Surgical breast reconstruction can not only rebuild and restore a patient’s breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, but also their confidence and self-esteem. A common misconception about breast reconstruction is that it may not produce results that look like natural breasts. Fortunately, with the latest reconstructive techniques and technological advancements, combined with the skills of plastic and reconstructive surgeons such as Neil J. Zemmel, MD, breast reconstruction can create beautiful and natural-looking outcomes.
There are multiple breast reconstruction techniques that offer a variety of advantages and are designed to recreate the breast tissue with exceptional results. The best approach, however, will ultimately depend on a patient’s specific needs and goals. Some of the most common methods include:
- Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction – This technique utilizes saline or silicone breast implants to restore the breasts. Silicone implants are especially known for providing a natural look; however, advances in the development of breast implants have made it possible for both silicone and saline implants to provide excellent aesthetic effects.
- Tissue Expansion Combined with Breast Implants – Implant-based breast reconstruction may require tissue expansion to provide a sufficient amount of breast tissue to accommodate the implant. In this approach, a tissue expander is placed inside the breast area and gradually inflated over the course of several appointments. This process is designed to create an adequate amount of space inside the remaining breast tissue for the breast implant.
- Flap Breast Reconstruction Using the Patient’s Own Tissue – Also known as autologous reconstruction, the flap breast reconstruction method transfers tissue from a donor area in another region of the body to the breast area. There are several different types of flap breast reconstruction—tissue can be taken from the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, or back. Flap breast reconstruction is known to produce very natural-looking results since the patient’s own tissue is being used to recreate the breasts.
There are several different ways to perform breast reconstruction procedures, and each has particular attributes that can make the technique more ideal for a patient’s unique needs and goals. One of the most important things to remember is that these techniques are designed to recreate the breasts with the most natural-looking outcomes possible. When performed by qualified plastic surgeons who are extensively trained and experienced with breast reconstruction procedures, the chances that breast restoration results will look natural are significantly higher.
For more information about breast reconstruction surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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