Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients

While breast cancer is a very difficult challenge to face, mastectomy surgery is not as limiting as it once was, thanks to modern technology. Certain cosmetic surgeons like Orange County’s Dr. Domanskis offer state-of-the-art breast reconstruction to help women who’ve been affected by breast cancer to regain their feminine shape.

Women who have had a mastectomy or double mastectomy are often put through emotional turmoil when faced with the prospect of losing one of the traditional symbols of femininity and childbearing. Experienced cosmetic surgery practices offer breast cancer patients the opportunity to regain the confidence they may have had before mastectomy, with natural-looking breast reconstruction using safe implants.

Reconstruction Progress
Breast reconstruction techniques today are so advanced that you can conceal your mastectomy! As research and development continues, each new generation sees great progress in the area of breast reconstruction.

Your ideal reconstruction surgeon should fully understand your needs as a breast cancer patient, and deliver very personal surgical counseling before and after the procedure. In order to rebuild the breast and restore the shape and size, your cosmetic surgeon and support team will discuss your personal appearance goals in depth before designing your procedure. Modern techniques even allow for reconstruction of the nipples and areolas!
While you may be frightened or unsure how reconstructed breasts might look, your surgeon and staff should be available to answer any questions you may have and give you an objective perspective on the procedure. The majority of breast cancer surgery patients are able to have the reconstruction procedure performed, but you can only be certain you are a good candidate after a through examination and health history review.

If you need only a single mastectomy, an experienced breast reconstruction team will match the reconstructed breast to your natural one. Although there is no guarantee as to the reconstruction potential, you will experience a marked improvement in the appearance. Physical benefits aside, many breast reconstruction patients report significantly enhanced body image and improved self-esteem after their surgery.

Reconstruction Types
We offer several types of breast reconstruction procedures. Your ideal type will depend on your body type, your reconstruction goals, and the outcome of the mastectomy or double mastectomy. The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap method of breast reconstruction is a very popular one. In this method, Dr. Domanskis uses tissue from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast, often eliminating the need for an implant. Saline or silicone-filled implants may also be used in reconstruction.

You could have reconstruction performed during or after your mastectomy, based on your oncologist’s recommendation.

• Immediate reconstruction – performed at the same time as the mastectomy, it saves time and tissue trauma.

• Delayed reconstruction – done after a mastectomy, this may be recommended if you need radiation therapy after the mastectomy.

The options for breast reconstruction are plentiful – if you were a small cup size before, you may have the opportunity to have your breasts reconstructed to a larger cup size! Breast reconstruction can give you back a balanced breast appearance, help you permanently regain a flattering contour, and restore your faith that breast cancer does not have to impact your physical shape or your femininity!