Which Breast Reconstruction Technique Is Best For You?

Breast reconstruction can be a life-changing procedure for women who are suffering from the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer, mastectomy, trauma, or birth defect. For many women, breast reconstruction offers the opportunity to feel feminine and whole once again. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi and the expert team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA understand the sensitive and personal nature of breast reconstruction and are committed to helping women achieve their desired outcome and regain the confidence they deserve using the most current and effective reconstruction techniques available. Learn more about your options for breast reconstruction in Washington, D.C., and find out which one may be right for you.

What is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery is a highly complex procedure that aims to restore a more natural breast contour. Common reasons for breast reconstruction include:

• Breast cancer
• Mastectomy/lumpectomy
• Trauma
• Birth defect

How does breast reconstruction work?

There are a great deal of different breast reconstruction surgery techniques, each of which has its own unique set of benefits, applications, and more. The details of your breast reconstruction will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Reason for breast reconstruction surgery
• Breast cancer diagnosis, if applicable
• Previous surgery or trauma
• Desired outcome
• Reconstruction timeline
• Reconstruction preferences
• Whether nipple-sparing or nipple reconstruction will be included

Broadly speaking, breast reconstruction is performed using general anesthesia and often requires an overnight hospital stay. In many cases, breast reconstruction is performed in stages, particularly when implant tissue expanders are needed for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Once Dr. Mesbahi has determined the most appropriate type of breast reconstruction for you, he will be able to give you a detailed breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.

What are the different breast reconstruction surgery techniques?

Most often, breast reconstruction surgery is performed using a flap technique, which uses fat, tissue, skin, and/or muscle from another area of the patient’s body to rebuild and cover the breast mound. Implants may or may not be included as part of breast reconstruction surgery. Some of the most commonly performed reconstructive breast surgeries in Washington, D.C. include:

• TRAM Flap: uses skin, fat, and muscle from the abdomen to rebuild the breast

• DIEP Flap: uses skin, fat, and blood vessels (not muscle) from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast

• Latissimus Dorsi Flap: uses skin, fat, and muscle from the back, which is moved to the breast site via a surgically created tunnel to maintain the original blood supply

• PAP Flap: uses skin, fat, and muscle from the inner thigh to rebuild the breast

It can understandably be overwhelming to try and understand which breast reconstruction approach is most suitable for your situation, but rest assured that Dr. Mesbahi will work closely with you, your oncologist, and your other physicians to determine the safest and most appropriate procedure for you.

Restore the confidence and femininity you deserve with advanced breast reconstruction in Washington, D.C.

For millions of women, the breasts are a sign of femininity, desirability, and confidence. If you are struggling with the physical and emotional impact of losing your breasts to mastectomy, trauma, or another condition, breast reconstruction surgery may help you to feel whole once again. To learn more about the exceptional benefits of McLean, VA breast reconstruction, call Mesbahi Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained reconstruction expert Dr. Alex Mesbahi today. We look forward to helping you restore your figure and regain the confidence you deserve!