A woman’s breasts are an integral part of her femininity and identity. When faced with the loss of one or both breasts, having a plastic surgeon with breast reconstruction experience on your team is an important part of recovery. Dr. Ross has performed numerous breast reconstruction procedures and understands the loss many women feel after mastectomy. Each woman in need of breast reconstruction has a unique journey. In support of yours, Dr. Ross will offer you his expertise and guidance through every stage of the reconstructive process.
Is a Breast Reconstruction Right for Me?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the breasts after mastectomy. For many women, breast reconstruction is a critical part of the recovery process. During your consultation with Dr. Ross, you will learn about your reconstructive options. For instance, reconstructive surgery may be done at the same time as a mastectomy or delayed months or even years. Another choice includes the type of reconstruction: implant-based reconstruction verses autologous (your own body) tissue reconstruction.
Restoring a woman’s sense of self through breast reconstruction requires thoughtful consultation and true understanding of a patient’s goals. Together, you and Dr. Ross will determine your best reconstructive plan.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery With Dr. William Ross
Women who have undergone or are planning to undergo a mastectomy for breast cancer have the option of having reconstructive plastic surgery to replace the breast tissue, skin and nipple removed during surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Ross will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your concerns and thoughtfully design a unique surgical plan that will safely and effectively meet your breast reconstruction goals. His recommendation will depend on many factors that include need for radiation, the quality of your skin and tissues and your personal preferences for breast reconstruction. Dr. Ross will also work closely with your breast oncologist to coordinate surgical planning.
Breast Reconstruction
Although breast reconstruction using implants can be performed in a single stage, with permanent implants placed at the time of mastectomy, it is more common to perform reconstruction in stages in order to obtain adequate skin coverage. When performed in stages, temporary implants called tissue expanders are placed beneath the skin and muscle of the chest at the time of mastectomy. Over time these expanders are filled with saline until the desired breast size is reached. Dr. Ross will perform this procedure in the office weekly. Tissue expanders allow the skin and chest muscle to expand to accommodate permanent implants. Once expansion is complete (usually 4 to 6 weeks) a saline or silicone implant replaces the tissue expanders in an outpatient surgical procedure.
As opposed to implant-based reconstruction, autologous tissue breast reconstruction utilizes your own body tissue to reconstruct the breast. Dr. Ross may take tissue from sites, such as the abdomen or back, to create specific tissue flaps. Compared to surgery with an implant, this procedure is more complex, but also create more natural-looking breast that will change in size as you gain or lose weight and maintain more sensation. It also prevents the need of using a prosthetic silicone implant, which many women prefer. Another benefit is the procedure is performed in a single stage. The most common types of autologous tissue reconstruction include the TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Muscle) flap, Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap, and DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap.
During your consultation Dr. Ross will thoroughly explain each reconstructive option. Depending several factors including your skin quality, the need for radiation and desired reconstructive outcome, and together with your breast oncology surgeon, he will design a reconstructive plan that is best for you.
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
Related Procedures: Breast Augmentation, Breast Asymmetry, Breast Implant Revision, Breast Lift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction, Male Breast Reduction