Looking for immediate breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
We understand that many women who have just undergone a mastectomy are looking for a way to improve the overall shape and appearance of their breasts to help them feel more confident; however, we also know how important it is to have this done as soon as possible. That’s why our Garden City, NY, plastic surgeons Dr. Anke Young, Dr. Mary Pronovost, and Dr. Christine Hoydl offer autologous reconstruction surgery, which can often be performed at the same time as a mastectomy.
What is autologous minimal invasive reconstruction?
Let’s refer to this surgery by an easier name: tissue flap surgery. Flap reconstructive surgery involves removing skin, muscle or fat from elsewhere on the patient’s body (often the abdomen) in order to restore symmetry, size and shape back into the breasts after cancer treatment.
There are different types of flap surgery and techniques involved in getting autologous reconstruction surgery, which our Garden City, NY, surgeons will discuss with you to determine which one is right for you and your treatment goals.
What are the benefits of autologous minimal invasive reconstruction?
Tissue flap surgery is often preferred by our patients because we reconstruct the breast from the patient’s own tissue, which means that there are no concerns that the body will reject the tissue; furthermore, the results look more natural without the need for implants (which may need to be replaced).
What should I expect from the procedure?
During the consultation and treatment planning phase, our surgeons will walk you through the steps of the procedure (both what to expect before, during, and after). This inpatient procedure is performed under general anesthesia so you will be asleep the whole time. We will bandage the site and provide supportive wear to the area to keep the bandages in place.
There will also be drainage tubes at the surgical site that will prevent fluid from collecting. Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after their reconstruction, particularly if performed the same day as their mastectomy. A full recovery can take anywhere from 6-9 weeks.
If you are looking for pioneers in the field of autologous reconstruction surgery here in Garden City, NY, or Trumbull, CT, call Constructive Plastic Surgery at (516) 742-3404 to schedule a consultation with our renowned plastic surgeons.