WONDERFUL. Highly recommend Dr. Hedden and his staff. Thank you!!!!!
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Reclaim Your Self-Confidence
Breast reconstruction provides an opportunity for individuals to restore the shape and appearance of their breasts following a mastectomy, other breast surgery, or trauma. At Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery, our compassionate and skilled team of plastic surgeons offers personalized breast reconstruction options to help patients regain confidence and achieve a natural look. For those considering breast reconstruction, contact our Birmingham, AL office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring a sense of wholeness and well-being.