Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Southlake
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Dallas, North Dallas, Southlake and the mid-cities.Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a major surgery in which Dr. Ameen Habash rebuilds one or both breasts to restore their appearance. Patients who are in need of mastectomy surgery due to breast cancer may be considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy in Southlake.
This procedure is typically done during or soon after a mastectomy or a lumpectomy to address existing breast cancer. It can also be performed in cases where the breast or breasts have to be removed due to the high likelihood of cancer in the future.
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Ideal Candidates for Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Breast reconstruction is often an ideal solution for patients who want to restore their original breast aesthetics after mastectomy. Patients who have had one or both breasts removed and no longer have the risk of cancer cells returning are ideal candidates for breast reconstruction. Candidates must have realistic expectations in terms of results.
Candidates are healthy and have fully recovered from their mastectomy procedures. Patients who are not pregnant are candidates for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Candidates are willing to follow instructions provided before, during, and after their breast reconstruction for safe and optimal results.
Your Consultation
During your consultation, you and Dr. Habash will discuss the details of your cancer journey. He will evaluate your medical records to make sure that your body can handle the breast reconstruction procedure safely. If you have undergone chemotherapy, this will be taken into account.
Dr. Habash will examine your breast area in detail and show you photos of potential results. He will discuss with you if you want to restore the original breast aesthetic or enhance the appearance of your breast. The two of you will discuss your reconstruction options to determine the best method for your particular case.
Dr. Habash will create a personalized surgical plan and discuss preparation, the procedure, recovery, cost, and more. He will see to it that all your questions are answered before the schedule of your surgery is finalized.
What Is Involved in This Process?
Breast reconstruction is a major surgery done under a general anesthetic, and targeted incisions will be created once the anesthesia has taken full effect. Depending on the surgical plan, flap techniques, breast implants, and/or tissue expansion will be performed. The nipples and areolae can also be reconstructed.
The incisions will be closed using sutures. Small drains may be inserted into the breasts to deal with fluid buildup during the recovery process. In addition, the breasts will be covered by a protective garment to maintain the ideal shape and size of the breasts.
Patients may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two. This allows Dr. Habash to monitor the condition of the patient after the surgery. He will only release the patient once their condition has stabilized and they are fit to return home.
The duration of a breast reconstruction procedure will depend on the number of breasts involved and the reconstruction techniques used to achieve the desired breast aesthetics of the patient. More often than not, women will likely only need reconstruction of one breast. In some cases, however, women also choose to have the other breast removed to avoid the risk of cancer in the future. This is called a double mastectomy.
When one of the breasts has to be removed, breast reconstruction will be done in such a way that the surgeon matches the new breast with the existing one. The goal is to create a breast that looks and feels as natural in symmetry and shape as the original breast. Follow-ups may be needed to make adjustments, but typically, this isn’t the case.
In cases where a patient has to go through radiation therapy after breast removal, the reconstruction isn’t done immediately. This is because radiation treatment can affect the newly reconstructed breast adversely. Creating new breasts can instead be done several months after radiation is completed.
Reconstruction Options
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy can be achieved using a number of methods. The best method for each patient will depend on the exact details of their case and their treatment.
The flap method uses autologous tissue, which is natural tissue from the patient’s own body. This method transplants tissue from the abdomen, back, buttocks, or thighs into the chest cavity. Blood vessels are reconnected to ones in the region of the chest.
The other option is to reconstruct the breast using a prosthetic breast implant. This involves a silicone or saline implant being placed either above or beneath the muscles.
All reconstruction options offered by Dr. Habash will be presented to the patient. Each surgical option will be discussed so the patient can understand the details of each option. Dr. Habash will work with the patient to choose their ideal reconstruction option.
Tissue Expanders
To reconstruct the breast, a tissue expander may need to be used. A tissue expander is a temporary prosthetic device that is filled with saline gradually over the course of several visits. As it is filled, it safely stretches the skin that was saved when the breast was removed.
This process is used to create space for implants or for tissue from another part of the patient’s body. Once the expansion is complete, the tissue expander is removed. This is often vital in the preparation of the patient for breast reconstruction surgery after their mastectomy.
The Recovery Process
The healing process after breast reconstruction varies based on the particulars of the surgery or surgeries. It can take at least six weeks before you will be able to return to your daily activities.
During this time, you will need to take pain-control medication as prescribed. It will be necessary to avoid heavy lifting and other physically taxing activities. Bruising and swelling are normal and will fade in time.
Breast Reconstruction Cost
The cost of your breast reconstruction procedure will be covered by your health insurance provider. The price of this surgery is determined based on factors like anesthesia, facility fees, and the exact techniques being utilized.
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact our office to learn more about breast reconstruction after mastectomy in Southlake. You can arrange a consultation, where Dr. Ameen Habash will go over the particulars of the process, including cost, preparation, and recovery.