Losing a breast, or portion of a breast, is often necessary for breast cancer treatment and is an essential part of life-saving surgery. Such a loss is very emotional and can feel devastating, but thankfully, modern surgery makes it possible to recreate a very natural-looking breast and restore your feminine figure. An added benefit is that your health insurance company is required to cover the cost of this procedure.
What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is always a custom procedure, as every woman has a unique situation. The first step is an evaluation with Dr. Tseng, after which the correct approach will be determined. The way the mastectomy was performed may be a factor in the reconstruction technique. Many women can now undergo a more advanced technique, called a “nipple-sparing” mastectomy.
For some women, a partial mastectomy or a lumpectomy is performed, and after which the breast can be restored with a custom natural fat transfer. For other women undergoing breast cancer treatment, it is necessary to remove the entire breast structure. In this case, your reconstruction procedure may involve placing a tissue expander to trigger the body to create more skin to allow for an implant to be placed. Others may be eligible to undergo breast reconstruction in the same surgery as the mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction techniques: What’s right for you?
Several surgical techniques are used in breast reconstruction surgery, including:
- Breast reconstruction with implants: This procedure can be performed with saline or silicone implants.
- Breast reconstruction with tissue transfer (flap): This procedure involves harvesting tissue from another part of the body and transferring it to create a new breast mound. These surgeries have a longer recovery time and leave two surgical scars.
- Nipple and areola reconstruction: Natural tissue is used to reconstruct a natural-looking nipple area, followed by a custom tattooing procedure as the final touch.
Vectra Imaging
“Try on” your procedure with Vectra Imaging
Dr. Tseng is committed to the highest level of patient satisfaction with the results of a procedure. With the Vectra imaging system, a 3D model of your face, breasts, or body allows you to see, with clarity, how a procedure will appear – on you. The Vectra Imaging system allows for a higher level of precision in planning a procedure for a result that reflects your desires.
Learn More about Vectra Imaging
Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy breast reconstruction
If your treatment involved removing some of the breast tissue, leaving the rest intact, your procedure would not involve a full reconstruction. The options to restore symmetry and beauty to your breasts may be:
- Small implants placed to restore lost volume
- Natural fat transfer
- Breast reduction surgery to restore the balance between the two breasts
- Scar revision treatments
- A breast lift, reshaping both breast mounds
How long is the recovery after breast reconstruction surgery?
Your recovery time will vary based on the surgical techniques needed to reconstruct your breast and your natural healing capacity. In general, you should plan on four to six weeks to feel back to normal. Dr. Tseng will closely monitor your progress and perform several wellness therapies to help your body heal more quickly.
Why choose Dr. Mark Tseng for your breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a very personal and often emotional experience. When under the care of Dr. Mark Tseng, you can expect personalized care and compassion, focusing his considerable artistic and surgical talents on achieving an outcome that is pleasing and natural in appearance, weight, and feel. Dr. Tseng has been practicing reconstructive surgeries for over 17 years and has a passion for aesthetics. His practice has been built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and a dedication to achieving exceptional results.
