Mastectomy Reconstruction

Mastectomy Reconstruction

A breast cancer diagnosis is a devastating and overwhelming time in a woman’s life. Breast restoration can restore the sense of self, feminity, and wholeness that cancer has taken away. There are several reconstruction options available and, thanks to a federal mandate established in 1998, it is covered by health insurance in the US.

Our passion and most important goal are to provide our patients with the most advanced breast reconstruction options available in a caring and individualized environment from beginning to end.

There are two forms of breast reconstruction and, on occasion, a combination of both—breast reconstruction with implants and breast reconstruction using your tissue, or autologous reconstruction. There are indications for both, and while we offer the latest in implant-based reconstruction, we focus on the “gold standard,” which is autologous-based reconstruction. Most options for breast reconstruction will require an initial operation to restore the volume and shape and a secondary option to optimize the aesthetics.  

Autologous breast reconstruction, or flap reconstruction, refers to the technique of using your tissue to restore your breast following a mastectomy. We believe that using your tissue is superior to the alternatives as it provides a durable and natural option. We follow an approach defined as “patient-specific breast reconstruction,” where the emphasis is to achieve symmetric, natural, and soft breasts and focuses on improving the body's contour by using specific donor sites. We only perform procedures to preserve muscle anatomy and improve the donor site. To achieve this goal, clinical and radiographic examination allows us to identify the optimal body site for tissue transfer to reconstruct your breasts. This is the culmination of extensive experience in microsurgical and body contouring techniques.

Not all patients are candidates for these surgeries. Contraindications include nicotine use, increased BMI (body mass index), and significant medical conditions, like poorly controlled diabetes.