Different Techniques for Breast Reconstruction

Posted October 15, 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

In honor of breast cancer awareness, throughout the month of October, Dr. Palladino will feature many topics surrounding breast reconstruction. It is a very big part of what we do, and our staff celebrates the successes of our breast cancer survivors along with them. The artistry behind Dr. Humberto Palladino’s reconstructive breast surgeries is unsurpassed. His award-winning work as a board-certified plastic surgeon has earned him a lot of popularity among his patients, but his compassion is evident within every procedure.

When necessary, Dr. Palladino works alongside the patient’s general surgeon to accomplish a mastectomy and breast reconstruction at the same time, which can expedite the patient’s recovery. This is ideal when a patient is able to go through with both, however, in some cases, and depending on what stage or reason the woman must go through with the mastectomy, this is not always possible.

Who is a good candidate for breast reconstruction?

If you are someone considering breast reconstructive surgery, either for yourself or for a loved one, you may be a good candidate if:

• You have suffered from breast cancer and must go through a mastectomy, which is a term for the surgical procedure done to remove all or part of a woman’s breast. A mastectomy can include one or both breasts, depending on the diagnosis.
• Deformities or abnormalities exist. Some women develop a larger breast on one side than on the other, or misshapen breasts. In this case, a breast reconstruction may be needed.
• You have been injured, either from an auto or other type of accident that has damaged breast tissues and are in need of a breast reconstruction to return your breast to its normal appearance.

This is not an easy time for anyone who needs a breast reconstruction. It can be emotionally trying, but Dr. Palladino and his caring staff help to make the outcome as good as possible.

Methods of Breast Reconstruction

Some patients wonder, what types of techniques can be done to restore a breast to its most natural appearance? Dr. Palladino can help you determine which method will be best for your particular situation, and this really depends on whether you have lost just a part of the breast, or the whole thing, or perhaps both breasts.

Technique #1: TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction is done by taking tissue grafts from another fatty area, most often the abdominal region. The benefit of doing this is that you also get a tummy tuck included in the reconstructive procedure.

Technique #2: Another autologous tissue flap procedure is called the Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Reconstruction, which is performed by extracting tissue from the shoulder or upper back. Since there may be less tissue to extract from than with the first technique, in this case the surgeon may need to add a breast implant.

Technique #3: Breast reconstruction with implants can be performed by using silicone implants blended with alloderm mesh, which is gaining popularity because of its shorter healing time and surgery, as well as not having to graft tissue from other areas of the body.

Technique #4: One or two stage breast reconstruction combines two procedures; both mastectomy and reconstruction. The plastic surgeon works alongside the general surgeon to perform a mastectomy and breast reconstruction together.

Breast reconstruction is an art form, and only the best plastic surgeons can turn what might seem like a grim prognosis into the most natural, aesthetically appealing results. Contact the office to talk in confidence with Dr. Humberto Palladino, who is one of the most premier breast reconstruction specialists in South Florida