With all the things a woman has to consider when she first receives a breast cancer diagnosis, cosmetic concerns may take a back seat. However, at some point during breast cancer treatment, most women begin to think about how their bodies may look after surgery and what options they have. The compassionate team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, understand the highly personal and sensitive nature of breast reconstruction after breast cancer and provide unmatched care for Long Island, NY women hoping to feel whole again after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Learn more about breast reconstruction surgery here, including what its purpose is, what to expect, and what results may be possible for you.
What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a complex procedure that is custom-tailored to meet the needs, situation, and goals of each individual patient. Most often, breast reconstruction is used to create or restore a natural-looking breast shape, size, and contour for women who have experienced physical changes due to one or more of the following circumstances:
- Birth defect
- Deformity
- Trauma/injury
- Breast cancer
- Mastectomy
- Lumpectomy
What is the purpose of breast reconstruction surgery?
Women considering breast reconstruction in Long Island, NY may have slightly different end goals, but the primary purpose of breast reconstruction is generally to restore a more natural, appealing, feminine figure that patients can feel confident about. This may involve building an entirely new breast, correcting asymmetry between the breasts, reconstructing or repositioning the nipple, and other techniques. During your initial consultation, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will thoroughly discuss your concerns and personal goals in order to formulate a detailed surgical plan that can help you best achieve your ideal outcome.
How is breast reconstruction after mastectomy performed?
There are several different surgical approaches to reconstructive breast surgery after breast cancer. The most appropriate method for each patient will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the cancer, which treatments or procedures were performed, the patient’s anatomy, and others. Drs. Romanelli and Layliev will conduct an in-depth consultation and collaborate with your other doctors and surgeons to determine which type of breast reconstruction is most fitting for you. Most commonly, breast reconstruction after breast cancer is performed using one of the following methods:
- Flap: Flap-based reconstruction involves using tissues, fat, and muscle from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas to build a new breast.
- Implants: Implant-based reconstruction typically requires the use of a tissue expander to stretch the skin over the course of several weeks or months before an implant is placed for an appealing new shape.
Oftentimes, complementary procedures – including fat grafting and nipple reconstruction – are combined with breast reconstruction to further enhance the final results.
How soon can I get breast reconstruction after mastectomy?
The timing for breast reconstruction can vary from patient to patient, depending on the nature of her specific case. In many cases, breast reconstruction after breast cancer is performed in multiple steps or stages, particularly when tissue expanders are required. For some women, it may be possible to begin breast reconstruction during the initial breast cancer surgery. In other cases, reconstructive breast surgery may need to be deferred.
What will my breasts look like after breast reconstruction?
Patients considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy should have realistic expectations for their results. Internationally recognized plastic surgeons Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev are exceptionally experienced at the complex techniques involved in breast reconstruction and take great care to create appealing and natural-looking results. However, even with the highest level of surgical skill, the breasts still may not look or feel the same as they originally did before breast cancer surgery. Even so, the overwhelming majority of patients report that breast reconstruction has made them feel more feminine, more confident, and more like themselves once again.
Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?
New York state law and federal law mandate that breast reconstruction after breast cancer be covered by insurance providers. Our knowledgeable team will help guide you through the process of understanding and obtaining insurance coverage for your reconstructive breast surgery.
Restore your figure and feel whole again with Long Island, NY breast reconstruction surgery
Facing mastectomy can be a discouraging prospect, but there is hope. If you have concerns about how breast cancer surgery may affect your appearance and self-esteem, we invite you to call our caring team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY to schedule your private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons and breast reconstruction experts Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev today.