Breast Reconstruction

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any women consider their breasts as an important part of their femininity. If their breasts are impacted by a life-saving procedure like a mastectomy or lumpectomy, or by an injury, the change in appearance may lead to lost self-esteem. Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) helps patients recover their confidence through breast reconstruction surgery. Our team of specialists serves patients throughout northern New Jersey, restoring breasts so patients can love their bodies once again.

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery is an option for women with uneven breasts who wish to restore a normal look. Having symmetrical breasts are important to the body image of many women. When this symmetry is altered by surgery, injury, or congenital deformity, the individual may struggle to feel confident. In some cases, this loss of self-esteem is as emotionally impactful as the health condition that caused it.

Breast reconstruction can significantly improve the appearance of breasts, whether by attempting to restore the aesthetic changes caused by a previous treatment or by correcting a congenital issue. This not only improves the patient’s looks, but it also helps to rebuild their self-confidence and a positive body image.

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Breast reconstruction surgery is commonly pursued after mastectomy. A mastectomy, which removes the breast tissue and possibly the lymph nodes in the arm pit area as well, is performed to treat or prevent breast cancer. It is often lifesaving, but it can leave the patient feeling as if her femininity has been affected. Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy can attempt to restore the appearance of the breasts affected by the results of the cancer surgery.

Methods for Breast Reconstruction

Dr. Hakan Kutlu, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is experienced in providing multiple methods of breast reconstruction. The recommended procedure depends on numerous factors such as the medical condition of the patient, the amount of tissue to be reconstructed, the anticipated need for chemotherapy/radiation, as well as other factors. It is important to choose an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Kutlu who can offer all modalities of reconstruction tailored to the needs of each individual patient.

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Most breast reconstructions use artificial implants. During the first stage of this procedure, the surgeon inserts a tissue expander into the remaining breast envelope at the time of the mastectomy surgery. This device gradually stretches the skin. The patient will visit the physician to get periodical adjustments until the desired breast size by the patient is achieved. This process takes between two and six months depending on the amount of skin needed. Once the desired size has been reached, a second surgery is performed to replace the original temporary tissue expander with an implant filled with silicone gel or saline (salt water).

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP flap Reconstruction, a specialized form of breast reconstruction, is performed using a flap of tissue taken from the patient’s abdomen. The flap is cut to include skin, underlying fat, and blood vessels feeding the tissues while leaving the underlying muscles intact. The flap is moved to the breast, and its blood vessels are carefully reconnected to those located at the site of the former breast.

Not everyone is a candidate for this highly specialized form of reconstruction. The patient must meet certain criteria to qualify for this procedure.

Recovering From Breast Reconstruction

Patients undergoing implant based reconstruction can usually go home on the same day as their surgery. Those undergoing more complex autologous (own tissue) reconstructions may need to stay in the hospital for 3 – 5 days afterwards. Patients recovering from breast reconstruction should be sure to follow post-procedure instructions. This may include taking medications to prevent infection, wearing a support bra, keeping incision sites clean, and making a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

After the reconstructed breast has healed and its position has stabilized, the plastic surgeon may then reconstruct the nipple and areola. This is usually done by using the local tissues on the newly reconstructed breast mound. A few months later, tattooing is then used to add color to the nipple structure and the surrounding area to create the appearance of an areola.

Receive Breast Reconstruction Surgery Near You in New Jersey

For patients whose breasts have been impacted by a mastectomy or injury, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics offers a solution. With multiple convenient locations across northern New Jersey, including Jersey City, Morristown, Paramus, Wayne, and West Orange, NJ, CNSO delivers state-of-the-art breast reconstruction surgery, along with support at every stage of the process. To learn more about plastic and reconstructive services, contact CNSO today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction

Can surgeons treat both breasts simultaneously?

Ideally, only one breast needs to be treated to create the natural look desired by patients. In many cases, however, this look is not achievable by operating on only one breast. A drooping or sagging look is difficult to match using an implant. For symmetry, the surgeon may recommend performing a breast augmentation or breast lift on the opposite side. When possible, both surgeries can be completed simultaneously to reduce costs and allow for a shorter recovery.

Are breast implants permanent?

Breast implants are not permanent. They have a variable lifespan determined by the patient’s activity level and will eventually require removal or replacement. Weight gain, weight loss, and aging can also change the appearance of the reconstructed breast. Further surgery may be necessary to restore the desired appearance.

Does breast reconstruction interfere with breastfeeding?

A reconstructed breast cannot lactate, as the milk-producing glands have been removed. Breastfeeding is impossible after surgery.

How do breasts look and feel after reconstruction surgery?

Dr. Kutlu aims to create the most natural-looking results with breast reconstruction. Reconstructed breasts usually are fuller and more youthful in their appearance, but may feel firmer than the original native breast, especially if reconstructed using an implant.

Will insurance cover breast reconstruction?

New Jersey law mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstruction and associated surgeries, however, each patient should inquire with their own specific insurance providers to confirm details of coverage.