Breast Reconstruction In Grass Valley, CA
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Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is one of the most rewarding procedures today, as it allows plastic surgeons to restore the aesthetics and function of a woman’s breasts after cancer or disease. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, surgeons now have the ability to provide a result that is truly life-changing.
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We understand this process can be difficult, but Dr. Lattyak and our whole team at the Élan Clinic are fully committed to making your experience with us a positive, empowering one. We’re here to help you in any way we can and get you closer to confidence.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure or series of procedures that rebuild a woman’s breast tissue after a mastectomy or lumpectomy (partial mastectomy). It’s often referred to as a restorative procedure: while part of the objective of breast reconstruction is aesthetic improvement, it also restores functionality in an effort to replace what was lost due to cancer or disease.
Depending on your diagnosis, it is possible (and quite common) to perform the mastectomy and start the breast reconstruction process at the same time, which can have immense emotional benefits as you won’t have to go through the experience of an absent breast. In any case, there are many different avenues Dr. Lattyak can take to get you the result that you desire, so working together to determine what you need is key.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?
Undergoing breast reconstruction is an intensely personal decision and experience, so each patient will find value in different aspects of this procedure. Some possible benefits of breast reconstruction include:
- Restored physical figure
- Renewed feelings of femininity
- More clothing options and increased comfort
- Improved self-confidence
Many breast reconstruction patients view this procedure as a pivotal step in their cancer recovery process, considering this the point where they can move forward as a healthy, whole person. Some may choose to wait to embark on this process until they have done more mental and emotional healing after their mastectomies. In any case, breast reconstruction is a highly personal choice that has the potential to bring forth strong feelings.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Most healthy, post-mastectomy patients are candidates for breast reconstruction, although the best candidates are women whose cancer, as far as can be determined, seems to have been eliminated by mastectomy, among other key health factors such as:
- Being in generally good health
- Not smoking
- Having realistic expectations for results
Still, for some women, there are legitimate reasons to delay breast reconstruction. Many women aren’t comfortable weighing all the options while they’re struggling to cope with a diagnosis of cancer. Others simply don’t want to have any more surgery than is absolutely necessary. Some patients may be advised by their oncologists or surgeons to wait, particularly if the breast is being rebuilt in a more complicated procedure using flaps of skin and underlying tissue, or if the risk for cancer recurrence is higher. Women with other health conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or smoking, may also be advised to wait.
In any case, being informed of your reconstruction options before surgery can help you prepare for a mastectomy with a more positive outlook for the future.
What Are My Breast Reconstruction Options?
Breast reconstruction is a very nuanced procedure, and the choice of surgical technique centers around a number of factors, such as the type of mastectomy performed, prior breast surgery/radiation/chemotherapy, current breast size and degree of droopiness, the patient’s age and medical history, and more.
Dr. Lattyak and our team will work with you and your breast surgeon and oncologists to determine the best course of action to get you the safe and reliable results that you deserve. Some breast reconstruction options include:
Implant-based Reconstruction
This method uses breast implants to recreate the breast mound. In many cases, Dr. Lattyak begins the first stage of this process at the same time as your mastectomy by placing a tissue expander in the breast pocket to stretch the tissue in preparation for a future implant.
If Dr. Lattyak recommends the use of an implant, you’ll want to discuss what type of implant should be used. A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Dr. Lattyak will go over in detail the risks and benefits of each implant type.
Tissue Flap Reconstruction
Sometimes called autologous tissue reconstruction, this method involves taking donor tissue from one area of the patient’s body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or back) to rebuild the breast. This technique also allows for the insertion of a breast implant, if needed.
Combining Your Breast Reconstruction with Other Procedures
Breast reconstruction is unique in that it is not uncommon for it to involve more than one surgery, as each patient will be at varying stages in their cancer treatment or in different stages post-mastectomy. Additionally, many patients may have a mastectomy performed on a single breast, necessitating alternative procedures to achieve symmetry.
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Breast Lift/Reduction
It’s very common for patients to elect to have a breast lift or reduction of the opposite breast to correct sagging and improve size and shape symmetry with their new, reconstructed breast.
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Nipple/Areolar Reconstruction
During some mastectomies, the nipple is altered or even removed. Dr. Lattyak can reposition or reconstruct the nipple-areolar complex as needed.
How Is Breast Reconstruction Performed?
Your Consultation
You can begin talking about reconstruction as soon as you’re diagnosed with cancer. Ideally, you’ll want your breast surgeon and your plastic surgeon to work together to develop a strategy that will put you in the best possible condition for reconstruction.
Dr. Lattyak will examine you, evaluate your health and physical condition, and explain which reconstructive options are most appropriate for your age, health, anatomy, tissues, and goals.
Be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with Dr. Lattyak as candidly as possible. He will explain to you step by step your reconstructive options and their related risks and potential benefits. Post-mastectomy reconstruction can improve your appearance and renew your self-confidence—but keep in mind that the realistic result is improvement, not perfection.
If you would like to learn more about your breast reconstruction options, call the Élan Clinic today at (530) 273-3400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation or to ask our staff any preliminary questions.
The Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Due to the complex and individual nature of this procedure, these steps will vary greatly. Breast reconstruction is performed using general anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Lattyak may require an overnight hospital stay after your surgery to ensure a safe recovery, but this is not always necessary.
For breast reconstruction with expanders and implants, the final implant is typically inserted a few months after the expander is placed. This is because the expander is gradually inflated to the desired size to allow your skin, tissues, and muscles to slowly expand. After this point, you’ll have a secondary procedure during which Dr. Lattyak will remove the expander and put an implant in place.
In autologous reconstruction, a portion of tissue is moved from one area of the body and is used to rebuild the breast mound. Once the new breast tissue is adequately placed, Dr. Lattyak will shape the tissue to reconstruct the breast.
Nipple reconstruction may be performed at this time or as a staged procedure, typically done a few months later. Patients may have tissue grafts for a 3D result, and advanced tattoo techniques are available to create the illusion of a realistic nipple.
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What Is Breast Reconstruction Recovery Like?
You will most likely feel tired and sore after your surgery, but this can be readily managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Lattyak. Those patients who don’t go home the same day are typically discharged from the hospital within two to five days, depending on the complexity of their procedure. Most reconstruction techniques require the use of a surgical drain, which helps eliminate excess fluid buildup. Most of the time, drains are removed within one to two weeks, and stitches are usually removed after about a week to 10 days.
It may take you up to six weeks to recover from a flap reconstruction or a combined mastectomy and reconstruction. Your recovery time may be less if implants are used without flaps and reconstruction is done apart from the mastectomy.
Reconstruction cannot restore normal sensation to your breast, but in time, some feeling may return. Most scars will fade substantially over time, though it may take as long as one to two years, but they’ll never disappear entirely. The better the quality of your overall reconstruction, the less distracting you’ll find those scars.
Be sure to follow Dr. Lattyak’s instructions for gradually resuming activities, and when in doubt, check with him before starting a new activity. Avoid these activities for at least three to six weeks:
- Overhead lifting
- Contact or strenuous sports
- Sexual activity
When Will I See My Breast Reconstruction Results?
Chances are your reconstructed breast may feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than your natural breast. It may not have the same contour as your breast before mastectomy, nor will it exactly match your opposite breast. But these differences will be apparent only to you. For most mastectomy patients, breast reconstruction dramatically improves their appearance and quality of life following surgery.
It should be noted that this process can be very emotional, with highs and lows. This is completely normal, and while breast reconstruction is undoubtedly a phenomenal step in many women’s healing journeys, you still might need time to adjust to your new appearance. With time and the support of loved ones, you can begin your new life of healing and transformation.
How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost in Grass Valley, CA?
In most cases, health insurance policies will cover most or all of the cost of post-mastectomy reconstruction. Check your policy to make sure you’re covered and to see if there are any limitations on what types of reconstruction are covered.
Our office staff is ready to help answer any questions you may have and can help you navigate the insurance and financing process if necessary.
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What Our Patients Are Saying
“I really appreciate the time taken to explain procedures and options by Dr. Lattyak when I came in for multiple procedures stemming from a car accident 10 years ago. Quality work and practically painless!” “I’m a 60 year old teacher, not quite ready to retire. For my end of career time in the classroom I wanted to look more refreshed and youthful. Dr. Lattyak and his staff helped make this dream come true. The results of upper eyelid and brow lift are beautiful and the recovery period was over quickly. Thanks for everything.”
“I am so happy with my experience with Dr. Lattyak, his staff, and my surgery results. I will (and do!) recommend this office to anyone considering surgery.”
“Never had a better treatment. Nurses were great and Dr. Lattyak is remarkable.”