Breast Reconstruction: Compassionate Care for Breast Cancer Survivors

At Portland Plastic Surgery Group, our board-certified plastic surgeons dedicate a large part of their practice to breast reconstruction following mastectomy, and they’re honored to be a part of the journey toward recovery for breast cancer survivors. With reliable information, honest advice, moral support and surgical skill, our surgeons will be your partners throughout the breast reconstruction process. You deserve to know the facts in order to make the choice that’s right for you. To learn more about your options regarding breast reconstruction in Portland, OR, please request a consultation online.

Your Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction starts with a consultation with one of our surgeons where you will discuss aspects of your breast reconstruction surgery including:

Method of Reconstruction

Our surgeons perform implant-based reconstruction as the primary method for breast reconstruction. There are advantages and benefits to each method of reconstruction, so talking with your surgeon about your options is the best way to help you decide.

Timing

Depending on several factors, women can either decide to have breast reconstruction performed at the time of their mastectomy or they can delay the procedure and have it at a later point in time. Your medical team will advise you about the timing given your case history.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

Because the nipple and areola are typically removed during a mastectomy, a new nipple and areola will need to be created. After healing from the surgery to reconstruct the breast mound is complete, the nipple and areola can be reconstructed using methods such as tattooing or autologous nipple reconstruction, which uses the patient’s own skin and fat to reconstruct the nipple.

Breast Reconstruction Before & After Photos

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Procedure & Recovery

Breast reconstruction with implants can be performed in a single stage or in 2 stages. During a one-stage reconstruction, an implant is inserted without the use of a tissue expander. During 2-stage reconstruction, a tissue expander must be used to expand the tissue and make room for the implant. If a tissue expander is used, the placement of the implant usually occurs several months later. Your surgeon will help you determine if a tissue expander will be necessary. Once a pocket is created, an implant will be placed. This implant is the same type that is used for breast augmentation and can be either silicone or saline, round or teardrop in shape, and placed above or below the chest muscle. Each of our surgeons has the experience necessary to guide you in your choice of implant – he or she will discuss your options for implant size, shape, fill material and placement. Subsequent procedures may be necessary to reconstruct the nipple and areola. Recovery after implant reconstruction varies depending on several factors. Because each individual’s recovery is different, it’s important to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery. This will increase the likelihood for a full and speedy recovery.

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