The patient comes out of surgery with less disfigurement and the beginning of a newly reconstructed breast. The breast is completely reconstructed with one or two more minor procedures. The opposite breast may be altered to match the reconstructed one to give an optimal symmetrical result. One type of reconstruction involves placement of a saline implant. The amount of skin sparing during mastectomy dictates whether a permanent implant or an expander implant is needed.
Breast expansion takes place during weekly visits to the office.
Once the size is obtained, a waiting period of 3 to 6 months is followed by a procedure where the expander is replaced by a permanent implant. Autogenous breast reconstruction refers to techniques using the patient's own tissue. This procedure uses the extra fat and skin found in the lower abdomen. This tissue is left connected to the rectus abdominus muscle providing its blood supply. The nipple-areolar complex is reconstructed last and can often be done in the office using the local skin and fat as well as some tattooing for color.