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Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction
ON LONG ISLAND
If you have had or are considering a mastectomy, you might be wondering about your options for breast reconstruction. Whether you’re planning for a mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction, or you’ve already had a mastectomy and are now researching surgeons for breast reconstruction, you’re in the right place!
Previously, most breast reconstruction surgeries were subpectoral, meaning the implant was placed partially under the chest muscle. Prepectoral breast reconstruction surgery is an increasingly common technique where the implant placement or tissue expansion is placed in front of the chest muscle to improve recovery time and reduce pain after surgery.
The professionals at Harris Plastic Surgery pride ourselves on our commitment to our patients through every step of the breast reconstruction process. Call our office today for more information or to set up a consultation appointment.
Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction Technique
Prepectoral breast reconstruction occurs after a mastectomy and involves placing breast implants or tissue expanders in front of the pectoral muscles. In the past, breast reconstruction involved placing the implants behind the chest muscles, a procedure called partial subpectoral reconstruction. However, this procedure had drawbacks, including post-operative pain and the potential for reduced shoulder range of motion.
Surgeons have begun using prepectoral breast reconstruction to improve the patient experience with shorter recovery time, improved function after healing, and better aesthetic results. The reconstructive surgery involves the following steps:
- Incisions. During immediate reconstruction, your plastic surgeon will begin with incisions planned together with the breast surgeon customized to each patient’s surgical plan. For delayed reconstruction, the incisions’ exact placement will be discussed before surgery to meet your individual needs and create the best functional and aesthetic reconstruction, often using the same incisions as the mastectomy.
- Placement of breast implant or tissue expanders. During immediate reconstruction, after the mastectomy, the plastic surgeon will place implants or expanders (empty implants that will be filled gradually, expanding the tissues over time to the ultimate size and shape of the final implant) in front of the pectoral muscles. In some cases, the implants will be held in position by surgical mesh or acellular dermal matrix (ADM). During delayed reconstruction, the plastic surgeon will recreate the mastectomy space on top of the pectoral muscles, placing the tissue expanders in that space.
- These procedures may be accompanied by autologous fat grafting, taking fat from one part of your body and using it to enhance the appearance and peripheral contours of the reconstructed breasts. Usually, autologous fat grafting is performed at a second stage a few months after the primary reconstruction.
- Wound closure. Once the implants or expanders are in place, the surgeon will place surgical drains to prevent fluid buildup and close the incision with sutures.
- Recovery. Some individuals can leave the hospital the same day as their surgery, and most after an overnight stay, but should plan on rest for at least a few days post-op, although walking and non-exertional activities will be encouraged! Patients will typically be able to return to light activities within a week of their surgery.
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Autologous Fat Grafting and Prepectoral Revision in Breast Reconstruction
What You Need to Know About Funding Your Surgery
Many women avoid pursuing a revision breast reconstruction due to misperceptions of out-of-pocket cost. However, if your initial breast reconstruction was covered by your insurance, then revision breast reconstruction is usually covered as well. This is because of federal and state laws. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstruction and revision breast reconstruction related to mastectomies.
Our office is very familiar with that law as well as the insurance policies affected by it. We’re able to walk our patients through the steps to getting their surgery financed so they can reduce any out-of-pocket costs.
The Best Choice for Revision Breast Reconstruction on Long Island
There are a lot of options for revision breast reconstruction on Long Island, but not many plastic surgeons take the full-service approach that we do. Our expert medical team works with you to understand your goals with surgery, recovery concerns, and medical history so we can guide you to the right treatment choices. While many doctors can provide breast reconstruction, we focus on total well-being. We don’t just want you to have a better aesthetic—we want to help improve your life.
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Like all surgeries, the prepectoral breast reconstruction procedure carries some risks. However, most side effects can be managed with proper supportive care from the best plastic surgery team in New York.
After the breast reconstruction is finished and has had time to heal, the final step in the process is nipple and areola reconstruction. This procedure is done through a combination of skin grafting and tattooing techniques to achieve a natural look and feel.
Speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon is important to determine the best course of action for your breast reconstruction based on your personal goals, medical history, tissue quality, and anatomy. Your plastic surgeon will help you develop a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best quality care and aesthetic outcomes for long-term reconstruction success.
Harris Plastic Surgery: Extraordinary Care and Customized Treatment
Every breast reconstruction at Harris Plastic Surgery begins with a unique and personalized assessment during your initial consultation. Dr. Harris will provide details about breast reconstruction options and discuss the pros and cons of all options for your specific case, measurements, and preferences.
Dr. Harris prides himself on his strict aseptic techniques to ensure the best results of his surgeries, with the least risk of complications and the best long-term results. Harris Plastic Surgery has been known as the leading expert in breast reconstruction surgery for decades because of their whole-office commitment to patient experience and phenomenal outcomes.
From the administrative staff and Joanne Parrinello’s dedication to assisting patients in understanding their insurance coverage and supporting them in determining which treatment options are best for their needs to Dr. Harris’s distinguished career in helping women achieve their reconstructive dreams and feel like their best selves, Harris Plastic Surgery will be with you for every step of your breast reconstruction journey.