Undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy can make you feel less confident and feminine. If you have recently undergone one of these procedures, we at The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester know just how life-changing it can be— that’s why we offer breast reconstruction surgery. By using a combination of procedures like skin expansion, breast implants, tattooing, and flap reconstruction, our surgeons can help you get back to looking and feeling like yourself once again. Read on to learn more.
Skin Expansion
During either a mastectomy or lumpectomy, skin may have been removed. To help fit an implant in your skin, we use a procedure called skin expansion. This process involves creating a pocket in your breast and slowly filling it with a balloon that contains salt water. Over a few months, your doctor at The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester will slowly fill the balloon to help expand the skin around it. Once your skin has grown to the proper size, the balloon will be removed and replaced with an implant.
Flap Reconstruction
During a flap reconstruction surgery, your breast will be constructed by using tissue from other areas of your body— typically from your back, abdomen, or buttocks. In some instances, there may be enough skin and fat that can be used to create an entire breast. In other circumstances, a breast implant may have to be used in addition to a flap reconstruction.
Breast Implants
Whether you had a mastectomy or a double mastectomy, breast implants are one of the best ways to restore your chest and your self-esteem. Typically combined with either a skin expansion or flap reconstruction surgery, you will have the option to choose from either silicone or saline implants.
Tattooing
Often during a mastectomy or lumpectomy, a part or all of the nipple will be removed to get rid of all of the cancerous cells. Luckily, by using tattooing, our surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester will be able to tattoo on a nipple to help restore the original appearance of your breasts.
Undergoing a procedure like a mastectomy or a lumpectomy is exhausting both emotionally and physically. We at The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester are here to help restore your confidence and your appearance. To learn more about these procedures or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!
