Breast Reconstruction In Garden City, NY
Choosing to get breast reconstruction is a very personal and important decision to make and we understand that you may have questions about the different kinds of breast reconstruction options and which one is right for you. While talking to someone who has undergone breast reconstruction in the past may be helpful for you, you can also sit down with our Oncoplastic Surgeons to find out which option will be able to meet your personal needs and treatment goals.
Here are two main types of breast reconstruction options available to you in Trumbull, CT and Garden City, NY:
- Implant breast reconstruction: During this procedure, a saline or silicone gel implant is inserted into the breast.
- Autologous (or “flap”) reconstruction: This is when tissue is taken from another area of the body (e.g. thighs or belly) and used to rebuild the breasts.
Along with reconstructing the breasts you may also talk to our surgeons about whether you could benefit from nipple reconstruction, as well. While some women are able to undergo a mastectomy that spares the nipple, sometimes it’s necessary to reconstruct both the breast and the nipple.
What are the benefits of these kinds of breast reconstruction?
If you choose to get implants then the surgery and recovery time will be easier and faster, as flap reconstruction is more time-consuming to perform and can result in a longer healing process.
However, despite the more in-depth procedure and recovery time associated with a “flap” reconstruction, once the procedure is complete it won’t require much, if any, maintenance during the patient’s lifetime. Implants, on the other hand, can sometimes develop complications and they have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, which means that most women will need to have their implants replaced at some point.
When should I get breast reconstruction?
Many women choose to get breast reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy (also known as an immediate breast reconstruction); however, some women choose to get breast reconstruction later on (known as a delayed breast reconstruction).
Of course, there are several factors to consider when it comes to whether a patient is right for an immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. Some of these factors include lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking), being overweight and any treatments you may need to undergo after your mastectomy. This is something our plastic surgeons would be happy to discuss with you during your consultation.