Breast reconstruction has vastly improved with advances in medical technology over the last decade. Many breast reconstruction options help women rebuild the breast’s shape and appearance following a mastectomy or other breast cancer treatment. This may sometimes be staged in several procedures to give you the best possible outcome. Discussing your options with an experienced breast surgeon and reconstructive plastic surgeon is extremely important to determine the most suitable option for you.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Patrick Hsu, Dr. Kendall Roehl, and Dr. Vasileios Vasilakis, are among the top leading breast reconstruction surgeons in Houston, Texas. With over three decades of combined experience in the field, they have dedicated their careers to helping breast cancer survivors feel whole again.
real patient DIEP Flap Surgery results
Reasons to Have Breast Reconstruction
After having a mastectomy, many patients opt to have breast reconstruction to create a new breast shape in place of what was removed. Some benefits of the procedure include:
- Permanently regaining breast shape
- Eliminating the use of external prosthesis inside your bra
- Having a more balanced chest in and out of clothes
- Feeling and looking better about your body
Request Your Consultation
You can request a consultation online or if you have any questions please call the office
713-633-4411.
When Is Breast Reconstruction Done?
Many factors are considered when deciding when to have breast reconstruction, including your overall health, current treatment, and personal preferences. Talk to your breast and plastic surgeons before having a mastectomy, so your treatment can be planned accordingly.
Breast reconstruction can either be done simultaneously with your mastectomy or at a later date, depending on your treatment plan.
Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Immediate reconstruction is often the preferred choice when patients do not need breast irradiation. This helps patients better cope emotionally and physically after a mastectomy and also allows the surgeon to attain better aesthetic results.
Delayed Reconstruction (Mastectomy First, Reconstruction Later)
Patients who cannot undergo an immediate reconstruction or prefer to have more time between their mastectomy and reconstructive surgery can opt for delayed breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction Video
Dr. Patrick Hsu and Kristen Adams Interview on ABC 13
ABC 13 featured Memorial Plastic Surgery’s board-certified reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Patrick Hsu, and his former breast reconstruction patient, Kristen Adams.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction aims to reform or recreate a breast shape on one or both sides after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The type of mastectomy performed plays a crucial role in determining your breast reconstruction options and final results.
The types of mastectomy include:
- Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Removes the entire breast while keeping the nipple, areola, and skin completely intact. - Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
Removes the entire breast, nipple, and areola while keeping the outer skin of the breast intact. - Partial Mastectomy or Lumpectomy
Removes a portion of the affected breast tissue, along with a rim of surrounding normal tissue. The breast, nipple, areola, and skin all remain intact.
Following a mastectomy, the main types of breast reconstruction include:
- Tissue Flap
Recreates a natural breast mound using tissue, blood vessels, and fat from the abdomen. - Implant-Based
Uses breast implants to reconstruct the breast mound. A tissue expander can be utilized to expand the size and shape of the breasts over time. - Latissimus Flap
Combines implant-based and flap reconstruction into one surgical procedure to restore the breasts. - Lumpectomy Reconstruction
Reshaping the remaining breast to a more desirable shape after breast tissue removal is affected by breast cancer.
After reconstructive surgery, some patients may also consider other procedures to help complete their breast reconstruction, including:
- Fat grafting to the breast
- Nipple reconstruction
- Nipple and/or areola tattooing
Cost & Financing
The Woman’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires all health insurance providers to cover breast reconstruction procedures. However, the total cost of the procedure will vary, depending on your insurance carrier and plan.
Memorial Plastic Surgery staff is highly trained and experienced in working with major insurers to keep your out-of-pocket expenses to an absolute minimum.
Recovery & Results
Your recovery period will vary, depending on the type of breast reconstruction you had. Most breast reconstruction surgeries require 2 – 4 days of overnight stay before being discharged to go back home. In any case, following the post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon is crucial.
Below is a general timeline of what patients can expect during the recovery process.
| POST-OP OBSTACLES | ESTIMATED TIME |
| Physical discomfort (swelling, soreness, & bruising) | 8 weeks |
| Surgical Drains | 6 months |
| Compression garment /Supportive Bra | 6 months |
| DAILY ACTIVITIES | ESTIMATED TIME |
| Showering | 2 – 3 days |
| Light daily activities | 3 – 4 weeks |
| Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities | 6 – 8 weeks |
It is important to understand the limitations of surgery and to have realistic expectations. Your new reconstructed breast will not look like your original breast or be the same as one another.
The goal is to recreate a breast shape that looks as natural as possible while also considering the size, shape, and position of the other breast. If both breasts have been removed, the goal is to create two natural-looking breast mounds that are proportionate to your body.
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“ I was extremely comfortable. He was very professional and gave great recommendations. I would defintely recommend him. ”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will reconstruction interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy?
Patients who need to complete radiation or chemotherapy will be instructed on the best time to have a delayed reconstruction.
What kind of tissue flaps can be used for my breast reconstruction?
Our board-certified surgeons specialize in many different tissue flap techniques, including DIEP flap, TUG flap, and latissimus dorsi flap.
Can both breasts be reconstructed after a double mastectomy?
Yes, both of your breasts can be reconstructed following your double mastectomy. You can discuss your options with our board-certified plastic surgeons during your initial consultation.
*The content and images on this page are provided with the sole intention of educating potential patients on the procedure discussed above. Results vary per individual and are dependent on our doctor’s consultation prior to the procedure. We strongly recommend undergoing a formal consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to scheduling and undergoing any surgical or non-surgical treatment.
