Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery is an option for individuals who have lost part or all of a breast due to cancer or other disease. Having gained extensive experience and knowledge regarding breast reconstruction techniques over a period of many years, Dr. Charles Slack understands the fears and hopes of every patient who is considering such a significant surgery. He welcomes inquiries regarding breast reconstruction surgery at his Allen, Texas offices.
There are a number of reasons that a breast reconstruction procedure may be appropriate for a patient. The most common need for a reconstruction is the removal of a breast due to cancer. A reconstruction procedure may also be of benefit to individuals who have suffered some form of trauma - such as a car crash or other injury - and those who have other medical conditions.
The Right Training and Expertise
Ever since the days of his surgical fellowship in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast at Georgetown University, Dr. Slack has accumulated a great deal of training and expertise in helping women who need a breast reconstruction. He has found that these surgical procedures are very gratifying to both patient and surgeon.
Considerations Regarding Breast Reconstruction
For many women who have had a mastectomy (removal of part or all of a breast), one option (of several alternatives) is the reconstruction of the breast. A reconstruction can restore the symmetry and contour of the body and improve a woman's quality of life. If you are considering having a breast reconstruction performed, it's a good idea to talk to Dr. Slack. He's a double board-certified plastic surgeon, able to answer all of your questions and concerns, and he treats everyone as the unique individuals that they are.
Each Patient Is Unique
Everyone's breasts have their own unique dimensions and tone, and Dr. Slack will describe in detail the choices available to a potential breast reconstruction patient, in the initial consultation. He wants each of his patients to feel comfortable and confident before going forward with any surgical procedure, and breast reconstructions in particular involve matters that are often central to a woman's feelings about her body and her femininity.
When and How a Breast Can Be Reconstructed
For some women, the initial phase of breast reconstruction takes place during the same procedure in which the existing breast is removed, but the reconstruction can also be done as a separate procedure. Many breast reconstructions involve more than one procedure (or steps) that are performed over time - in fact, more often than not, a breast is not reconstructed in a single operation.
In addition, there are several available techniques for breast reconstruction, and the procedure chosen for a particular patient depends in part on the amount of breast tissue and skin that remain after a breast's removal. One version of breast reconstruction that is frequently used requires skin expansion and the insertion of a breast implant. In some cases, a patient will not need the skin expansion step.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedure
There are varies techniques used to perform a breast reconstruction. One common method, as mention above, a balloon expander is inserted beneath both the skin and the chest muscle to expand the skin. The balloon expander may be temporary, or it may be permanent. Over a period of several weeks or months after the insertion of the expander, a saline solution is periodically injected into the balloon expander to gently stretch the skin.
When the skin has expanded enough to allow it, the balloon expander is taken out and a permanent breast implant is inserted. The reconstruction of the breast's nipple and the area around the nipple (the areola) can take place in another procedure.
Breast Implants
The breast implant comes pre-filled with saline or silicone gel. A wide variety of breast implants are available, differing in:
- cup size
- contour
- firmness
- dimensions
- texture
Thus, the new breast will look and feel as close as possible to both the breast that was removed and the remaining breast, and many patients are surprised and pleased to find how "realistic" the reconstructed breast is. Most of the scarring left by a breast reconstruction will fade significantly over the months following the surgery.
Contact Dr. Slack about a Breast Reduction
If you may be undergoing a mastectomy or if you have already had a breast removed or otherwise need a breast reconstruction, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack at his Allen, Texas offices to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.