loading
PRMA Plastic Surgery, San Antonio, Texas, Stone Oak | Specialist in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, restoring feeing after mastectomy, aesthetic plastic surgery, TruSense®, High Definition DIEP

 

A common misconception we often hear at PRMA Plastic Surgery is, “You’ll need to wait until after a mastectomy before having breast reconstruction.”

This is not always the case.

After breast cancer, many women are faced with the decision of potentially losing one or both breasts. In some cases, a mastectomy is needed to remove all of the breast cancer. Removing all of the cancer is most important, however, it is normal to be concerned about how life will look after a mastectomy. 

When it comes to the decision to undergo breast reconstruction there are two options: immediate (now) or delayed (after). 

Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction

At PRMA, our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons are able to do an immediate reconstruction (meaning at the same time as the mastectomy). Breast reconstruction can also be performed weeks, months, or years later. This is known as “delayed reconstruction.”

Many factors influence the decision to have immediate or delayed reconstruction, including:

  • If radiation is needed to treat the breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer stage.
  • Your personal preferences and lifestyle. 
  • Your health condition. 

Immediate Reconstruction

Immediate reconstruction happens at the exact same time as a mastectomy. A plastic surgeon will replace the breast using an implant or tissue (this is the preferred technique at PRMA) from another region of the body as soon as the breast is removed. However, immediate reconstruction may not be possible if you need to undergo additional radiation or chemotherapy treatments. 

Delayed Reconstruction

Typically delayed reconstruction can happen weeks to years after a mastectomy. If a patient needs chemotherapy or radiation following a mastectomy, this is suggested because it may affect the outcome of the reconstruction.

 

An exception to performing the mastectomy at the same time as the breast reconstruction surgery would be if the patient needs radiation and needs to undergo a tissue-based reconstruction, such as the DIEP flap. In this case, our surgeons might wait so the flap itself doesn’t get radiated. 

To learn more about your breast reconstruction options, or to schedule a consultation with one of our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons, please fill out our virtual consultation form. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter

Online Form – Newsletter Signup

Continue Reading

Do I Have to Wait Until After a Mastectomy Before Having Breast Reconstruction?
Do I Have to Wait Until After a Mastectomy Before Having Breast Reconstruction?

Do I Have to Wait Until After a Mastectomy Before Having Breast Reconstruction? April 05, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A common misconception we often hear at PRMA Plastic Surgery is, “You’ll need to wait until after a mastectomy before having breast reconstruction.” This is not always the case. After breast cancer, many women […]

Read More

 

Is DIEP Flap a Major Surgery?
Is DIEP Flap a Major Surgery?

Is DIEP Flap a Major Surgery? March 16, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is considered to be a major surgery. Likewise, most reconstructive surgeries, including implants, can be considered major surgery as well. To avoid patients being put off by the idea of undergoing DIEP flap because it is a […]

Read More

 

Will My Breasts Look Unnatural After Breast Reconstruction?
Will My Breasts Look Unnatural After Breast Reconstruction?

Will My Breasts Look Unnatural After Breast Reconstruction? March 09, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A common misconception we often hear at PRMA is, “My breasts will look unnatural after breast reconstruction.”  The answer is no. Patients have many options when it comes to breast reconstruction today. These options range from “flap” techniques such […]

Read More

 

What is Micropigmentation
What is Micropigmentation?

What is Micropigmentation? March 03, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Breast reconstruction is an important part of the recovery process for many breast cancer patients. If you choose to undergo breast reconstruction there are options to help you achieve a natural-looking result. Breast reconstruction is typically performed in multiple stages. Patients can choose to […]

Read More

 

Facebook Live Q&A with Dr. Gassman on High-Definition DIEP Flap
High-Definition DIEP Flap Live Q&A with Dr. Andrew Gassman

High-Definition Live Q&A With Dr. Andrew Gassman March 02, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We recently hosted a Facebook LIVE discussing high definition DIEP flap breast reconstruction.  If you missed it, don’t worry!  You can catch the replay below. What is high definition DIEP flap?  Something that has been evolving in our practice is […]

Read More

 

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect February 22, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for DIEP flap surgery, or when weighing breast reconstruction options, knowing what to expect is important. DIEP flap reconstruction surgery uses the lower abdominal skin and fat to recreate a breast following breast cancer surgery. How is DIEP […]

Read More

 

Can Healthy Habits Decrease Your Risk Of Breast Cancer?
Can Healthy Habits Decrease Your Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Can Healthy Habits Decrease Your Risk Of Breast Cancer? February 16, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin If you are worried about getting breast cancer, you might be asking yourself if there are any ways you can reduce the risk. Some risk factors, such as family history and genetics, are unavoidable. However, you can decrease […]

Read More

 

4 Tips for a Healthy Recovery after Breast Reconstruction
4 Tips for a Healthy Recovery after Breast Reconstruction

4 Tips for a Healthy Recovery after Breast Reconstruction February 04, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During the early weeks after your breast reconstruction procedure, it is important to maintain light activity and range of motion in your upper extremities with gentle stretching and exercise. Your medical team will give you special instructions for […]

Read More

 

How Much Fat Do You Need For DIEP Flap?
How Much Fat Do You Need For DIEP Flap?

How Much Fat Do You Need For DIEP Flap? January 27, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Patients often ask how much fat is needed for DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery. Although there is no textbook fat requirement for DIEP flap surgery, there are three factors to consider when answering the question—BMI, how an individual’s […]

Read More

 

What are the Risks of Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction?
What are the Risks of Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction?

What are the Risks of Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction? January 24, 2022 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fat grafting surgery is an option for any individual seeking breast reconstruction following breast cancer. The procedure is performed by removing fat from one area of the body via liposuction and then reinjecting the fat into the […]

Read More

 

placeholder

post-img
Prev post

Is DIEP Flap a Major Surgery?

Next post

Body Image and Breast Reconstruction Complications – Are They Related?

post-img