Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer: Restore Your Self-Confidence
Women who undergo a mastectomy deserve to feel “whole” again. Dr. David Allison has devoted much of his 13 years in practice to helping breast cancer patients restore their self-confidence through breast reconstruction surgery.
What a Breast Reconstruction Can Correct
Breast reconstruction helps to rebuild breasts that have been removed as a result of cancer treatment. The breasts constructed will not have the same physical sensations as the removed tissue, but they will project a feminine image and shapely body contour.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Dr. Allison may recommend one of two procedures for breast reconstruction:
- Breast implants (saline or silicone)
- Patient’s own tissue
Patients who do not have sufficient breast tissue to support an implant may require tissue expansion or the use of donor fat, skin and muscle from the abdominal or back areas for breast reconstruction. The nipple and areola will also be reconstructed for a more natural appearance. Dr. Allison will discuss these options in great detail during a Cosmetic Consultation.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery may be longer than with typical breast augmentation surgery, so you should allow at least 2-3 weeks to recover. You will experience temporary swelling, bruising and pain after surgery.
- Wear the surgical bra if required
- Cleanse your incision sites
- Use any prescribed medicated ointment
- Avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks
- Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks
- Take pain medication, if needed
- Do not smoke for at least 2-4 weeks
Risks of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery has its own set of potential risks in addition to the typical risks associated with breast augmentation surgery. Because Dr. Allison has specialized in this type of surgery for so many years, he is uniquely qualified to perform revision surgery and minimize those complications. Risks may include:
- Anesthesia complications
- Loss of flap (patient’s own tissue)
- Infection
- Breast asymmetry
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Sensation loss
- Pain
If you have undergone a mastectomy and wish to restore one or both of your breasts, contact our board certified breast reconstruction surgeon Dr. David Allison today to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation. He can assess your condition and make recommendations for treatment if a breast reconstruction in Northern Virginia is right for you.