What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild a breast, often after mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer treatment. It aims to restore the breast's natural shape, size, and appearance.
How Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Work?
Breast reconstruction can be performed using several techniques:
- Implant-Based Reconstruction: A breast implant is placed under the skin or muscle to create a breast shape. This can be done immediately after mastectomy or at a later time.
- Autologous Reconstruction: Tissue from another part of the body (such as the abdomen, back, or thighs) is used to create a new breast. This is often called flap reconstruction.
- Combination Reconstruction: A combination of implant and autologous tissue is used to create a breast.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours, depending on the technique used. Multiple surgeries may be required to achieve the desired result.
The Ideal Candidate
Candidates for breast reconstruction surgery typically include:
- Women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer
- Those who desire to restore their breast's natural appearance
- People with realistic expectations about the results
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that might impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals who have completed cancer treatment or have a plan for ongoing treatment
During your consultation, Dr. Maresky will assess whether breast reconstruction is appropriate for your specific concerns and medical history.
Recovery
Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery typically involves:
- Hospital stay of several days for monitoring
- Temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising
- Pain medication to manage discomfort
- Drains to remove excess fluid
- Limited arm movement for several weeks
- Return to normal activities within 6-8 weeks
- Full recovery and final results visible after several months
Dr. Maresky will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
Results and Benefits
Breast reconstruction can provide:
- Restored breast shape and size
- Improved body image and self-confidence
- Emotional healing after breast cancer treatment
- Symmetrical appearance
While there will be scars, they typically fade over time and can be concealed with clothing or tattoos.
Before and After
Below you can see the results of a breast reconstruction procedure performed by Dr. Maresky. The before and after images demonstrate the significant improvement in breast appearance, resulting in a more natural and symmetrical look.
Before and After
Click on the image to view in full screen
Click on the image to view in full screen
Why Choose Dr. Maresky for Your Breast Reconstruction?
Dr. Gideon Maresky is a skilled and compassionate plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction. He understands the emotional and physical challenges faced by women undergoing breast cancer treatment and is committed to providing personalized care and natural-looking results.
During your consultation, Dr. Maresky will take the time to understand your goals and expectations, explain the procedure in detail, and help you make an informed decision about your breast reconstruction surgery.
