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Each year, thousands of women (and hundreds of men) are diagnosed with breast cancer. Many times, a mastectomy or lumpectomy is necessary to beat breast cancer. Afterward, patients often report fNorton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery provides breast reconstruction with a focus on compassionate and personalized care using advanced techniques. Our experienced team will help you feel confident, whole and empowered every step of the way.
Every year, thousands of women — and hundreds of men — successfully take important steps to overcome breast cancer. For many, this includes a mastectomy or lumpectomy as part of their treatment journey. After surgery, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions, and many patients seek ways to restore their confidence and feel like themselves again. Today, there are more options than ever to support healing, renewal and a positive outlook after breast cancer.
Breast reconstruction recreates the breast lost after mastectomy or, after lumpectomy, restores symmetry. Sometimes the reconstruction process takes more than one surgery to achieve desired results.
Breast reconstruction options include using implants or tissue from another part of the body to create the new breast. Reconstruction may take place during or after breast cancer surgery. It may happen months or years later.
Surgery can reconstruct one or both breasts. Your plastic surgeon may perform reconstruction on one breast, then shape the other to match.
Benefits of breast reconstruction include:
The most common form of reconstruction option uses a synthetic implant. The implant has a silicone outer shell and is filled with either salt water (saline) or silicone gel. Sometimes, the surgeon will use a combination of implants and tissue from your body. The procedure can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or after.
Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is part of the first health care system to offer the Mentor MemoryGel Enhance Breast Implants — an innovative advancement in breast reconstruction for patients desiring larger volume silicone implants to better march their body habitus. These implants are designed to achieve improved symmetry and a natural, proportional appearance tailored to each patient’s body.
They help deliver a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing result, especially when matching the opposite breast. The proprietary MemoryGel silicone formula is crafted to feel remarkably soft and natural, closely mimicking real breast tissue. Because the cohesive gel holds its shape and texture, patients can expect not only enhanced results but also improved satisfaction and confidence in their reconstruction journey.
If you have a lumpectomy, you may be a candidate for oncoplastic surgery. Breast-conserving surgery aims to leave as much of the remaining breast tissue intact and reconstructs the breast to appear less misshapen. The surgeon will perform a breast lift or breast reduction to create a natural breast silhouette. This surgery is ideal for women who may have considered having breast reduction or lift surgery.
Some types of mastectomy requires removal of the nipple and areola. In some cases, surgeons can create a new nipple and areola. Skin from other parts of the body can be grafted in place to shape a new nipple or to limit recovery, the skin of the reconstructed breast can be used to create a nipple.
You also may wish to have a 3D tattoo of a nipple and areola done by a specially trained tattoo artist.
Your breast surgeon will discuss breast reconstruction options with you. Factors to consider include:
All surgical procedures, including plastic surgery, carry risks such as infection and bleeding. Common risks include:
The choice to have breast reconstruction surgery is very personal. These procedures can improve confidence and self-esteem after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Talk to your health care providers about your desired appearance and be candid about your goals and lifestyle.