The Breast Reconstruction Process
Breast reconstruction may involve multiple stages, to restore the breast’s beautiful appearance. Different options for breast reconstruction may include using breast implants, flap surgery, and a combination of both (or other) techniques.
Selection of the appropriate procedure depends upon your medical history, physical characteristics, lifestyle, and desired results. In some cases, breast reconstruction can even be an opportunity for women to achieve larger, fuller, and firmer breasts than they had prior to surgery. Reconstruction can be performed either at the same time as s mastectomy – or can be delayed for a few months.
During the first phase of implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is typically inserted under the chest muscle. The device is then gradually filled with saline during the subsequent office visits. This gradual process gently stretches the muscle, and helps create a pocket for the permanent implant. Once the desired size is achieved the expander is left in place for 6 to 8 weeks. During a second operation the tissue expander is then replaced with a permanent breast implant.
However, in properly selected patients, it is now possible sometimes possible to insert the implant during the first stage thus eliminating the expansion phase.
In the experienced hands of Dr. Ali – Oakland County’s top breast reconstruction surgeon – your breasts will be beautifully restored. Call today for a consultation, and learn how breast reconstruction surgery can help make you feel beautiful again, inside and out.
Selection of a Breast Reconstruction Implant
Both saline and silicone breast implants are available. Silicone implants are generally preferred, because of their natural and soft texture. Typically, a few weeks after the breast implant, nipple reconstruction is performed. This may be followed by realistic tattooing of the areola. Both of these procedures can typically be performed in Dr. Ali’s office.
New advancements in implant reconstruction have tremendously reduced the time between the first and second stage. This is mainly due to a new product called AlloDerm, which can be used to cover the lower part of the implant that is not covered by muscle. In properly selected patients, it is now possible even possible to insert the implant during the first stage, thus eliminating the expansion phase.
