Breast Reconstruction

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a popular option for women who had surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment. The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore and rebuild the shape of your breast.

We’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive breast reconstruction programs in our region. Our team of oncologists, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons are here to make sure you get the results you’re looking for.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women. You and your oncologist will talk about the best way to treat the cancer. It might involve a medical procedure (like radiation therapy), medication (like chemotherapy) and/or surgery. 

If you’re having breast cancer surgery, your oncologist will recommend having one of these procedures:

• Lumpectomy: only a portion of the breast is removed
• Mastectomy: the entire breast is removed

We'll collaborate with your oncologist to assess your eligibility for simultaneous breast reconstruction during your lumpectomy or mastectomy. Studies have shown that having breast reconstruction as a result of a lumpectomy or mastectomy greatly increases your quality of life. 

Restore your self-confidence

Being a breast cancer survivor doesn’t have to define you. You can trust that Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeons will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We’ll evaluate your health needs, cosmetic goals and skin to determine if breast reconstruction is right for you.

Our Approach to Breast Reconstruction

At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances and innovations. Enjoy first-class care in the comfort of being close to home.

Understanding Your Goals

Our compassionate, warm and friendly staff will treat you like a friend, not a number. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your specific areas of concern, and prioritize answering your questions to keep you well-informed throughout the process. 

We Stay Connected

After your breast reconstruction, we’ll make sure you understand how to take care of yourself. Recovering from surgery takes time, but we’ll be checking in with you to make sure you’re healing properly. 

Your Breast Reconstruction Team

You’ll have a team of experts alongside you from the moment you call our office. They include:

• Breast patient navigators
• Plastic surgeons
• General surgeons
• Licensed practical nurses
• Medical staff
• Oncologists

What to Expect With Breast Reconstruction

There are two ways to reconstruct a breast. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which one is right for you:

• Implant reconstruction: This takes between two and three surgeries. For the first surgery (usually during your lumpectomy or mastectomy), your plastic surgeon will place a tissue expander under your pectoralis major muscle. Three months later, you’ll have a second surgery where an implant is placed in the pocket of the muscle after the expander is removed. The third surgery is nipple reconstruction or nipple tattoo.
• Autologous: Your plastic surgeon uses your own tissue to create a new breast. The most common example of autologous reconstruction is the transverse rectus abdominis (TRAM) flap. In a TRAM flap, the lower abdominal skin, fat and muscle are used to mold a new breast. A nipple reconstruction or nipple tattoo usually follows several months after the initial surgery. 

During either procedure, your plastic surgeon uses a fat-grafting technique to give your breast a more natural look. Your plastic surgeon takes unwanted fat from a different area of your body to add to your breast. Even if you have an implant, fat grafting is a way to add your own tissue. 

Breast Reconstruction Consultation

Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon, breast surgeon and oncologist will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your breasts. Next, they’ll make a breast reconstruction recommendation based on your desired results and develop your personalized treatment plan. 

Are You a Candidate For Breast Reconstruction?

Having breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy or mastectomy can be a complicated choice. We know that many factors go into the decision-making process, especially in regard to any needs for radiation or chemotherapy. That’s why we’ll work together with your breast surgeon and oncologist to make sure breast reconstruction is right for you.

Procedures work best on patients who:

• Are in good overall health.
• Don’t drink alcohol for two weeks before surgery. (Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, which increases the risk of excess bleeding during surgery.)
• Quit using nicotine products three to six weeks before surgery and three to six weeks after. (Nicotine increases your risk of surgical complications, like blood clots.)

Breast Reconstruction Recovery and Results

After undergoing breast reconstruction, you will need to take about three to six weeks off from work. During this time, you should:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Wear a surgical bra for three weeks to promote healing and recovery.
• Avoid strenuous activities for about six to eight weeks.

Keep in mind that it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort after surgery. It takes about one to two weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside. Most patients are pleased with their breast reconstruction results within three to four months.

Breast Reconstruction Risks

Like all surgeries, breast reconstruction involves a certain degree of risk. However, when it’s performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, serious complications are rare. Minimize other complications by following the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon. 

Some risks and complications could include:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Pain, swelling or numbness
• Skin discoloration, skin rippling or irregularities
• Uneven contours or asymmetry