PROCEDURES / BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Delayed Breast Reconstruction
on Long Island
Breast reconstruction is a procedure aimed at restoring the shape of the breast following mastectomy. While immediate reconstruction, performed at the same time as the mastectomy, is becoming more popular, many women opt for delayed breast reconstruction due to personal, medical, or logistical reasons. Delayed reconstruction, performed months to years after the initial surgery, offers distinct advantages and challenges and could be the best fit for your unique circumstances. The experts at Harris Plastic Surgery can help you decide whether an immediate or delayed breast reconstruction will be the right choice for you.
Immediate vs. Delayed Breast Reconstruction on Long Island
The primary distinction between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction on Long Island lies in the timing of the procedure(s):
Immediate Breast Reconstruction is performed immediately after the mastectomy during the same surgery, allowing for the preservation of breast skin and minimizing the number of surgeries. It often leads to quicker psychological and aesthetic recovery since the patient wakes up from surgery with a breast contour already in place.
Delayed Breast Reconstruction is postponed until after the initial cancer treatment, typically allowing the patient to focus on recovery from mastectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation before addressing breast reconstruction. This option is frequently recommended to or chosen by women who have significant medical co-morbidities such as being an active smoker, morbid obesity, or other active medical problems or in women who may require post-mastectomy radiation therapy, which can compromise the results of immediate reconstruction by affecting skin healing and implant integrity.
| Delayed Breast Reconstruction Techniques | |
|---|---|
Tissue Expanders |
|
Implant Options |
|
Autologous Tissue (Flap) Transfers |
|
Aesthetic Finishes | |
Extra Steps in a Delayed Reconstruction
Delayed reconstruction usually involves additional steps that are not necessary for immediate procedures:
- Scar Management and Tissue Expansion: In delayed cases, the chest wall may have scar tissue, which can limit the skin’s flexibility. Scar tissue release or tissue expansion may be necessary to prepare the area for reconstruction. Tissue expanders are often used in implant-based reconstruction to create space for the permanent implant.
- Managing Radiation Effects: Radiation therapy can alter the skin and underlying tissues, making reconstruction more challenging. In these cases, a delayed autologous tissue flap may be preferred to provide healthier, more pliable tissue for reconstruction. A plastic surgeon can help you decide your best options.
- Pre-Reconstruction Consultations: Additional pre-operative consultations are often required for women undergoing delayed breast reconstruction on Long Island to address any changes in their body or health status, as well as to evaluate the best reconstruction method based on your current tissue quality after healing from your mastectomy and undergoing any additional treatments.
Risks and Benefits of
Delayed Breast Reconstruction
Delayed breast reconstruction is a good option for women who want to take their time after a mastectomy before deciding to undergo reconstruction, or who need additional time and treatment to make sure their health is under control before proceeding. While it allows for more flexibility and recovery from initial cancer treatments, getting a delayed breast reconstruction also comes with unique considerations. Below is a table outlining the key risks and benefits to help guide your decision.
| Risks and Benefits of Delayed Breast Reconstruction | ||
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Focused Cancer Treatment | Delaying reconstruction allows women to prioritize cancer treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy, without the complications from reconstructive surgery. |
More Time to Make Decisions | Opting for delayed reconstruction gives women time to explore their options, consult with specialists, and make a decision that best fits their long-term goals. | |
Improved Aesthetic Outcomes Post-Radiation | Radiation therapy can compromise your skin and tissues, affecting implant integrity or tissue viability. If radiation is necessary for your health, delaying reconstruction can give you better long-term aesthetic results. | |
| Risks | Multiple Surgeries | Delayed reconstruction requires more surgeries for your finished results. Tissue expansion, scar revision, and potential flap procedures may all involve additional hospital stays and recovery times. |
Scar Tissue Formation | Over time, scar tissue can build in the chest area, potentially complicating future reconstructive efforts. This can make the surgical process more difficult and may impact the final cosmetic outcome. Dr. Harris is skilled in delayed breast reconstruction and can give you the best physical and aesthetic outcomes from your surgeries. | |
Emotional Impact of Living Without Breasts | For some women, the waiting period between mastectomy and delayed reconstruction can be emotionally taxing. | |
Complexity of Radiation Effects | Radiation therapy can compromise the blood supply and elasticity of the skin, which can increase the risks of poor wound healing. | |
Understanding the risks and benefits of delayed breast reconstruction is imperative to make an informed choice that aligns with both your health and aesthetic goals. Consulting with a plastic surgeon like Dr. Stephen Harris early, even if you are not ready to proceed right away, ensures you have all the information about options available to achieve the best possible outcome regardless of the timeline to get there.
Harris Plastic Surgery Will Provide You with the Best Delayed Breast Reconstruction on Long Island
Delayed breast reconstruction is a viable, and sometimes preferable, option for women who wish to prioritize cancer treatment or take more time to decide on their reconstructive goals. While it offers certain benefits, such as improved outcomes after radiation and more time for decision-making, it also involves additional surgeries, the management of scar tissue, and potential emotional challenges.
The experts at Harris Plastic Surgery are well-versed in all the unique benefits and additional considerations for delayed breast reconstruction on Long Island. We can help you decide on the best timeline for your surgeries, help you pick the techniques that will work best for your body and lifestyle, and overall help you feel confident in your decisions. Let us walk this journey alongside you.
Harris Plastic Surgery is the leading expert in delayed breast reconstruction on Long Island.
Contact us online or by phone/text schedule your consultation today.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.
