Indications: 

Any woman who desires reconstruction of her breast's following Mastectomy for breast cancer.

Procedure Description:

*There are two basic methods which can be performed immediately after mastectomy surgery or months to years later, depending on patient preference. The expansion and implant methods of reconstruction can be done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The self-tissue method is performed under general anesthesia and requires hospitalization.

*Method 1: The skin and muscle are expanded through the insertion of an expander which is gradually filled with sterile saline and then later replaced with a permanent implant.

*Method 2: Self-tissue harvested from abdomen or back to create a breast with or without an implant.

Additional Procedures Which Enhances the Result:

*Reconstruction of the nipple/areola complex.
*Asymmetry correction of the opposite breast.

Recuperative and Healing:

*Varies from ten to thirty days depending on the method chosen for reconstruction.

Intended Result:

*A natural looking breast contour in clothing and as close to normal without clothes.
*Improved self-image and posture.

Insurance Guidelines:

*Since the procedure is considered reconstructive it is most often fully or partially covered by insurance.

Note: The specifics, risks, and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be determined through a consultation with the plastic surgeon.