Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What is breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure to make a new breast after a patient has had their breast removed, often because of breast cancer. While breast reconstruction surgery is optional, there are plenty of emotional and practical benefits for patients who choose to go this route. Our breast reconstruction surgeons at University of Michigan Health are dedicated to exceptional patient care and satisfaction, which is why they work closely with each patient to design a treatment plan that fits their health, priorities and lifestyle.
Our Approach
At U-M Health, we recognize the real importance this procedure can have for a breast cancer patient. More importantly, we know this is a choice each woman must make for herself. It is our goal to educate our patients and guide them through their reconstruction options, helping to set achievable expectations and maintaining health. The breast reconstruction specialty plastic surgeons have consultations with each patient so they may work as a team to design a treatment plan that fits her health, priorities and lifestyle.
Appointment Information
Your surgeon will go over your options and any other questions or concerns you may have during a consultation. If you are ready for a consultation about breast reconstruction, call 734-998-6022 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialty plastic surgeons.
Types of Reconstruction
Depending on a patient’s decision and needs, our plastic surgeons at U-M Health offer two main types of reconstruction:
Natural tissue reconstruction, also known as a "flap" procedure, uses tissue from a donor site of your body to reconstruct the breast. The most common natural reconstruction procedures use tissue from the lower abdomen. If there is not enough fatty tissue available on the lower abdomen, your plastic surgeon may suggest alternative donor sites.
Learn more about the specific natural tissue reconstruction procedures our plastic surgeons can perform:
Your breast can be surgically reconstructed by putting in an implant. The process of breast reconstruction using implants may involve one or two stages depending on the individual patient's breast size.
Most implant breast reconstruction surgeries are carried out in two stages. The first stage involves placing a tissue expansion device to make space for the implant, which will replace the expander in the second stage. A single-stage reconstruction may be possible for patients with smaller breasts, which would involve placing the implant in a pocket beneath the skin and muscle layers after a mastectomy.
The procedure and recovery time is shorter for implant reconstruction compared to other reconstruction options, but the tissue expander may take longer to help prepare for implant placement. If you've had radiation, your skin may have scarring that is difficult to stretch using an expander. While outcomes for implant reconstruction tend to be more predictable and the procedure leaves fewer scars, the results may not look or feel as natural compared to a flap procedure.
Non-surgical options for breast reconstruction
For many reasons, patients may choose to not reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy. Patients who opt against breast reconstruction surgeries can either live without a breast replacement or use a prosthesis.
Using a prosthesis will help patients achieve a sense of balance and posture, as well as make wearing different types of clothing easier. A prosthesis is a man-made removable breast form that can be used under clothing to recreate the shape of a missing or altered breast. The prosthesis fits securely and discreetly into a pocket inside the cup of the mastectomy bra. Prostheses are also available for nipples that are missing or shaped differently after surgery. Some patients choose to use this until they are able to seek out breast reconstruction surgery while others will use a prosthesis for life.
Prostheses can be purchased at some surgical supply stores, pharmacies or through other services.
Post-reconstruction surgery options
Additional surgeries after breast reconstruction can help balance the new breast and make them appear as symmetrical as possible. During your conversation with your plastic surgeon about breast reconstruction, discuss the possibility of additional procedures to ensure you’re pleased with the final outcome.
Possible additional procedures include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- Nipple reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
All types of breast reconstruction can be done either at the same time the cancerous breast is removed or later. Depending on your body and your health, your doctor may suggest one option over another.
Advantages of immediate breast reconstruction:
- You wake up after cancer surgery with a new breast, or the beginnings of a new breast, already in place.
- Most patients feel better about seeing the results of the cancer surgery for the first time if they have had immediate reconstruction.
- It saves time and effort, since you have two surgeries at the same time.
Disadvantages of immediate breast reconstruction:
- You must bear the strain and possible problems of two surgeries at once.
- No time to adjust to the loss of the old breast before you get the new one.
- The emotional load of dealing with cancer and with reconstruction at the same time. Some patients prefer to have the cancer treated first and to think about reconstruction afterwards.
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon. While your surgical oncologist is responsible for your mastectomy and treating your cancer, your plastic surgeon focuses on reconstructing your breast. If you decide to have immediate reconstruction, the plastic surgeon will need to coordinate with your oncologist to plan your surgery.
If you had an implant reconstruction, mammograms are usually not recommended for the reconstructed breast. Most physicians prefer to screen for local recurrence of cancer with physical examinations. Do self exams on both breasts once a month and visit your doctor as recommended for a checkup.
If you had natural tissue reconstruction, providers generally recommend that flap reconstructions be screened periodically with mammograms. Try to find a mammography facility experienced in doing mammograms on reconstructed breasts. Do self exams on both breasts once a month and visit your doctor for regular checkups as well.
Having surgery is just one option. You may want to consider non-surgical options. If you are wondering if surgery is right for you, talking about the procedures and their risks during a consultation with a plastic surgeon may help.
The best procedure for you depends on a number of factors: your medical history, your personal goals and your lifestyle. Talk to your plastic surgeon during your consultation to discuss which surgery options may best fit your needs and goals.
Recovery time after breast reconstruction surgery depends on the procedure you have, along with your body's natural healing process. Drains are typically used after reconstruction for one to three weeks. Depending on the timing of the surgery, you may be an outpatient or you may stay in the hospital for up to five days. Normally, patients are able to return to physical activities in three to six weeks.
Locations
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Plastic Surgery Clinic | Domino's Farms 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr Ste A1200
Lobby A
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9484Get Directions
Doctors
Paul Stephen Cederna, MD
Professor
Plastic Surgery
Jessica Jen-Tau Hsu, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Plastic Surgery
Jeffrey Hall Kozlow, MD
Clinical Professor
Plastic Surgery, Surgery
Theodore Alexander Kung, MD
Clinical Professor
Plastic Surgery
Paige Myers, MD, MPH
Clinical Associate Professor
Plastic Surgery
Rajiv Parikh, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Plastic Surgery
Noah Saad, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Plastic Surgery, Surgery
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