Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery is an option for women who have had partial or complete mastectomies for cancer or other reasons. Our goal for breast reconstruction at our Phoenix and Scottsdale practice is to provide symmetry, and to match as closely as possible the appearance and feel of a natural breast. Dr. Prichard, Dr. Repta, Dr. Andres, and Dr. Bajnrauh have all trained with many world experts in breast surgery and reconstruction and bring some of the newest and most innovative techniques to their breast reconstruction patients.
Breast Reconstruction and You
Women who choose to undergo breast reconstruction report improved self-esteem, self-confidence, femininity, comfort, and wholeness with their bodies. We personalize each consultation and will provide an informed discussion about the procedures that we offer, assisting you in determining which procedure would be the most suitable for you. We respect the uniqueness of each patient, and discuss the best timing and type of reconstruction for you, taking into account your medical needs and personal preferences. We involve you in the decision-making process, as the final reconstruction will ultimately become part of you, and will care for you throughout this difficult time with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Reconstruction Options
Like most cosmetic surgery and reconstructive procedures, there are several details to consider before breast reconstruction surgery. Reconstruction can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or it can be performed at any time in the future following your mastectomy (delayed reconstruction). After any type of breast reconstruction, plans may be made to reconstruct the nipple and areola complex in the future. This may be performed at any time after a few months from your final reconstructive procedure. We offer a wide variety of breast reconstructions, including:
Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction
A single stage reconstruction in which the implant can be placed immediately without the use of tissue expanders
Tissue Expander/Implant Reconstruction
A balloon-like expander is placed under the chest muscle, and filled with saline over several weeks to expand the skin and soft tissue. This expander is ultimately replaced with a silicone or saline implant, like those used during breast augmentation in Phoenix or Scottsdale at our practice.
Flap-Based/DIEP Reconstruction
There are several flap-based procedures, the most advanced of these being DIEP reconstruction. At our breast reconstruction center, we specialize in DIEP flap reconstruction, which offers the benefits of other flap procedures, with many advantages, including optimal soft tissue and muscle preservation. Many reconstruction surgeons do not offer this procedure due to its complexity, time, and skill involved. Women from throughout the United States come to us for this innovative type of breast reconstruction, which we have refined through highly specialized training.
In another flap-based procedure, called latissimus flap reconstruction, the excess skin, fat, and the latissimus dorsi muscle are harvested from the upper back. A unique method of latissimus flap reconstruction that we have learned from the world expert in this type of breast reconstruction and which we now perform is the "volume-added" latissimus flap. This adds additional soft tissue when harvesting the latissimus dorsi muscle, increasing the amount of tissue that we use to reconstruct your breast(s). We have seen that using this type of latissimus flap reconstruction provides a more natural-appearing reconstructed breast, due to its additional volume, which optimizes the final aesthetic outcome. This procedure can be done with or without an implant.
In all flap procedures, your own tissue along with its blood supply from one area of your body is transferred to your breast area to recreate a breast that often looks, feels, and moves more naturally than an implant alone. This approach has the added advantage of bringing healthy, tissue and blood flow to the compromised areas at the mastectomy site.
During your consultation, Dr. Prichard, Dr. Repta, Dr. Andres, or Dr. Bajnrauh will discuss all of your reconstructive options in detail and assist you in deciding which procedure would be the best option. We look forward to assisting you in making this difficult decision regarding breast reconstruction and working with you to restore your body and your overall well-being.
To meet with one of our reconstructive plastic surgeons, request a consultationrequest a consultation at Advanced Aesthetic Associates today. Or you can call our office at (602) 331-7811 to schedule your appointment.
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