What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is performed to restore one or both of the breasts to a more natural appearance, shape, and size following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities.
Breast reconstruction falls into two main categories, including implant-based reconstruction and flap reconstruction.
Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure that should be done for yourself, not to make other people happy. You may be a good candidate if you are able to cope well with your diagnosis and associated treatment, you do not have any additional medical conditions that would impair healing, and you have a positive outlook on restoring your body image.
The Procedure
Your breast reconstruction procedure may look different depending on the technique used. These different techniques may include:
Tissue Expansion and Breast Implant Placement
For women who choose implant-based reconstruction, tissue expansion is the first step. An expander will be placed under the skin of the breast which will be gradually filled with saline or air. Once the expander has stretched the skin enough to comfortably house a breast implant, the expander will be removed. Saline or silicone breast implants will then be placed to restore a more natural shape to the breasts.
Flap Techniques
There are a number of different flap techniques used today including:
TRAM Flap:
This technique uses donor skin, muscle, and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The flap may stay attached to the original blood supply and be tunneled up through the chest way or be detached and formed into a breast mound.
DIEP Flap:
Skin, fat, and blood vessels are cut from the lower belly wall and moved up to rebuild the breast. No muscle is cut or removed.
SIEA Flap:
This technique is similar to the DEIP flap, except that a different area of blood vessels in the belly are moved with the fat and skin.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap:
This type of flap is used along with a breast implant to add volume to the breast. Muscle, fat, skin, and blood vessels will be tunneled from the upper back to the front of the chest.
GAP Flap:
Uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from the buttocks to create a breast mound.
Thigh Flaps:
If tissues from the tummy cannot be used to reconstruct a breast, the tissues in the thighs are often used.
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Recovery
Following your breast reconstruction procedure, you may need to wear elastic bandages or a support bra to minimize swelling and support the newly reconstructed breast(s). In some cases, a small, thin tube may be placed temporarily under the skin to drain any excess fluid or blood. Our team will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your surgical sites, how to properly take medications, how to keep the incisions clean, and more. Healing will take several weeks, and a follow up appointment will be scheduled with your surgeon to ensure you are healing correctly.
Schedule Your Consultation
For more information regarding breast reconstruction in Scottsdale, AZ, contact North Valley Cosmetic Surgery today.
Breast Reduction FAQS
Can breast grow back after reduction?
The skin, fat, and tissues removed during a breast reduction procedure are permanently removed and cannot grow back, so yes, breast reduction is permanent. However, gaining weight can cause new fat to be deposited in the breasts and may make them increase significantly in size.
Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?
Do not smoke for 48 hours after your breast reduction surgery to prevent coughing and bleeding. Do not drink alcohol for 5 days after surgery, or while you are taking the pain medication. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could cause bleeding, and mixing pain medication and alcohol is dangerous.
Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?
Changes in nipple sensation are typical immediately following breast surgery, regardless of whether it is breast augmentation, reduction, or lift. More often than not, this sensitivity returns to normal (or at least close to normal) within a few months of the operation.
Do you lose weight after breast reduction?
Yes, you will probably lose some weight after this procedure because you are removing fat from your body. The amount of weight youll lose depends on how much tissue you remove with surgery. However, you shouldnt expect your operation to tip the scales.
How can I reduce my cup size?
Maintaining a balance of exercise and a healthy diet will optimize your weight loss and the decrease your breast size. Eating more calories than you burn causes you to accumulate fat and makes your breasts grow. Lean meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables are foods that help to burn fat outside of your regular workout.
How dangerous is breast reduction surgery?
All surgeries carry the risk of complications. However, breast reduction surgery itself is typically very safe. The most common breast reduction complications are infections, loss of nipple sensation and breast reduction scars.
How do breast reductions work?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure used to remove excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts.
How do I know if I need a breast reduction?
Breasts that seem to be out of proportion to the rest of your body. Pain in the neck, back, and shoulders caused by the weight of your breasts. Grooves in the tops of your shoulders that have been caused by your bra straps.
How long does it take for swelling to go down after breast reduction?
Swelling reaches its peak at about day 3-5 after surgery; after that it diminishes over time. You will also note that swelling will “move” to the ribcage, abdomen, hips, and even legs–this is normal (gravity). “Final” healing and lymphatic swelling resolution takes 6-12 months.
How long does it take to recover from a breast reduction?
Realistically, you will need between two and six weeks to make a full recovery, although youll start to regain strength and energy within about seven days.
How many cup sizes can you go down with breast reduction?
In general, you can expect to lose around one or two cup sizes. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your aesthetic goals and breast composition to give you a good idea of what results you can realistically expect.
How much do breast reductions cost?
Breast reductions have an average cost of just under $6,500. This figure only relates to breast reductions performed for cosmetic reasons, not as part of an essential medical procedure. Lots of costs are tied into the overall treatment, including fees for anesthesia, facilities, medical tests, post-surgery care, medication, and the surgeon’s fees.
What causes breast reduction?
Breast reduction aims to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body. The surgery may be performed to relieve the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. This procedure is also called reduction mammoplasty. Overly large breasts can cause some women both health and emotional problems.
What happens after breast reduction?
After surgery, you will probably feel weak. You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks. You also may feel pulling or stretching in your breast area. Although you may need pain medicine for a week or two, you can expect to feel better and stronger each day.
When can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction?
Everyone recovers at different rates, and your unique procedure will determine your length of recovery. However, you should plan to wear your bra for around 6 weeks after surgery. You should wear it as much as possible (even while sleeping) but can remove it to shower.
When can I wear a normal bra after breast reduction?
We advise you wait for your swelling to completely subside before wearing a regular bra. This can take up to three months. At that time, you can shop for new bras that fit your new breast size and shape.
Does breast size affect weight?
If your breasts are dense with tissue, youre less likely to gain and lose weight there, as the breast tissue itself doesnt fluctuate in size; if your breasts are fattier, their size will change with your weight.”
Does insurance pay for breast reduction?
Most insurance carriers will offer breast reduction covered by insurance as long as it meets certain requirements to be deemed medically necessary. Traditionally the main point an insurance company considers is the amount of tissue to be removed from each breast.
Does weight gain increase breast size?
Your breasts contain fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and supportive tissue. Fatty tissue is what largely determines the size of your breasts. So, if you gain weight and have a larger amount of fatty tissue, you may see an increase in breast size.
Has anyone had a second breast reduction?
Yes, a second breast reduction is possible. The risks of sensory changes and skin healing problems may be increased depending upon what technique was used the first time, and what technique would be used the second time you have breast reduction surgery.
How do you know when you need a breast reduction?
Breasts that seem to be out of proportion to the rest of your body. Pain in the neck, back, and shoulders caused by the weight of your breasts. Grooves in the tops of your shoulders that have been caused by your bra straps
How is the recovery from breast reduction?
After surgery, you will probably feel weak. You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks. You also may feel pulling or stretching in your breast area. Although you may need pain medicine for a week or two, you can expect to feel better and stronger each day.
How long do stitches stay in after breast reduction?
Stitches usually are removed in 5 to 10 days. Your new breasts may feel firmer and look rounder. Breast reduction may change the normal feeling in your breast. But in time, some feeling may return
How long does it take breast reduction to heal?
Stitches usually are removed in 5 to 10 days. Your new breasts may feel firmer and look rounder. Breast reduction may change the normal feeling in your breast. But in time, some feeling may return
How much is 500 grams breast reduction?
Usually this means 500 grams needs to be removed per side. This would equate to roughly 2 1/2 cup sizes in volume. However, this may not mean you will be reduced by 2 1/2 cup sizes in the bra you wear.
How painful is a breast reduction?
In the few days following your surgery, its normal to experience some pain and discomfort. Your breasts and areas around your breasts may be bruised and swell up. This is because the breast tissues and muscles have been stretched. Most women experience the most pain during the first few days- post-procedure.
Is it OK to wear a sports bra after breast reduction?
However, you should plan to wear your bra for around 6 weeks after surgery. You should wear it as much as possible (even while sleeping) but can remove it to shower. Some women opt for a special surgical bra while others wear a supportive sports bra.
Is it worth getting a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery has been shown to boost self-esteem and quality of life for women with large breasts who may experience back or neck pain, skin rashes or difficulty exercising.
Why do breasts grow back after a reduction?
The breast reduction procedure removes a portion of glandular tissue (as well as fatty tissue and skin), but the remaining glandular tissue can enlarge after surgery due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, medications or other hormonal changes.
Why do my breasts hurt and feel heavy?
Sore and heavy breasts have a variety of possible causes. Hormones, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all cause a persons breasts to feel heavy and sore. In many cases, lifestyle changes can ease breast pain. If the pain returns or causes anxiety, a person should see a doctor.
