Options After Mastectomy - Breast Cancer Reconstruction NJ

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, affecting over 2 million women annually. At Asaadi Plastic Surgery, we like to take breast cancer awareness month to help educate patients following mastectomy or lumpectomy.

In the United States, over 100,000 women undergo a form of mastectomy annually. Breast reconstruction can restore and revitalize feelings of femininity and sexuality for women following a mastectomy.

What is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is a surgery that removes breast tissue from the breast and may additionally require the removal of breast skin, nipple, areola, and underarm lymph nodes. A mastectomy’s purpose is to treat or prevent breast cancer in women. This is an elective procedure where both or one of the breasts will be removed.

Options After Mastectomy

Those who have undergone a mastectomy either choose to avoid any additional procedures after a mastectomy and “go flat” or undergo breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction recreates the appearance of natural-looking breasts, saline implants maybe placed to restore breast shape and size, or natural breast transfer can be performed.

Breast Reconstruction

While there are various forms of breast reconstruction available, the two most common include implant reconstruction or tissue flap surgery. Implant reconstruction can utilize saline implants to create full, balanced breasts. Dr. Asaadi exclusively uses saline implants to achieve the most realistic and beautiful results. Tissue flap surgery utilizes skin, muscle, and fat from another area of the body and transfers it to the breasts.

What To Expect During Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or delayed for patient preference or medical reasons, such as continued cancer treatments. Implant reconstruction typically requires two procedures, the first to create a pocket in the chest using a tissue expander and the second to place the implants after the tissue has healed and the expander has been removed. Meanwhile, tissue flap surgery requires a donor site to transfer tissue and rebuild the breast.

What Are The Benefits Of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can have significant benefits for women after a mastectomy. Patients can experience restored balance and body symmetry with natural, proportioned breasts. Breast reconstruction can improve self-esteem, confidence, and a restored sense of femininity.

Breast reconstruction can restore breast shape, size, and appearance. It is important to see a qualified breast reconstruction surgeon who understands and considers your goals and anatomy while constructing your breast reconstruction plan.

Dr. Asaadi and his staff at Asaadi Plastic Surgery are on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Contact our New Jersey office at 913.731.7000, New York office at 212.938.0158, or request an appointment online today.

Additional Links

Breast Reconstruction New Jersey

Breast Implants NJ

Natural Breast Augmentation NJ