PROCEDURES / BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Breast Reconstruction
Surgery
on Long Island
Breast reconstruction surgery can help women restore their self-image, regain their confidence, and feel more comfortable as they plan their breast cancer treatment. As you consider your options, a plastic surgeon-first consult can help you get the most from your reconstruction. You’ll want to work with a practice that offers an experienced surgical team and a knowledgeable patient coordination staff to help.
Harris Plastic Surgery is one of the best options for breast reconstruction surgery because we offer both the clinical and administrative support you need.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery - Overview
Breast reconstruction surgery is a personalized procedure designed to restore the shape, appearance, and symmetry of the breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. An expert plastic surgeon will work with the goal to create results that align with your aesthetic preferences and comfort. The process will begin with a detailed consultation where you discuss your options, which can include implant-based reconstruction or using your own tissue for autologous reconstruction.
Depending on your health and treatment plan, the reconstruction can either be performed immediately after a mastectomy or delayed until a later date. Throughout the process, your surgical team will work closely with you to ensure you feel informed and supported every step of the way, tailoring your care plan to match your unique needs and goals.
Approaches to Breast Reconstruction
Your breast reconstruction needs will change depending on the type of cancer surgery you’ve had and whether radiation was involved. Radiation can affect the timing of your surgery as well as the type you can have. Very broadly, there are two types of breast reconstruction surgeries:
- Implant-based breast reconstruction: This surgery is just what it sounds like—an implant is placed to provide shape, volume, and symmetry to the breasts. This can be performed in stages with initial placement of a tissue expander, or as a direct-to-implant procedure.
- Tissue-based breast reconstruction: Tissue-based breast reconstruction involves using the patient’s tissue to create a new breast mound.
The choice between tissue-based and implant-based breast reconstruction depends on the patient’s individual needs, anatomy, desired outcome, and the surgeon’s expertise and recommendations.
There’s also another component of breast reconstruction to consider, and that’s timing. Breast implant surgery is often completed in stages; however, advances in implant technology and adjunctive techniques, like autologous fat grafting, have allowed us to offer direct-to-implant options as well when appropriate.
Staged ReconstructionIn this multi-stage process, the surgeon places an expander to create a pocket where the permanent implant will go. The expander is gradually increased with saline solution over the next few months to stretch the skin and soft tissue. Once sufficient room has been created, the permanent implant is inserted. The timing for the placement of the implant depends on the need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy for the breast cancer treatment. | |||
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The type of surgery you will have will depend on the specific aspects of your case. A thorough consultation with our office can help you make the right decision.
Why Choose Harris Plastic Surgery for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Harris Plastic Surgery has been considered a top option for breast reconstruction surgery for decades. Our team is led by Dr. Stephen Harris, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction and revision reconstruction surgeries. He specializes in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, correction of post-lumpectomy breast deformities, and more, having treated thousands of patients throughout his highly respected career.
On the administrative side, our team is led by Joanne Parrinello. Joanne has worked with many patients to get them the coverage they are entitled to for their breast reconstruction surgeries under New York and federal law. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for this type of surgery, though the steps aren’t always straightforward. New York also has regulations regarding breast reconstruction surgery coverage, but again, the legalese can be tricky to navigate. Having handled hundreds of these cases from an administrative side, Joanne understands the ins and outs of insurance coverage and can quickly guide you to the right decision for your care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reconstruction
What are my breast reconstruction options after mastectomy?
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy can be performed using implants, your own tissue, or a combination of approaches. Options include implant-based reconstruction, tissue-based (flap) reconstruction, and, in some cases, fat grafting.
Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction, and when should I have it?
Most women who undergo mastectomy are candidates for breast reconstruction. Reconstruction may be performed immediately during the mastectomy or as a delayed procedure after cancer treatment.
Does insurance cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy?
Federal law generally requires group health plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction procedures and treatment of complications, subject to the terms of the plan. Coverage requirements can vary, so it is important to confirm your specific benefits with your insurance provider. Harris Plastic Surgery can help coordinate the insurance process.
Should I get reconstruction immediately or wait?
Immediate reconstruction begins during the same operation as your mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction takes place after your initial cancer treatment. Immediate reconstruction can preserve more of the breast skin and avoid a period without a breast mound, while delayed reconstruction may be preferable when additional cancer treatment, such as radiation, could affect your reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is often completed in stages even if performed immediately at the time of mastectomy.
What is the difference between implant-based and tissue-based breast reconstruction?
Implant-based reconstruction uses a breast implant, sometimes following placement of a temporary tissue expander. Tissue-based reconstruction uses your own tissue, commonly taken from areas such as the abdomen, to create a new breast mound. Each approach has different benefits, limitations, recovery requirements, and potential risks.
How does radiation therapy affect my breast reconstruction options?
Radiation can affect the skin and underlying tissues by making them less flexible and potentially increasing the risk of complications with reconstruction. Because of this, your radiation treatment plan can influence both the type and timing of reconstruction.
How long does breast reconstruction recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the type of reconstruction performed. Implant-based reconstruction generally has a shorter initial recovery than tissue-based flap reconstruction, which involves surgery at both the breast and tissue donor site. Many women can resume light activities after a few weeks, but you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about six weeks.
What are the risks and complications of breast reconstruction?
As with any major surgery, breast reconstruction carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, wound-healing problems, and asymmetry. Implant reconstruction also carries implant-related risks, while flap reconstruction carries risks related to the donor site and transplanted tissue.
Is breast reconstruction a single surgery or a multi-stage process?
Breast reconstruction is often a multi-stage process rather than a single operation. Depending on your reconstruction method, additional procedures may be needed to improve breast shape and symmetry, reconstruct the nipple and areola, or perform fat grafting. The number and timing of procedures vary from patient to patient.
Will I ever have feeling or sensation in my reconstructed breast?
Most reconstructed breasts have reduced or altered sensation compared with a natural breast, particularly after mastectomy, because nerves supplying the breast are removed or disrupted. Some sensation may return over time, but complete restoration of normal feeling cannot be guaranteed. There are “resensation” procedures that can potentially allow for some restoration of breast sensation. Dr. Harris can discuss how your reconstruction approach may affect sensation.
Harris Plastic Surgery - Your Breast Reconstruction in New York Experts
Harris Plastic Surgery has been considered a top option for breast reconstruction surgery for decades. Our team is led by Dr. Stephen Harris, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction and revision reconstruction surgeries. He specializes in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, correction of post-lumpectomy breast deformities, and more, having treated thousands of patients throughout his highly respected career.
On the administrative side, our team is led by Joanne Parrinello. Joanne has worked with many patients to get them the coverage they are entitled to for their breast reconstruction surgeries under New York and federal law. The Women’s Health and Cancer Act of 1998 requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for this type of surgery, though the steps aren’t always straightforward. New York also has regulations regarding breast reconstruction surgery coverage, but again, the legalese can be tricky to navigate. Having handled hundreds of these cases from an administrative side, Joanne understands the ins and outs of insurance coverage and can quickly guide you to the right decision for your care.
Harris Plastic Surgery offers expert breast reconstruction surgery
You can contact us online or by phone/text if you have questions or are ready to schedule your consultation today.