Breast Reconstruction- Restoring Your Body and Life
Utilizing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Procedures
A mastectomy not only affects a woman physically, but it can affect her emotionally as well. The plastic surgeons at Peer Medical Group in northern New Jersey specialize in breast reconstruction, and also perform breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift, treating patients with sensitivity and expertise. In this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, a plastic surgeon builds the breast to make it appear as natural and beautiful as possible. There are several plastic surgery methods to rebuild the breast, and the method of reconstruction must be carefully tailored to meet the patient’s needs. The surgery may involve a breast implant, a tissue expander, or a skin or muscle flap.
Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion uses a balloon-like implant that the reconstructive plastic surgeon places beneath the muscle and skin. Over a period of a month or two the balloon is made larger by injections of saline in the plastic surgeon’s office. After sufficient skin is expanded, the expander is replaced with a permanent breast implant.
Flap Reconstruction
This type of breast reconstruction uses flaps of muscle and skin, which are generally taken from the back or abdomen. These areas of the body contain very large muscles, providing enough skin and muscle for reconstruction of a breast on the chest wall. The large muscle used from the back is called the Latissimus Dorsi muscle and the muscle from the abdomen is the Rectus Abdominis muscle.
Breast reconstruction using muscle and skin flaps from the back or abdomen is major surgery requiring a hospital stay. Using a flap from the back generally poses less risk of complications but will often require the use of a breast implant.
If you have lost a breast through a mastectomy, or are considering a mastectomy, our plastic surgeons can meet with you and talk about your options. Many women who undergo a mastectomy have had great success with breast reconstruction, attaining new breasts that both look and feel natural. Photos of patients taken before and after plastic surgery can show you the results our caring and committed surgeons have achieved for clients in Randolph, Far Hills, Chatham and throughout northern New Jersey.
