Breast Reconstruction and
Breast Implant Revisions
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is commonly performed at our Manhattan and Long Island locations on patients following mastectomy due to cancer. Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy can help restore a woman’s sense of femininity and self-confidence.
Breast reconstruction can be performed using implants, or with the patient’s own tissue, either at the time of the mastectomy or at a later date. For implant reconstruction, a tissue expander balloon is first placed in order to stretch the tissues to allow for later placement of an implant. After adequate filling of the balloon during subsequent office visits, a second outpatient surgery is performed, where the tissue expander balloon is removed, and replaced with a permanent implant. Implants can be either saline or silicone.
For reconstruction using a patient’s own tissue, the tissue usually comes from the abdominal region. This procedure, known as the TRAM flap, involves moving tissue from the abdomen to the chest, where it is sculpted to create a new breast. Dr. Breitbart can discuss with you which breast reconstruction option is most appropriate. Nipple and areola reconstruction are performed at a later date to complete the breast reconstruction.
Depending on the type of reconstruction, patients may remain in the hospital for one to four days following breast reconstruction surgery and may have discomfort for a few weeks. Patients should plan to spend about two to four weeks recovering from surgery before returning to work. Contact Dr. Arnold Breitbart to learn more about breast reconstruction and find out if it is right for you.
FAQ's on Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Q: What is the TRAM flap?
A. The TRAM flap is the procedure of breast reconstruction surgery where tissue comes from the patient’s own abdominal region. Tissue is moved from the abdomen to the chest and sculpted to create a new breast.
Q: What kinds of implants are used?
A. When implants are used, they are either made of saline or silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water while silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. Dr. Breitbart can help you decide which implant type is best for you.
Breast Implant Revisions
For women who have had breast augmentation surgery and are dissatisfied with the results, breast implant revision can be indicated. Breast revision surgery can also be indicated to treat implant rupture or capsular contracture. Patients may also desire breast implant revision to change their implants to either smaller or larger implants.
You can discuss with Dr. Breitbart your reasons for selecting breast implant revision surgery. Dr. Arnold Breitbart performs breast implant revision on patients who have had breast implant surgery done elsewhere with unsatisfactory results. Revision surgery is also advisable for such conditions as malpositioned implants, implant leakage, and capsular contracture. Breast implant revision surgery may involve placement of new implants or removal of scar tissue, in order to achieve the best possible result.
Breast revision procedures can include surgery to correct capsular contracture, high riding implants, bottoming out, or ruptured implants. All of these methods address the patient’s dissatisfaction with the present appearance of breasts from previous implant surgery.
FAQ's on Breast Implant Revisions
Q: Can you change the size of your breasts through breast implant revision?
A. In breast implant revision surgery, your implants can be changed to either increase or decrease the size of your breasts. Patients choose breast implant revision surgery to correct problems after prior surgery or to alter the size of their breasts to their desired fullness.
Q: Can breast implant revision surgery fix implant deflation?
A. Patients may experience implant deflation caused by a small tear of the implant, resulting in fluid loss. This can happen after breast augmentation and is usually obvious to the patient. Breast implant revision surgery can fix ruptured or deflated implants and bring back fullness and shape to breasts.
Q: What is capsular contracture?
A. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant excessively, resulting in hardening of the breast, and can give the breast an unnatural appearance. Women suffering from this complication may experience pain and a feeling of tightness in their breasts. Breast revision surgery can address this condition by removing the thickened scar tissue and possibly replacing the implant.
