Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction provides a normal breast shape and appearance after a single or double mastectomy, lumpectomy, or surgery to address a breast issue caused by a congenital deformity. The process may involve several procedures performed in stages and can be started right after the mastectomy or after the chest area has healed. Dr. Georgina Nichols offers breast reconstruction in Sacramento and will work with you and your breast surgeon to develop a surgical plan that restores your body image.
Your Breast Reconstruction with Dr. Nichols
Implant-based and flap-based reconstruction are the primary techniques for breast reconstruction. Implant-based reconstruction uses breast implants to create a breast mound, and the flap approach uses autologous tissue harvested from another part of your body to form the new breast. During your consultation with Dr. Nichols, you will discuss your mastectomy and cancer treatments to determine which option is best. She will evaluate your breasts and body type and recommend the right technique to restore your sense of femininity.
Is Breast Reconstruction with Dr. Nichols Right for You?
Breast reconstruction is tailored to your needs. Candidates should have a healthy mindset about their cancer diagnosis and treatment and should not have other medical conditions or illnesses that may affect healing and safety. You need a positive outlook and realistic expectations of the results, as they are highly variable.
Reconstructed breasts do not have the same sensations as original breast tissue. Surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site for autologous reconstruction (typically the abdomen, back, or buttocks) and on the breasts. These incision lines will fade significantly over time but remain visible.
Breast Reconstruction Options with Dr. Nichols
One or both breasts may require reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. If just one breast is affected, the other may need a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation with a breast implant to provide symmetrical results.
Breast Reconstruction with Breast Implants
Breast reconstruction can be done with breast implants if radiation treatments and the mastectomy leave enough chest wall tissue to cover and support the implant. Immediate breast reconstruction above or below the pectoral muscle is performed simultaneously with the mastectomy. A biological mesh called acellular dermal matrix (ADM) holds the implant in a natural-looking position.
Delayed breast reconstruction with breast implants can be done with tissue expanders. A tissue expander is placed under the chest wall muscle inside a pocket created by the surgeon. A port is used (either within the expander or along the rib cage) to inflate the expander over time, filling it with saline solution until there’s enough tissue for a breast implant. A second procedure removes the tissue expander and places the breast implant. Another method places the tissue expander into a submuscular or subcutaneous space and expands it with compressed air controlled by the patient.
Flap-Based Breast Reconstruction
The flap technique is necessary when insufficient breast tissue is left after the mastectomy to support a breast implant. Skin and fatty tissues are harvested from another area, typically between the belly button and pubic bone of the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
Schedule a Breast Reconstruction Consultation with Dr. Nichols
If you’ve had or require a mastectomy or lumpectomy to eradicate breast cancer, contact Dr. Nichols to discuss your breast reconstruction options. Schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Center by calling (916) 929-1833.
