Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction in Plano, TX
A breast reconstruction surgery aims to reconstruct the breast tissue that had been damaged by a birth defect, trauma, or a mastectomy or lumpectomy for the removal of breast cancer. Advancements in breast reconstruction surgery make it possible for women to feel fully healed and attain natural-looking breasts even after removal by replacing lost volume with implants, repairing damaged skin and scar tissue, and improving their overall body image and self-confidence.
Reconstruction of the breasts is performed to restore the size, shape, and appearance of a woman’s chest for a beautiful, feminine look.
Accomplished surgeon Dr. Ali R. Abtahi offers breast reconstruction surgery in the Plano area to women who have received a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer and undergone treatments to remove breast cancer, leaving them feeling less feminine or complete. Before pursuing a career in plastic surgery, Dr. Abtahi explored multiple avenues in the medical field but ultimately landed on cosmetics because it offered him a way to merge his two passions: art and caring for people. With his surgical artistry, compassionate approach, and medical expertise, he tailors each breast reconstruction to the specific needs of his patients.
To learn more about how breast reconstruction with Dr. Abtahi helps his patients feel more confident in their breast appearance, contact Amor Propio Aesthetics today to schedule a breast reconstruction consultation in Southlake.
What Is a Breast Reconstruction?
During a Plano breast reconstruction procedure, Dr. Abtahi can rebuild the breast through several plastic surgery techniques following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or traumatic injury. He prioritizes educating his patients on the details of their procedure to ensure they receive the results they desire. Dr. Abtahi will outline the different breast reconstruction techniques and options in full during a personalized consultation to help patients make an informed decision.
Breast Reconstruction Techniques in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
There are a variety of breast reconstruction approaches available. When deciding which method to use on a patient, Dr. Abtahi first considers the patient’s cancer diagnosis, reconstruction timeline, whether the patient prefers to use natural tissue or implants, and whether nipple reconstruction is part of the process. During a consultation with Dr. Abtahi, he will discuss the different types of breast reconstruction techniques to help you make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
The two main methods of breast reconstruction include implant reconstruction and tissue (flap) reconstruction. Sometimes, the implant and flap techniques are combined to rebuild the breasts.
Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Implant-based breast reconstruction may be used if the mastectomy or radiation therapy has left sufficient tissue on the chest wall to completely cover and support the breast implant. During a breast reconstruction with implants, Dr. Abtahi will place the breast implant above or below the pectoralis muscle.
Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion involves placing an expander under the breast wall and slowly filling it with saline over the course of several months until the skin has been stretched enough to accommodate a breast implant. Once the skin is stretched, patients can decide whether they want a natural fat transfer or breast implants to recreate the natural volume and shape of their breast(s).
Breast Reconstruction with Flap Technique
Sometimes, after a mastectomy or radiation therapy, there is not enough sufficient tissue on the chest to cover and support a breast implant. In this case, Dr. Abtahi will reconstruct the breasts using a flap technique. This is a common method of tissue reconstruction that uses lower abdominal tissue to create a natural breast shape. The most common flap techniques include:
- DIEP Flap involves using fat, skin, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen that are transferred to create a natural breast mound. The primary benefit of choosing a DIEP Flap method is the preservation of the abdominal wall function, which decreases the risk of developing a hernia and creates a more natural feel and shape that patients often desire.
- Latissimus Dorsi Flap involves using muscle, skin, and fat from the back. During this technique, the tissue is removed from the back and placed at the mastectomy site.
- TRAM Flap method uses muscle, fat, and skin taken from the abdominal area and used to rebuild the breasts. Unlike with a DIEP Flap, a small portion of the abdominal muscle is removed. The entire flap is then relocated to the chest, and blood vessels are connected to blood vessels in the chest using a microscope.
After your breast reconstruction surgery, patients may want to fix the appearance of their nipples and areola. There are numerous options to choose from and restore the areola and nipple to look more natural.
During a consultation with Dr. Abtahi, he will conduct an examination to determine the sufficiency of skin and tissue left over after the patient’s mastectomy. He will then recommend the safest and most effective breast reconstruction method to achieve his patient’s desired outcome.
Meet Ali R. Abtahi, DO MSc
Dr. Ali R. Abtahi, DO MSc is a highly skilled surgeon with extensive training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Comprehensive Aesthetic Surgery, and General Surgery. Through his artistic vision and sincere passion for plastic surgery of the utmost quality, Dr. Abtahi is dedicated to delivering an elite, personalized experience.
Why Choose Dr. Abtahi For A Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dr. Abtahi is a highly trained, dedicated, and experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He provides his patients with customized treatment plans, aesthetic artistry, and long-lasting results that raise his patient’s self-confidence and self-appreciation. Additionally, Dr. Abtahi puts a strong emphasis on educating his patients and ensuring they fully understand the details of their procedure so that they can make the most informed decision regarding their surgery. His compassionate, knowledgeable, and personalized approach is what truly sets him and his practice apart.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Ideal candidates for a breast reconstruction procedure should be in good overall health and are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts due to the following:
- Undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy of one or both of the breasts
- Trauma that has caused the breast tissue or skin to become deformed
Patients who may not be a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction surgery are those who:
- Are still undergoing radiation for cancer or have other health risks that could potentially affect their surgery
- Smoke and are unwilling to quit for six weeks before and after their procedure
- Do not have enough viable skin or tissue at the mastectomy sight or in a secondary location that can be transferred
The ideal breast reconstruction patient should also have realistic expectations surrounding their results. While Dr. Abtahi strives to create a natural breast appearance, the newly reconstructed breast or breasts will not have the same look, feel, or sensation as your original breasts. Patients will also need to discuss and gain clearance with their oncologist before undergoing breast reconstruction to ensure it is safe for them to do so.
What Happens During A Breast Reconstruction Procedure?
A breast reconstruction procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Abtahi performs breast reconstruction surgery in a hospital equipped with the full range of necessary equipment, services, and support available. The method and techniques used during each breast reconstruction will depend on the agreed-upon treatment plan developed during a personalized consultation.
Once the reconstruction is complete, patients are taken to a recovery room, where they emerge from anesthesia and are monitored. When their condition is stable, they will be released home with a trusted friend or family member. The patients will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment and sent home with pain management and wound care instructions to ensure they heal comfortably and without complications.
What To Expect From Dallas-Fort Worth Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Everyone’s experience with recovery is different. Patients can expect to feel some discomfort immediately after surgery and for the first few days. Dr. Abtahi will prescribe and recommend the appropriate pain medications to help manage discomfort. Patients will be required to spend the first few days resting at home and will need assistance with personal and household tasks for the first few days. After a breast reconstruction, patients are restricted from engaging in intense exercise and lifting anything heavy for several weeks.
Most patients are required to take two weeks off from work. Generally, patients can begin to reintroduce light activities back into their schedule by the third week, gradually increasing their duration and the degree of strenuous activities in the following weeks. Dr. Abtahi will provide each patient with detailed post-operative care instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Schedule A Dallas-Fort Worth Breast Reconstruction Consultation Today
Contact Amor Propio Aesthetics to schedule a consultation for a breast reconstruction procedure with Dr. Abtahi in Plano, TX. He will conduct a thorough evaluation, understand each patient’s desired goals, provide detailed information surrounding this procedure, and explain exactly what can be expected during surgery and recovery. Call us at (214) 740-2481 or reach out to us today to get started.