Breast Reconstruction

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Reconstruction surgery for the breasts can be performed at our practice in San Diego, CA to restore your breasts to an attractive size, shape, and appearance following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also be used to repair breasts damaged by a birth defect or trauma. Advanced technology and techniques in breast reconstruction surgery make it easier for breast cancer patients to feel complete and have breasts that look natural even after they have been removed. This surgery can include multiple procedures and various stages that can be done along with your cancer treatment or delayed until a later date. Dr. Jose Rodriguez creates an individualized treatment plan with compassion as we work with you and your cancer team to restore your physical appearance and confidence at San Diego Plastic Surgery Center.

How Do Reconstructive Breast Procedures Work?

There are several techniques available to reconstruct the breast. Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez considers multiple other factors when determining the technique that will give you your best results. A few of these factors include a cancer diagnosis, when the reconstruction is performed, whether you will use natural tissue or implants, and if nipple reconstruction or nipple-sparing is a part of the treatment plan. In order to recreate the breast, there must be enough tissue to adequately cover the breast mound. Flap techniques accomplish this by using your own skin, fat, and muscle to build and cover the mound. The most common flap techniques are:

  • TRAM Flap
    This method takes muscle, skin, and fat from your stomach to rebuild the breast. The tissue used to create the new breast may be removed from the abdomen or the tissue may stay attached to the donor location, keeping the original blood supply.

  • DIEP Flap
    Similar to a TRAM Flap, a DIEP Flap removes skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdominal area; however, it doesn't take the muscle. The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap moves skin and fat from the stomach to create the new breast then uses microsurgery to attach the transferred blood vessels to the chest wall.

  • Latissimus Dorsi Flap
    This technique uses muscle, fat, and skin from your back. During this procedure, tissue is moved from the back to the breast(s) through a surgically created path so it remains attached to the donor location, which leaves the original blood supply in place.

  • PAP Flap
    Another flap alternative is the PAP (profunda artery perforator). This method takes fat, skin, and muscle tissue from your inner thigh to reconstruct your breast(s).

  • LTP Flap
    While the TRAM flap tends to be one of the more common techniques used for breast reconstruction, sometimes there isn't enough muscle, skin, and fat that can be taken from the abdominal area. In this case, the LTP flap may be used, which uses tissue from the lateral thigh.

  • Composite Flap
    Also known as a composite stacked flap, this method combines flaps from several sections of your body for breast reconstruction

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction procedures performed at San Diego Plastic Surgery Center are popular for a few different reasons. No matter why you need or would like to have this surgery, we will help you to reach results that have you looking and feeling beautiful. Upsides of breast reconstruction at our office in San Diego, CA involve:

  • Ability to choose between of various reconstructive techniques

  • Addressing aesthetic and medical complaints alike

  • Treating issues from past surgeries

  • Attaining balance in the upper body

  • Renewed self-assurance

  • Long-lasting results