Breast Reconstruction in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix, AZ
Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of a breast using the patient’s own tissue or prosthetic material (implants) to reconstruct a natural-looking breast. Breast reconstruction can help restore the look and feel of the breast after a mastectomy. It can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or it can be delayed until a later date after the surgery. In the past few years, research and studies on breast reconstruction have shown dramatic results in regards to quality of life improvements and psychosocial benefits associated with reconstruction surgery. With the recent announcement made by Angelina Jolie regarding her own breast reconstruction following mastectomy, it has become a procedure that many women are beginning to embrace as its mainstream popularity increases.
Why Have Breast Reconstruction?
The creation of a new breast can dramatically improve your self-image, self-confidence, and quality of life. If you need a mastectomy, you have a choice about whether or not to have surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast. Breast reconstruction may be done at the same time as the mastectomy, or it may be done later on. If you are considering breast reconstruction, and you have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your body image, set up an initial consultation with Dr. DeVito at our Scottsdale office to get valuable input and feedback from an experienced, board-certified, plastic surgeon.
Types of Breast Reconstruction:
Breast reconstruction can be done using several different techniques including breast implants, natural tissue flaps, or a combination of these methods. Some women choose to have breast implants, which are filled with saline or silicone gel. Another technique uses tissue taken from another part of your body. This involves the plastic surgeon taking grafts of skin, muscle, and fat from your lower abdomen, back, or buttocks to rebuild the breast with your own tissue, giving it a more natural feel.
There is no single best reconstruction method. There are certain advantages and certain drawbacks in each technique. For example, breast implants require less extensive surgery than procedures using your own body tissues, but the results may look and feel less natural. While techniques that involve using your own body tissue give a very natural feel, they may result in muscle weakness.
Your body shape and size may determine which type of procedure is likely to give you the best results. This makes the initial consultation extremely important, as it allows you to express your desired results while giving the plastic surgeon the opportunity to give you feedback based on experience and training. Although this decision may seem overwhelming, it may help to know that studies have shown that the majority of women who have had breast reconstruction are happy with the method they chose.
Risks and Recovery from Breast Reconstruction:
Most women feel tired and sore for two to three weeks after surgery. You may be prescribed medications to help ease the pain. Remember that it may take some time to see the full results of your reconstructed breast. There will be variable degrees of bruising and swelling from the surgery that can take up to several weeks to subside. You will need to wear a special bra while your reconstructed breast heals. Most women can resume normal activity within a few weeks. Dr. DeVito will be there to advise you regarding which specific activities to avoid and when you can expect to get back to your normal routine.
