Being diagnosed with breast cancer can certainly be overwhelming. The worries about your health, your long-term prognosis, and your family's well-being can carry an enormous weight. On top of the already high level of pressure a patient is under, it is only natural for her to also have some questions about the physical implications of breast cancer treatments. In many cases, breast cancer patients require lumpectomy or mastectomy, a surgical removal of the breast, to give them the best possible chance of being free of disease. When this occurs, women also choose to undergo reconstructive breast surgery to restore a more natural contour following mastectomy.
Unfortunately, some women are not fully satisfied with the outcome of their reconstructive breast surgery. In these cases, corrective breast reconstruction can be extremely effective for producing a more aesthetically and personally pleasing look. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev of Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery are experts in the field of corrective breast surgery, and have helped countless Long Island, NY patients achieve their ideal look after an initial breast reconstruction.
What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a procedure designed to restore breast volume, contour, and position after surgical treatment for breast cancer, including lumpectomy or mastectomy. Some of the popular techniques and tools used in reconstructive breast surgery include:
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Breast implants - silicone or saline devices that are placed inside the breast pocket to restore lost volume
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Breast lift - a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and reposition the breast at a higher, more youthful level
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Fat transfer - a method in which a patient's native fat from elsewhere in the body can be injected into the breast area to restore lost volume
What do I do if I don't like the results of my breast reconstruction?
While patients generally report an overwhelmingly high satisfaction rate after their breast reconstruction surgeries, there are a few cases when women are unhappy with their final outcome. When breast reconstruction is performed by an inexperienced surgeon, the results can be less than ideal. In other cases, a patient may simply have a change in taste when it comes to the look she ultimately prefers. Whatever the case may be, the talented surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery are here to help. Drs. Romanelli and Layliev understand the sensitive and personal nature of reconstructive breast surgery and are committed to treating each patient with the most exceptional level of care and compassion.
What is corrective breast reconstruction?
In the event that a patient is unhappy with the appearance of her breasts after breast reconstruction, corrective breast reconstruction offers the opportunity to revise the original procedure and address any concerns. Some of the most common complaints that lead women to pursue corrective breast reconstruction include:
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Breast size - the reconstructed breasts may be too large or too small
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Sagging breasts - excess skin or drooping breasts
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Implant malfunction - rupture, shifting, or other malfunction of an implant
Regardless of the reasons that a woman may be considering corrective breast reconstruction, the highly experienced team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery can offer a solution or direction. During your initial one-on-one consultation, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your needs and goals, explain your options in detail, and ultimately recommend a plan of action that is most appropriate for you.
How do I know if I need corrective breast reconstruction?
For many women, corrective breast reconstruction is a necessity rather than a desire. While a woman may be satisfied with the appearance of her reconstructed breasts, there may be an underlying issue that requires surgical revision. This can include implant rupture, capsular contracture, shifting of the implant, or breast implant-related illness. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms after breast augmentation or reconstruction, you may need to consult with your surgeon regarding revision or corrective breast reconstruction:
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Breast pain
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Excessive tightening or firmness
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Breast lump
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Breast asymmetry
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Changes in shape, position, or size of the breast
Can implants help after breast reconstruction?
Breast implants are undoubtedly one of the most useful tools in corrective breast reconstruction. When selected and placed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, breast implants can give patients a beautiful, natural, and appealing contour that improves both their appearance and self-esteem. The most widely used breast implants today are saline and silicone gel. While both can give patients dramatic and stunning results, each type of implant has a unique set of benefits. The professional team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery will help you decide which type of implant will help you best achieve your aesthetic goals and meet your physical and medical needs. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend a complementary procedure, such as breast lift, to further enhance your results.
Corrective breast reconstruction in Long Island, NY
If you have undergone reconstructive breast surgery after breast cancer, mastectomy, or lumpectomy and are unhappy with your results, corrective breast construction may be right for you. Call our convenient Huntington, NY office to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how corrective breast reconstruction with implants can enhance your look, boost your confidence, and change your life!