Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction. The goal is to restore breasts to near normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction usually involves multiple procedures performed in stages. There are 2 broad categories of reconstruction options, implants or flap reconstruction (using your own body tissue). When the breast reconstruction process starts at the time of mastectomy it is referred to as immediate breast reconstruction. When breast reconstruction starts any time after the mastectomy it is referred to as delayed breast reconstruction. The type of mastectomy, the type of treatment for cancer (chemotherapy and radiation) can have a large effect on the outcome of the breast reconstruction. Prophylactic mastectomies refers to patients who choose to undergo mastectomies to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer where there is a high rate of breast cancer in their family. This Harrisburg area patient is a 36-year old female who is BRCA 1+ and a 36DD cup who underwent prophylactic bilateral skin sparing mastectomies. She had immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders placed under the pectoralis muscle. After 4 months, her tissue expanders were exchanged for 535cc Ultra High Profile Mentor Silicone implants and fat grafting (now a C cup bra size). Photos are 3 months after peri areolar mastopexies with fat grafting to correct nipple position and skin contour.