Women who have faced breast cancer and mastectomy often grapple with tough decisions, including whether to restore the appearance and shape of their breasts. While studies have shown that breast reconstruction surgery improves a patient’s quality of life, some may forgo this procedure due to some common misunderstandings and myths. At Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev educate patients on the facts and myths of breast reconstruction so patients are fully informed about their options in Huntington, NY.
Breast revision can restore one or both of the breasts to a more appealing shape following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also be used to repair the chest if a patient has been damaged by trauma or a birth defect. With today’s advanced reconstruction technology, breast cancer patients can feel natural and comfortable in their bodies again. Create a personalized surgical plan with Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery by scheduling an in-depth consultation appointment today. Our team is happy to address your questions and concerns about common surgeries such as breast lift revision, implant revision, and more.
Myth: Breast Reconstruction Should Take Place Right After a Mastectomy
Whatever your age or stage in life, you can't predict how you will react to losing one or both of your breasts. Since reconstruction is such a personal choice, we understand that making a decision can take time. As such, patients can choose for themselves when the time is right for any breast surgery procedure. While reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy, some women may take months or years to schedule a visit with a plastic surgeon. Others must delay reconstruction until after their cancer radiation treatments have been completed, as this may affect their end results.
The timing for breast revision surgery usually depends on your physical exam as performed by your medical team and cosmetic surgeon. During your consultation with Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev, we can help you determine the right timing for revision and let you know what your options are. For instance, women can select medical-grade silicone or saline breast implants or use their own natural breast tissue, which is called flap surgery. We will describe these options in full, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each in Huntington, NY.
Myth: Breast Reconstruction Is A One-Time Procedure
Patients should be aware that it may take several surgeries to get to finally achieve the look that they want. Flap techniques accomplish this goal by using their own fat, muscle, and skin to build and cover the breast. Although flap procedures are a common method for reconstruction, you may also the highly successful tissue expansion method. Expanders are balloon-like sacs that are expanded in our office at intervals until we achieve the ideal breast size. During the following operation, the tissue expanders are removed and either exchanged for breast implants or fat grafting may be used to achieve symmetry. After reconstruction mammoplasty, patients can continue to improve their look with areola and nipple reconstruction.
Myth: After Breast Revision and Reconstruction, Breasts Won’t Look as Natural
A balanced appearance is the ideal outcome of any breast surgery procedure. Plastic surgeons are always looking to refine their technique to ensure that the end results are pleasing. Based on your medical history and whether you use natural tissue or breast implants, Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery will give you realistic expectations about what to expect in terms of outcome. Women who have a single mastectomy may also want to consider a procedure on the unaffected breast in order to achieve symmetrical results:
Breast augmentation: With the help of silicone implants, saline implants, or a fat transfer, augmentation improves breast shape and size to create a fuller appearance in the chest. Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev are skilled in performing countless breast augmentations with options that meet your personal goals.
Breast reduction: Large or unbalanced breasts can lead to issues with self-image and discomfort. This breast surgery procedure eliminates excess tissue and skin to reshape the breasts to a smaller size and make them seem more symmetrical in shape.
Breast lift: This procedure lifts the existing breast tissue by removing loose skin and tightening the healthy tissue to create a youthful look. Breast lift revision is perfect for women who are not necessarily interested in implants. Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery carefully chooses the correct lifting technique to give patients the desired outcome.
Breast Implant Revision and Reconstruction With Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery
If you had breast cancer, trauma to the chest, or a congenital defect that alters the appearance of your breasts, the team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery can help you regain your figure and self-confidence through breast reconstruction. During your consultation, we will discuss all of the options for improvement and create a personalized surgical plan. Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev have helped countless women regain lead a more robust and fulfilled life with the body contours they truly want. Whether you choose breast lift revision, implant revision, or augmentation for breast surgery procedure, we encourage you to reach out to our office in Huntington, NY office and schedule an appointment.
