PROCEDURES

BREAST

INDICATIONS

Breast reconstruction is done to enhance symmetry, shape and volume to the breast or breasts after the removal of a lump in the breast (lumpectomy) or the removal of the entire breast tissue during a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction surgery can also be done to restore breast size, shape, volume, symmetry, and overall appearance for women who have a birth defect suffered a traumatic injury or had an unsatisfactory breast surgery.

PROCEDURE

Breast reconstruction surgery can either be delayed or done directly after a mastectomy. With his expertise and training in autologous breast reconstruction, Dr Sofianos can reconstruct the breast tissue with an implant or by creating the breast mound using your own tissues. If an implant is chosen the type and size of the implant will be discussed with you prior to surgery, but your plastic surgeon will guide you when making these decisions as it will depend on what you want and what your body will allow. If an autologous breast reconstruction is preferred, he will discuss which area of tissue may be used to create the breast. 

Under general anaesthesia, your plastic surgeon will insert an implant to reconstruct the breast. In some cases where there isn’t enough tissue to accommodate an implant, a tissue expander and fat grafting may be necessary to provide coverage for the implant. In other cases, a flap technique may be required to correct deformities and reconstruct the breast using tissues such as transfer muscle, fat, and skin from a donor site.

In cases where only one breast is being reconstructed, breast augmentation and lift may be done to ensure symmetry. 

When performing an autologous breast reconstruction, on the other hand, your plastic surgeon will need first to implant a tissue expander. The next stage will involve the use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap to remove fat and skin from the abdomen to create the breast mound. Most of the abdomen muscles tissue is left intact. Here Dr Sofianos’ expertise in microsurgery is of value as the reattachment of the blood vessels requires such skill. Thereafter you will likely have a second surgery for the nipple reconstruction.

RECOVERY

As each woman is different, your recovery period may vary. Generally, you can expect pain and sensitivity for two days after a breast reconstruction surgery. During this time, you will remain in the hospital for observation. If a flap technique was done, you could expect at least five days of hospital care. 

Once discharged from the hospital, you will be instructed on how to care for your incisions. Be sure to avoid motion and pressure to your chest area during this time. Your surgeon will prescribe medications to aid your recovery, ease discomfort, and prevent infection. You can expect to be back to your regular routine in 2 weeks of surgery. 

With exceptional surgical training, Dr Sofianos ensures optimal cosmetic outcomes during all his plastic and reconstructive surgeries. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he also aims to make his patients feel comforted, so feel free to ask him any questions you might have.

 

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