Some women who have a breast removed (mastectomy) want to have their breast replaced. Doctors call this surgical procedure breast reconstruction. At the Dubin Breast Center, we offer expert breast reconstruction. Our plastic surgeons work closely with our breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced. We pay close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes.

Often, we do breast reconstruction in stages. In general, we perform breast reconstruction simultaneously with mastectomy, though it can also be a separate procedure. Complete reconstruction can take up to a year.

Reconstruction can generally be categorized into one of two types:

1. Implants
2. Autologous tissue (your own tissue)

With either procedure, we perform nipple reconstruction at a later date.

Implant reconstruction highlights

When we perform implant reconstruction, we start by placing a tissue expander in your breast at the time of the mastectomy.

• The tissue expander is a temporary inflatable implant. We inflate the implant in your plastic surgeon’s office soon after surgery.
• You will likely stay in the hospital for a day or two.
• Return to work may be possible in two to three weeks.
• At a second ambulatory surgery (about three months after your initial surgery), we remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant in your breast.
• Permanent implants can be filled with silicone or saline.

Autologous reconstruction (your own tissue) highlights

We perform several types of reconstruction that use your own body tissue (autologous). We can do this procedure at the same time as the mastectomy or later on. Your doctor will talk to you about which type of reconstruction is most appropriate for your body type.

• DIEP Flap (a.k.a. TRAM)
  • We use skin and fat from your lower abdomen, similar to a “tummy-tuck,” to reconstruct your breast.
• Latissimus Dorsi Flap
  • We use skin and muscle from your back to reconstruct your breast.
  • The initial surgery is generally longer than with an implant, but we accomplish more with the first procedure.
  • Hospital stay is typically five days.
  • You may be able to return to work four to six weeks.