Breast reconstruction after mastectomy represents a deeply personal journey toward healing and restoration. At Silk Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons combine advanced reconstructive techniques with compassionate care to help you rebuild not only your physical appearance but also your confidence and sense of wholeness following breast cancer treatment.
Every woman’s reconstruction journey is unique, and our goal is to help you explore options that best align with your body, lifestyle, and vision for the future.
Dr. Page is an excellent surgeon who showed me so much patience and personal care throughout multiple reconstruction and revision surgeries. She and Dr. McKay collaborated on one surgery, both are amazing. My results are great so I would choose this practice again. Her staff are top notch and always answered any questions promptly. I’m convinced that I got the very best care from Dr. Page.
Your Breast Reconstruction Options
Understanding Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast following mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure can be performed at the time of cancer removal (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction), depending on your treatment plan and personal preferences.
Our surgeons Dr. Page and Dr. Urquia specialize in breast reconstruction and often collaborate with Dr. Mackay, forming a team approach that is deeply patient-centered. This unique partnership allows us to deliver exceptional care, combining expertise to restore not only your breasts but also your health and sense of self.
“We recognize that this may be one of the most difficult times in your life, and we’re here for every step of the journey,” explains Dr. Page. “We take the time to truly understand your goals and tailor your surgical plan to achieve natural, beautiful results that help you feel whole again.”
Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction Options
The timing of your breast reconstruction depends on multiple factors including your cancer treatment plan, personal preferences, and individual medical circumstances. Understanding both options helps you make informed decisions about your care.
Immediate Reconstruction: Performed at the same time as your mastectomy, immediate reconstruction offers the psychological benefit of waking up with breast form already restored. This approach can preserve more natural breast skin and often provides superior aesthetic outcomes when medically appropriate.
Delayed Reconstruction: Some patients prefer to complete their cancer treatment before pursuing reconstruction, allowing them to focus entirely on healing from cancer therapy. Delayed reconstruction provides time for careful planning and consideration of all available options.
The choice between immediate and delayed reconstruction should be made in consultation with your oncology team and reconstructive surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes for both your cancer treatment and reconstruction goals.
Comprehensive Reconstructive Approaches
Modern breast reconstruction offers multiple approaches to restore breast appearance and function. The choice between different techniques depends on your anatomy, cancer treatment requirements, lifestyle preferences, and personal goals.
Implant-Based Reconstruction: Using medical devices to restore breast volume and shape, implant-based reconstruction offers shorter surgery times and faster initial recovery. Modern techniques include both direct-to-implant approaches and tissue expander methods, depending on your anatomy and size goals.
Dr. Page frequently incorporates advanced nerve grafting techniques during implant-based mastectomy reconstructions to help restore sensation in the reconstructed breast. This approach allows many patients to regain some degree of breast feeling as nerves gradually regenerate over time.
Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: Using your own tissue from other body areas, autologous reconstruction creates breasts that feel natural and age with your body. These procedures involve more complex surgery but often provide superior long-term results and natural feel.
Combination Approaches: Some patients benefit from combining implant and tissue-based techniques to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes while addressing specific anatomical considerations.
Advanced Surgical Expertise in Reconstruction
Our surgeons bring extensive training in microsurgical techniques and complex breast reconstruction to every case. With experience performing hundreds of reconstructions including advanced DIEP flap procedures, we provide comprehensive expertise across all reconstruction options.
Microsurgical Excellence: Our fellowship-trained expertise in microsurgical breast reconstruction positions us among the most qualified reconstruction specialists in the Southeast. This advanced training is essential for complex tissue transfer procedures that provide the most natural reconstruction results.
Collaborative Care Approach: We work closely with your oncology team to coordinate timing and ensure that reconstruction planning complements your cancer treatment for optimal overall outcomes.
Research demonstrates that patients who receive care from experienced reconstruction teams report higher satisfaction rates and better aesthetic outcomes, with over 90% of patients expressing satisfaction with their reconstruction results when performed by specialized surgeons.
Breast Sensation Restoration with Implant-Based Reconstruction
Our surgeons are dedicated to restoring not only the natural appearance of the breast but also its function and sensation whenever possible. During implant-based mastectomy reconstructions, advanced nerve grafting techniques are used to encourage the return of feeling in the reconstructed breast.
Nerve Restoration Techniques: Over the past several years, we have incorporated nerve grafting techniques into our implant-based reconstructions. By identifying injured nerve endings and connecting them to nerve grafts, we aim to guide nerve regrowth toward the nipple or central breast skin.
Functional Outcomes: While reconstruction focuses on restoring appearance, sensation restoration adds an important functional element to recovery. It helps patients feel more comfortable, confident, and connected to their bodies after mastectomy. These advances represent a significant step forward in achieving both form and function in breast reconstruction.
Recovery and Healing Excellence After Breast Reconstruction
Recovery from breast reconstruction varies based on the chosen technique and individual healing patterns. Understanding the recovery process helps you plan appropriately and optimize your outcomes through proper post-operative care.
Comprehensive Recovery Support: We firmly believe in incorporating physical therapy into your recovery to help you return to all the activities you love. Our comprehensive recovery program includes detailed instructions, regular follow-up care, and support throughout your healing journey.
Timeline Expectations: Recovery timelines vary significantly between implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction approaches. We provide detailed, personalized recovery plans that outline realistic expectations for your specific procedure and circumstances.
Most patients find that their reconstruction becomes an important part of their healing journey, providing both physical restoration and emotional empowerment during cancer recovery.
Secondary Revisions and Refinements
Many women choose to undergo reconstruction revision after their initial surgery to refine results and enhance breast shape, volume, and symmetry. These procedures are typically covered by insurance and performed on an outpatient basis.
Revision Benefits: At the time of mastectomy, surgeons often have limited control over final shape and contour due to factors like skin thickness and blood flow. Revision surgery allows for refinement of results, enhancement of breast shape, and optimization of symmetry between breasts.
Outpatient Convenience: Most revision procedures are performed as outpatient surgery with faster, more comfortable recovery than the initial reconstruction. These refinements help achieve the most attractive and satisfying final results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction
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The timing depends on your cancer treatment plan and personal preferences. Immediate reconstruction offers psychological benefits, while delayed reconstruction allows you to focus on cancer treatment first. We’ll help you determine the best timing for your situation.
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Modern reconstruction techniques do not interfere with cancer treatment or follow-up care. However, coordination with your oncology team ensures optimal timing and approach for your specific treatment plan.
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Autologous reconstruction using your own tissue typically lasts a lifetime, while implant-based reconstruction may require periodic replacement. We discuss long-term expectations during your consultation.
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While mastectomy disrupts normal sensation, modern techniques including nerve grafting can help restore some feeling. Success rates for sensation restoration are currently around 60-70% with newer techniques.
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Federal law requires insurance coverage for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including procedures on the opposite breast for symmetry. We assist with insurance coordination and approval processes.
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Yes, reconstruction offers the opportunity to change your breast size, though options may be limited by your anatomy and chosen reconstruction method. We discuss realistic size options during consultation.
Why Choose Silk Plastic Surgery for Breast Reconstruction
Our surgeons’ specialized training in breast reconstruction and microsurgical techniques provides exceptional expertise in achieving both functional and aesthetic goals. With extensive experience in complex reconstruction procedures and a collaborative team approach, we deliver consistently excellent outcomes for cancer survivors.
Our practice is highly sought after for the time and attention we devote to each patient. We understand that reconstruction is more than just surgery–it’s about helping you reclaim your confidence and sense of wholeness after cancer treatment.
- Specialized training in advanced reconstruction techniques including microsurgery
- Collaborative team approach with multiple expert surgeons
- Extensive experience with both implant-based and autologous reconstruction
- Advanced nerve grafting techniques for sensation restoration
- Comprehensive support throughout your reconstruction journey
About Silk Plastic Surgery
At Silk Plastic Surgery, we blend advanced surgical expertise with a personalized, compassionate approach to help you look and feel your best. Our team includes double board-certified surgeons, who trained at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Emory University. We are dedicated to achieving natural, refined results that enhance your unique beauty. Every detail of your experience is designed to make you feel comfortable, confident, and fully supported from consultation to recovery.
We specialize in a comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, breast, and body, offering both transformative enhancements and delicate restorative care. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or a significant change, our commitment to safety, precision, and artistry ensures beautiful, lasting results. At Silk Plastic Surgery, your goals inspire our work, and your confidence is our greatest success.
Begin Your Breast Reconstruction Journey in Atlanta
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy offers the opportunity to restore both your physical appearance and emotional well-being following cancer treatment. Our experienced reconstruction team at Silk Plastic Surgery combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care to help you achieve beautiful, natural results that enhance your healing journey.
Contact our Atlanta practice today to schedule your comprehensive reconstruction consultation and explore how we can help you feel whole again.