Breast Reconstruction | Auburn, AL
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American females occurring in one of every eight women. At East Alabama Plastic Surgery, we understand that being diagnosed with breast cancer is frightening, confusing and life-changing. Our team is here to assist you throughout the treatment process. When the time is right, Dr. Aquadro will discuss your reconstructive options.
Some of the questions that will be answered are:
- What kind of reconstruction am I a candidate for?
- What are the pros and cons of each reconstructive procedure?
- What is the best timing for reconstruction?
- What are the differences between mastectomy procedures?
- Am I a candidate for nipple sparing mastectomy?
- Can I have reconstruction if I had a mastectomy years ago?
- What if I am unhappy with my reconstruction? Is there anything that can be done?
Learn more about breast reconstruction from the American Society of Plastic Surgery reconstruction website.
The goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate a natural breast mound. This can be performed in a variety of ways, but there are two main categories: Implant-based and Flap-based.
Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses either a saline or silicone filled implant to recreate the breast mound and provide fullness. Many times a tissue expander is used prior to the implant to create a space for the long term implant to be placed.
See photo gallery of implant based breast reconstruction.
Flap-based Breast Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction, also called autologous breast reconstruction, involves using your own tissue to recreate a breast mound. Popular sites used are the abdomen, back, thigh and buttock. Dr. Aquadro can discuss the different options available to you such as TRAM, Latissimus, DIEP, SGAP, IGAP, and TUG flaps.
