Breast Reconstructive Surgery
Depend on VHC Health plastic and reconstructive surgeons for advanced reconstructive techniques, and coordinated, comprehensive services in one convenient location at the Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health.
You'll get dedicated, compassionate care when you have breast cancer or a breast condition. Breast reconstruction services are led by our board-certified surgeon, Marilyn Nguyen, MD.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction includes different types of procedures to restore your breasts' natural shape, size and appearance. Reconstruction may be performed following breast cancer surgery such as mastectomy or lumpectomy, or for congenital or developmental abnormalities of the breast. Recreating the natural appearance of the breasts plays an important role in the healing process.
Before reconstruction surgery, you'll talk with your surgeon about your goals and which type of reconstruction surgery is best for you. You'll receive a care plan tailored to your needs.
Breast Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses an expander to create the shape and desired breast size. Expanders are temporary inflatable implants that are placed under the pectoralis muscle and enable the skin and soft tissues of the breast to grow.
Over several weeks, the expander is gradually filled with saline solution through a port that lies just under your skin. Once the expander is completely filled, it is left in for several more weeks to months, preparing the body for the placement of the breast implant.
In a separate surgery, your expander is exchanged for a permanent breast implant. Implants are filled with silicone or saline and are used to form the shape and desired size of the breast.
Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
You may choose an alternative to artificial implants called free flap breast reconstruction. Your surgeon will build a new breast mound or construct it using your own tissue. The tissue most commonly comes from your abdomen.
This intricate microsurgery procedure disconnects tissue from the lower abdomen, transfers it to the chest, and then reconnects it to a new blood supply to create a breast. Free flap breast reconstruction creates a more natural look and feel for you, as well as one that ages more naturally.
