Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is now an option for all women. Legislation mandates insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction.

Women have several options in terms of when and what type of breast reconstruction is to be performed. Reconstruction can be carried out at the time of mastectomy or lumpectomy (a breast conserving technique) or after the surgery and all adjuvant treatments (radiation or chemotherapy) are completed. Choice also exists as to the type of reconstruction. Whether an implant or the patient's own tissue (autogenous) is used, the type of reconstruction is an independent decision. 

Reconstruction can be limited to the production of a breast mound alone or extended to include a nipple reconstruction or alteration of the other breast to provide symmetry. Breast reconstruction often requires several procedures. The first is to create the breast mound and gain symmetry. The second procedure, a revision and a nipple reconstruction, is done after a short healing period of 3 to 6 months, generally. 

At Associates in Plastic Surgery we have a strong interest in and long experience in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. We performed the first tram flap reconstruction in the Hampton Roads area. We have the expertise to offer the entire range of procedures designed to reconstruct the female breast.