Breast Reconstruction Miami

Understanding Breast Reconstruction

When a woman has one or both of her breasts removed (mastectomy) due to cancer or trauma, she is usually left with extreme displeasure for her appearance and loss of femininity. Our plastic surgeon, Deirdre Marshall, MD can rebuild the breast mound to be of similar size and shape as before your operation.  The nipple and areola can also be added as well.

There are two main types of breast reconstruction: One-stage reconstruction is done at the same time as the mastectomy.  In this case, after the tissue is removed, Dr. Marshall inserts a breast implant in it’s place. Two-stage reconstruction is done at a later date from the mastectomy while an expander is placed under the skin of the breast area to gradually  stretch the skin to receive implants after 4 to 6 months.

Who Should Consider Breast Reconstruction?

At Marshall Cosmétique, the ideal candidate for breast reconstruction is:

• Women who’s breasts have either partially or totally removed.
• Healthy enough to undergo anesthesia
• Non-smokers
• Realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved.

What to Expect?

Prior to your breast reconstruction surgery, Dr. Marshall will likely have you:

• Adjust or add medication
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin as it can increase bleeding

Saline or Silicone?

The decision depends on you. Here are some details about each. However, is always better to ask for a consultation and let Dr. Marshall evaluate your case and guide you in the right direction.

Saline implants are approved for women 18 years of age and up.  They are comprised of sterile salt water.  If these implant begins to leak, the implant will collapse.  The saline will be absorbed by the body and naturally expelled.

Silicone implants are approved for women 22 years of age and up.  The silicone filling resembles that of natural breast.  The implant may or may not collapse if it begins leaking.  You may need regular visits to your surgeon to ensure the implants continue proper functioning. On the day of your breast reconstruction at Marshall Cosmétique, your procedure will involve the following steps:

Anesthesia.  Dr. Marshall will recommend whether you should undergo intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Tissue Grafting/Expansion.  Our plastic surgeon will use flap techniques to move muscle, fat and skin tissue to cover the breast mound, creating a new breast.  This tissue is usually taken from the back or abdomen. If you opt for tissue expansion, you will have an expander inserted at the time of your mastectomy.  This helps to stretch the remaining skin to easier accept a breast implant during reconstruction.

Implant. After deciding what type of breast implant suits you best, Dr. Marshall will insert them into a pocket she creates during surgery. The incisions are then closed with sutures, skin adhesives or surgical tape to close the skin.

Recovery. After your breast augmentation procedure, your breasts will be swollen, retaining fluid retention and even bruised.  Bandages are used to reduce swelling and compress the skin.  You may also receive a drainage tube to flush out excess blood and/or fluid that may have collected during surgery.

When Can I Return to Work?

Although you won’t be feeling back to normal for about 6-8 weeks, it is often possible for most patients to return to work in about two-three weeks.  Patients opting for implants usually recover faster than those getting a flap procedure. Reserve physical activity for 4-6 weeks following surgery.  It is normal to experience mild discomfort during this time.  Report severe pain to your doctor immediately. ***Please Note*** 

• A reconstructed breast will never give the same sensation as your original, natural breast
• You will always have visible incision lines on your new breasts

Risks.  Like any surgical procedure, there are health risks that accompany elective breast augmentation surgery.  Common complications include but are not limited to:

• Infection
• Loss of sensation in the breasts
• Fluid loss/accumulation