Resensation vs Traditional Reconstruction: What’s the Difference?

A mastectomy is a major life event, and for many women, breast reconstruction is the next step toward feeling whole again. But rebuilding the breast is only part of the picture.

Traditional breast reconstruction surgery doesn't address the loss of sensation that comes with a mastectomy. The Resensation procedure, however, is a groundbreaking technique that can help restore feeling to the area.

At Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C., board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi helps women navigate their reconstruction options with care. If you're considering your next steps, call today for a consultation with our cosmetic surgeon in Washington, D.C.

Understanding the loss of breast sensation

During a mastectomy, the nerves that provide sensation to the breast are cut when the breast tissue is removed. While reconstruction surgery can rebuild the appearance of full breasts, it doesn't address the numbness caused by this nerve damage. For women near McLean, VA who have had a double mastectomy, the loss of feeling on both sides can have a lasting impact on their quality of life, intimacy, and overall sense of self. Fortunately, advances like a combined breast reconstruction and Resensation procedure offer a chance to restore both the appearance and feeling of the breasts.

How traditional breast reconstruction restores shape

Traditional breast reconstruction surgery restores the shape and appearance of full breasts using implants or flaps of donor tissue. The results can be excellent from a cosmetic standpoint, and for many women, this is the right approach for them. Because this type of surgery does not include nerve repair, patients should know what to expect:

Restored appearance: Implants or tissue flap techniques are used to rebuild the breast mound and restore a natural look and shape after a mastectomy.
No nerve repair: The nerves that are cut during the mastectomy are not reconnected, which means sensation in the reconstructed breast is not restored.
Numbness: A loss of feeling in the chest area is a common and expected outcome. Many women aren't fully prepared for this before making their decision.

About the Resensation procedure

Resensation adds nerve repair to the reconstruction process. It works by reconnecting the nerves that were cut during the mastectomy using a processed nerve allograft. This gives the nerves a pathway to regenerate, potentially restoring sensation over time. While the recovery of feeling is gradual and not promised, many patients report meaningful improvements in the months and years after their surgery. For women who have had a double mastectomy, the chance to restore sensation on both sides can be a very important part of their overall healing process.

Planning your reconstruction journey

Since nerve repair can be done during the initial reconstruction, it's a conversation worth having before surgery. Our cosmetic surgeon in Washington, D.C. can review your medical history, reconstruction timeline, and personal goals to see if the Resensation procedure is a good fit for you. If you're interested in restoring both the appearance of full breasts as well as sensation, we encourage you to bring it up early so all your options are on the table.

Discover your options for breast reconstruction

If you have questions about breast reconstruction surgery, Resensation, or what recovery after a double mastectomy can look like, Dr. Alex Mesbahi and the team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery are here to help. Serving patients near McLean, VA, our practice is committed to giving each patient the information and support they need to move forward with confidence. Call today to schedule your consultation with our cosmetic surgeon in Washington, D.C.