Reconstructive breast surgery is a procedure that rebuilds the shape, size, and appearance of a breast after it has been altered. Causes of alteration include surgery, injury, or a developmental difference. Many people choose this option after treatment for breast cancer, and others pursue it to correct asymmetry or structural concerns. Here is more information about breast reconstruction surgery and when a person might pursue it:
Understanding Reconstructive Breast Surgery Types
Implant breast reconstruction uses a silicone or saline device to rebuild the breast mound. Surgeons often place a tissue expander first to gradually stretch the skin; then they replace it with a permanent implant during a later procedure. This staged approach gives the surgical site time to heal before the surgeon places the final implant. There are variations on this breast reconstructive surgery, and these include direct-to-implant reconstruction, autologous reconstruction, and fat transfer.
Direct-to-implant Reconstruction
Direct-to-implant reconstruction skips the expander stage entirely. In a single operation, the surgeon places a permanent implant right after the breast tissue is removed, and this timeline can reduce the total number of surgeries a person needs. Candidates for this method usually have an amount of healthy skin that can cover the implant.
Autologous Reconstruction
Autologous breast reconstruction uses tissue from another part of the body, such as the:
- abdomen
- back
- thighsÂ
Because the reconstruction relies on your own tissue, the results may feel and move similarly to natural breast tissue. Surgeons transfer skin and fat, and sometimes they use muscle to form the new breast shape.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer moves fat from one area of the body to the breast; this procedure is also called fat grafting. After the surgeon removes fat through liposuction, they process and inject it to refine contours or add volume. This technique is often combined with other methods to smooth irregularities and complete the shape.
Undergoing Mastectomy or Lumpectomy
A mastectomy removes all breast tissue, while a lumpectomy removes only a portion of it. Reconstruction addresses the change in shape that follows either procedure, and implant reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the cancer surgery or scheduled later. The timing depends on your treatment plan and your surgeon’s recommendation.
After a lumpectomy, the breast may have a dent or uneven contours where tissue was removed. Fat transfer or tissue rearrangement can fill these areas, and this helps create a smoother appearance. Surgeons may coordinate with the oncology team to plan the approach around any further treatments.
Reviewing Aesthetic Concerns
Natural breasts are not identical, but for some people, significant differences in size, shape, or position can be more noticeable. Reconstructive breast surgery can address these concerns by adjusting one or both breasts to create better symmetry. Here are some other reasons patients may pursue breast surgery:
- Asymmetry following single-breast reconstruction, where matching the opposite side helps balance the overall result through implants, fat transfer, or a lift.
- Changes from weight loss or pregnancy, where one breast is altered more than the other, requiring careful measurement and planning to restore proportion.
- Injuries or burns that damage breast tissue, causing scarring that distorts shape, which reconstructive techniques can help rebuild.
- Congenital differences, such as underdeveloped tissue, where surgery can reshape existing tissue to create a more typical contour.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Reconstructive breast surgery covers a range of techniques, and people have this surgery for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic concerns. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help you choose the procedure that fits your needs. To learn more about breast reconstruction surgery and its benefits, consult a plastic surgeon near you.
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