There are several different manners in which to reconstruct the breast following mastectomy. There are times when decreasing the size of the mammary prosthesis can help improve tissue characteristics and facilitate symmetry. One of the more challenging aspects of breast reconstruction is establishing symmetry of the inframammary folds. Once the inframammary folds are symmetric, establishing implant volume to attain symmetry…
Patients can undergo mastectomy reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants following mastectomy. In certain patients, the mastectomy can be performed from the inframammary crease and can be well concealed giving the patient an optimal aesthetic result.
DIEP flap reconstruction is a common method of reconstruction. Occasionally the lower abdomen does not have sufficient tissue for a bilateral reconstruction and the flap reconstruction can be augmented with mammary prosthesis. Typically, we wait until one year after a DIEP flap reconstruction to augment the breast. The satisfaction rate is high with augmentation of the DIEP flaps because the…
Bilateral implant breast reconstruction following bilateral mastectomy is a common procedure. The aesthetic outcome of the reconstruction is often determined by the quality of the mastectomy skin and the relation of the tissue characteristics and the implant. In patients who choose to undergo implant reconstruction I often indicate that the best outcomes and most durable reconstruction are the patients who…
There are two broad categories of breast reconstruction for mastectomy. There is expander-implant reconstruction and autologous flap reconstruction. Tissue expander and implant reconstruction is often selected in patients who have not undergone radiation therapy. At the time of mastectomy, a tissue expander is placed at the location of the mastectomy pocket and often in conjunction with an acellular dermal matrix…
