Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement is the most popular cosmetic procedure requested by women considering having this procedure to improve their size or shape because they think the breasts are too small, uneven in size or shape, or unattractive.  Some women have breasts that do not fully develop or have significantly changed in size or shape after pregnancy, weight change or ageing.

BREAST IMPLANTS

There are different shapes and types of gel fillers with breast implants.  Traditionally, implants have been round.  The majority of all implants currently used are still round, however a cohesive silicone gel has been introduced which is also known as the shaped or teardrop implant.  A round silicone cohesive type implant has also been produced which has the advantage of not leaking when the shell of the implant wears or tears.  Another advantage in comparison to the previously mentioned teardrop implant is that the round cohesive implant doesn’t lose its shape within the pocket.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT IMPLANT SIZE

Most women have a rough idea as to how big they may want to be in terms of bra sizes.  The objective during the examination is for Dr. Skarparis to determine which size of implant will give the appearance you desire.  As you can imagine different size implants in different framed women gives different results.  The secret is to choose a size that will give you a more balanced, proportionate look overall and more inline with your desires.

It is important to understand however that ultimately, the limiting factor in choosing implant size is the space available beneath your breast.  It’s important to remember that as the volume of any breast implant increases, and then so does its width.  Therefore if you choose an implant that is excessively large, the edge of the implant may then extend around beyond the breast and potentially even under the armpit.  This would be undesirable for most people.  The vast majority of women however have a realistic outlook of what they wish to look like, and therefore it is not often that a surgeon cannot deliver the desired expectations to his patient.  A woman with breast implants should be on the same schedule of routine mammography as all other women.

BREAST ENLARGEMENT INCISIONS

The main principle in the operation of Breast Enlargement surgery is the creation of a pocket behind the breast, which will accommodate a breast implant.  There are generally 3 types of incisions used for inserting the breast implants.  The Inframammary incision is made under the breast at the fold or crease line.  The incision is about 4 cm in length.  This is the most common incision, and the natural fold of the breast usually hides the scar quite well.  It will probably always be covered by any clothing-even the smallest of bikini tops.  Another method is the Periareolar incision, which is made around the edge of the areola (the darker skin around the edge of the nipple).  The third method is the Axillary incision (armpit incisions method), which is made in one of the crease lines of the armpit.  This is used less often because it is more difficult to get proper placement of the implant in some patients, and if there is a problem in the future, an additional incision on the breast may be required.  Although some patients thinking about this surgery may believe this approach is the least conspicuous, in truth this may not always be the case, particularly in light of sleeveless open type clothing that expose the armpit area quite readily and frequently.

BREAST IMPLANT PLACEMENT

There are two locations or pockets made where the implant may be placed.  The first location is the Subglandular placement of the implant.  Some breast shapes are better suited to the subglandular approach.  These women typically have breasts that at one time were much larger than the present.  When there is a very large volume decrease and there is little or no shrinkage in the size of the skin envelope surrounding the breast tissue, then the shape approaches that of an “empty bag”.  Under these circumstances it is sometimes better to place the implant in the subglandular position in order to allow the implant to fill out the skin envelope of the breast.  The second location is the Submuscular placement between the muscles of the chest wall and the rib cage.  Submuscular placement increases the padding overlying the implant offering more coverage and camouflage to the shape of the implant.  This is particularly helpful in women bearing very little or no breast tissue at all.

Dr. Skarparis will discuss with you at the time of the consultation as to which location the implant should be placed in your particular case.  Scars are not a complication but a normal event after any surgery. Thankfully the scars in a Breast Augmentation operation are short, being about 4 cm in length.  Although you can gently walk about and do very light duties from the next day, please avoid any stretching or lifting during the first 7 to 10 days. Many ladies go back to work after this time.

WHAT KIND OF AFTER EFFECTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

Pregnancy: Should you become pregnant following your operation then your existing breast tissue will be subjected to the normal hormonal influences of this period and therefore your breast will enlarge and the skin will stretch accordingly.  Likewise, once the pregnancy and any associated breastfeeding ceases, your own breast tissue will then shrink down.  It is impossible to predict to what degree these changes will occur; however, the breast implant volume will remain the same throughout these.  Breastfeeding can proceed following a Breast Augmentation providing of course that you are able to produce enough milk in the first place.  You must understand that regardless of whether you have implants or not, all women cannot breast feed satisfactorily.  There is no chance of the implant exploding or bursting while traveling in an airplane, swimming, diving.

SUMMARY

The chances are excellent that you’ll be happy with your surgery.  Most patients understand the advantages and benefits of this type of surgery and that’s why is one of the most frequent cosmetic procedures performed.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, large breasts have generally been considered a sign of femininity highlighting a woman’s ability to nurture.  Yet a woman with significantly larger breasts than the aesthetic standard of her time may be seen as abnormal or deformed.  In these cases there is no doubt, that large oversized breasts can be disturbing to a woman by causing both physical as well as psychological symptoms.  In the former these can take the form of shoulder, neck and back pain as well as cause distortion of posture.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?

While women of all ages can benefit, it’s usually never performed before the breasts are fully developed.  In addition, patients who plan to become pregnant should usually postpone the operation until after their family is complete.  If you are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.  Smoking seriously constricts blood vessels and therefore decreases blood flow to a given area resulting in poor healing.  If you are significantly overweight then planned preoperative weight reduction is encouraged but this alone does not necessarily rule you out for an operation.  In fact many times the achievement of reduced breast size can become a stimulus for further planned weight loss.  Depending on your age you may be required to have a mammogram prior to surgery. This again will be advised at the initial consultation.

WHAT DOES THE OPERATION INVOLVE?

Before going down to theatre, Dr. Skarparis uses a marking pen to draw on the breasts in order to determine the exact position and size of the newly operated breasts.  Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are then removed, and the nipples and remaining underlying tissues are then moved to a new higher location, all in accordance with the preoperative markings.  The suture line is situated around the nipple in its new position, and extends vertically downwards to the under-breast crease.  At this point, depending on the technique used, the scar may end there or alternatively may extend into the breast crease towards either side.  Dr. Skarparis will be able to discuss this with you at the time of your consultation.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHETIC IS USED AND HOW LONG DOES THE OPERATION TAKE?

Breast Reduction is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 3 hours.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SURGERY?

After surgery it is important that you maintain good circulation in your legs.  You will be advised to actively move the joints in your feet, knees and hips quite regularly.  After you recover you will notice bandage dressings around your breasts and, depending on the technique used, the presence of drains.  These are usually inserted under the wounds to drain any build up of blood or fluid that occasionally develops after surgery.  Once the drainage is minimal (usually the next day) these drains are then removed.  Your bandages are then readjusted and you are then instructed to wear a wireless sports bra for support.

WHAT KIND OF AFTER EFFECTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

Following Breast Reduction you will experience considerable swelling and bruising of the breasts.  The bruising usually lasts about 2-3 weeks.  While most of the swelling will have dissipated by this time, some subtle swelling may still be present for up to 3 months.  After surgery you may notice that the breasts feel quite firm and taut, particularly along the edges of the incision site.  This will be the result of the normal healing process.  When this occurs, massage as instructed by Dr. Skarparis will speed up the recovery.  You should expect the sensation to the skin of the nipples and surrounding skin to be reduced after surgery.

WHAT ARE THE SCARS LIKE?

Scars are not a complication but a normal event after any surgery.  In Breast Reduction the scars are quite lengthy and may take many months or years to settle.  You should always expect these to be red, raised, lumpy and even itchy to begin with but with time they should fade and flatten.  This is the natural evolution of the healing process.  However it is important to keep in mind that this may take up to two years to complete.  Daily massage of the scars during this time period is advised to expedite and facilitate this process.  You must understand however that no responsible surgeon will ever be in a position to predict any scars ultimate appearance.  Although as mentioned, scars do fade and improve in time, it is unlikely however that these could ever be characterized as being mainly only “hairline” in nature.

IS IT PAINFUL?

For a few days after your surgery, you will probably experience some moderate degree of pain, which should be well controlled with painkillers.  The pain usually improves after the first 4-5 days.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

Whilst it is true that when a Breast Reduction is performed by a Qualified Plastic Surgeon the risks are small, nonetheless, specific complications with this procedure can and do occur.  As in any procedure the risk of significant infection is always possible.  This is minimized by careful surgical technique and the preventative administration of antibiotics both at the time of surgery and after.  However despite these measures mild infection is relatively common and can occur around the incision sites, but usually subsides over a period of about 2 weeks.  Risks such as blood clots are rare.  Early mobilisation by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible, reduces this considerably.  As mentioned earlier, swelling should be expected after this operation.  When mild or moderate swelling is present, the body rapidly reabsorbs this.  Very occasionally, increased bleeding can lead to more significant swelling and the development of a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin).  If this were to happen, surgical drainage to evacuate this would be required.  Ultimately however this should not affect the final outcome.

The nipples are preserved on a stalk of breast tissue and in the vast majority of patients they remain natural, with normal sensitivity.  Very rarely, however the stalk of the breast tissue has inadequate blood vessels to maintain nipple viability and some sloughing of part of the nipple can occur.  This complication will mean that prolonged dressing will be required over the nipple area until natural healing occurs.  Thankfully with modern techniques this complication is quite remote.

HOW LONG BEFORE I GET BACK TO NORMAL?

A Breast Reduction is a relatively major operation and should always be respected as such.  Don’t try do too much too quickly.  It is likely that a few weeks will pass before you feel yourself again.  Remember variations do occur in the time individuals take to heal. As a guideline, although many people go back to light work duties by 10-14 days, others find it more appropriate to take a further 1-2 weeks to rest.  Heavy lifting or strenuous activity is prohibited in the first 6 weeks after surgery.  Overall common sense rules in the recovery period.  If what your doing is uncomfortable then don’t do it.

SUMMARY

Breast Reduction surgery probably has one of the highest satisfaction rates of all cosmetic procedures.  This is because women who had been burdened with the effects of overly large breasts for many years suddenly feel literally “liberated” and able to do things that were difficult or uncomfortable prior to surgery.  In many ways these women feel they have been given a new lease of life.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, large breasts have generally been considered a sign of femininity highlighting a woman’s ability to nurture.  Yet a woman with significantly larger breasts than the aesthetic standard of her time may be seen as abnormal or deformed.  In these cases there is no doubt, that large oversized breasts can be disturbing to a woman by causing both physical as well as psychological symptoms.  In the former these can take the form of shoulder, neck and back pain as well as cause distortion of posture.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?

While women of all ages can benefit, it’s usually never performed before the breasts are fully developed.  In addition, patients who plan to become pregnant should usually postpone the operation until after their family is complete.  If you are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.  Smoking seriously constricts blood vessels and therefore decreases blood flow to a given area resulting in poor healing.  If you are significantly overweight then planned preoperative weight reduction is encouraged but this alone does not necessarily rule you out for an operation.  In fact many times the achievement of reduced breast size can become a stimulus for further planned weight loss.  Depending on your age you may be required to have a mammogram prior to surgery. This again will be advised at the initial consultation.

WHAT DOES THE OPERATION INVOLVE?

Before going down to theatre, Dr. Skarparis uses a marking pen to draw on the breasts in order to determine the exact position and size of the newly operated breasts.  Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are then removed, and the nipples and remaining underlying tissues are then moved to a new higher location, all in accordance with the preoperative markings.  The suture line is situated around the nipple in its new position, and extends vertically downwards to the under-breast crease.  At this point, depending on the technique used, the scar may end there or alternatively may extend into the breast crease towards either side.  Dr. Skarparis will be able to discuss this with you at the time of your consultation.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHETIC IS USED AND HOW LONG DOES THE OPERATION TAKE?

Breast Reduction is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 3 hours.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SURGERY?

After surgery it is important that you maintain good circulation in your legs.  You will be advised to actively move the joints in your feet, knees and hips quite regularly.  After you recover you will notice bandage dressings around your breasts and, depending on the technique used, the presence of drains.  These are usually inserted under the wounds to drain any build up of blood or fluid that occasionally develops after surgery.  Once the drainage is minimal (usually the next day) these drains are then removed.  Your bandages are then readjusted and you are then instructed to wear a wireless sports bra for support.

WHAT KIND OF AFTER EFFECTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

Following Breast Reduction you will experience considerable swelling and bruising of the breasts.  The bruising usually lasts about 2-3 weeks.  While most of the swelling will have dissipated by this time, some subtle swelling may still be present for up to 3 months.  After surgery you may notice that the breasts feel quite firm and taut, particularly along the edges of the incision site.  This will be the result of the normal healing process.  When this occurs, massage as instructed by Dr. Skarparis will speed up the recovery.  You should expect the sensation to the skin of the nipples and surrounding skin to be reduced after surgery.

WHAT ARE THE SCARS LIKE?

Scars are not a complication but a normal event after any surgery.  In Breast Reduction the scars are quite lengthy and may take many months or years to settle.  You should always expect these to be red, raised, lumpy and even itchy to begin with but with time they should fade and flatten.  This is the natural evolution of the healing process.  However it is important to keep in mind that this may take up to two years to complete.  Daily massage of the scars during this time period is advised to expedite and facilitate this process.  You must understand however that no responsible surgeon will ever be in a position to predict any scars ultimate appearance.  Although as mentioned, scars do fade and improve in time, it is unlikely however that these could ever be characterized as being mainly only “hairline” in nature.

IS IT PAINFUL?

For a few days after your surgery, you will probably experience some moderate degree of pain, which should be well controlled with painkillers.  The pain usually improves after the first 4-5 days.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

Whilst it is true that when a Breast Reduction is performed by a Qualified Plastic Surgeon the risks are small, nonetheless, specific complications with this procedure can and do occur.  As in any procedure the risk of significant infection is always possible.  This is minimized by careful surgical technique and the preventative administration of antibiotics both at the time of surgery and after.  However despite these measures mild infection is relatively common and can occur around the incision sites, but usually subsides over a period of about 2 weeks.  Risks such as blood clots are rare.  Early mobilisation by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible, reduces this considerably.  As mentioned earlier, swelling should be expected after this operation.  When mild or moderate swelling is present, the body rapidly reabsorbs this.  Very occasionally, increased bleeding can lead to more significant swelling and the development of a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin).  If this were to happen, surgical drainage to evacuate this would be required.  Ultimately however this should not affect the final outcome.

The nipples are preserved on a stalk of breast tissue and in the vast majority of patients they remain natural, with normal sensitivity.  Very rarely, however the stalk of the breast tissue has inadequate blood vessels to maintain nipple viability and some sloughing of part of the nipple can occur.  This complication will mean that prolonged dressing will be required over the nipple area until natural healing occurs.  Thankfully with modern techniques this complication is quite remote.

HOW LONG BEFORE I GET BACK TO NORMAL?

A Breast Reduction is a relatively major operation and should always be respected as such.  Don’t try do too much too quickly.  It is likely that a few weeks will pass before you feel yourself again.  Remember variations do occur in the time individuals take to heal. As a guideline, although many people go back to light work duties by 10-14 days, others find it more appropriate to take a further 1-2 weeks to rest.  Heavy lifting or strenuous activity is prohibited in the first 6 weeks after surgery.  Overall common sense rules in the recovery period.  If what your doing is uncomfortable then don’t do it.

SUMMARY

Breast Reduction surgery probably has one of the highest satisfaction rates of all cosmetic procedures.  This is because women who had been burdened with the effects of overly large breasts for many years suddenly feel literally “liberated” and able to do things that were difficult or uncomfortable prior to surgery.  In many ways these women feel they have been given a new lease of life.

WHAT IS BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY) SURGERY?

Breast Lift surgery, or Mastopexy, is done to raise and reshape sagging breast and nipples, restoring their youthful shape and appearance.  Breast Lift surgery does not usually reduce the size of the breast, but breast tissue can be removed when performing Mastopexy.  Breast Lift surgery can also be combined with Breast Augmentation with implants when there is not enough breast volume to obtain a full breast.  There are several different techniques in performing Breast Lift surgery.  During your consultation, Dr. Skarparis and you will discuss which Mastopexy technique is the right one for you.

WHAT CAUSES BREASTS TO SAG?

Various natural factors such as aging, pregnancy, nursing, weight gain or loss, and gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts.  Depending on your genetic makeup and lifestyle, these factors will affect different women in different ways throughout their lifetimes.  As the skin and breast tissues lose their tone and elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and volume, and begin to sag.

AM I THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR BREAST LIFT SURGERY?

The best candidates for breast lift surgery are relatively healthy women whose breasts have begun to sag.  Many healthy women experience this dramatic loss of shape and volume due to their pregnancy and nursing.  Dr. Skarparis will carefully consult with you on how to optimize your results, giving your breasts the most natural, elegant, and youthful look.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA DO YOU NEED FOR BREAST LIFT SURGERY?

Breast Lift surgery is a surgery procedure that is performed either under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia with sedation.  When implants are used in combination with breast lift, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

THE BREAST LIFT SURGERY PROCEDURE

There are several different techniques for performing breast lift surgery. Although they differ in various ways, all breast lift surgery procedures attempt to rearrange the breast tissues without changing the size of the breast.  Removal of excess skin and tightening of the remaining skin of the breast, to produce a more perky and youthful breast is usually done as well.  The incision lines, and thus scars, are hidden in inconspicuous places, and are well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.  The nipple is repositioned, and the areola is also reduced in diameter by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary.  After careful consultation, Dr. Skarparis will help you to decide on the best mastopexy surgery technique in order to optimize your results.

RECOVERY AND THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

No overnight stay is needed after breast lift surgery.  Once surgery is completed, you will recover fully from the effects of anesthesia, and be escorted home with your designated caregiver.  In most cases the bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week.  Most patients return to work and social activities after only several days.  Dr. Skarparis recommends avoidance of strenuous physical exercise for approximately 6 weeks following breast lift surgery.

RESULTS OF BREAST LIFT SURGERY

The results of mastopexy surgery are more projected and proportional breasts.  Your clothes may fit differently, and you may need new bras. In fact, many women enjoy the ability to be braless as well.  You will experience a new energy and increased level of physical activity.  Breast lift surgery results are permanent, though various lifestyle and hereditary factors may impact on your long-term results.

GYNECOMASTIA REDUCTION SURGERY CAN HELP:

The procedure removes fat and glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.  Male breast reduction is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.  The condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age.  It can be the result of hormonal changes, hereditary conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs.  Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy, simply to hide their condition.

GYNECOMASTIA IS CHARACTERIZED BY:

• Excess localized fat
• Excess glandular tissue development
• A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
• Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

WHAT HAPPENS DURING GYNECOMASTIA CORRECTION SURGERY?

Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contour.  In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).  In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.

ANAESTHESIA

The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia.  Dr. Skarparis will recommend the best choice for you.

TREATMENT WITH LIPOSUCTION

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, Liposuction techniques alone may be used.  This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions.  The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.  There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

TREATMENT WITH TISSUE EXCISION

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.  Excision also is necessary if the areola must be reduced, or the nipple is repositioned. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.  Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both Liposuction and Excision.

WILL THERE BE SCARS?

Any surgical excision treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions.  While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of male breast reduction surgery.  The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases.  However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results.

AFTER THE SURGERY

Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery.  However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Skarparis.  In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.  You’ll be swollen and bruised for a while, in fact, you may wonder if there’s been any improvement at all.  To help reduce swelling, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night.  Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

Breast Reconstruction surgery is performed to restore a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other diseases.  A new breast is formed using tissue from the abdomen and/or back muscles or by using a tissue expander and inserting an implant.  The reconstruction creates a breast that can be close in form and appearance to match the natural one.  Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast.  The creation of a new breast can dramatically improve her self-image, self-confidence and quality of her life.  Although surgery can give a relatively natural-looking breast, a reconstructed breast will never look or feel exactly the same as the breast that was removed.

If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed.  In addition, a Breast Lift, Breast Reduction or Breast Augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to improve symmetry of the size and position of both breasts.

Breast Reconstruction typically involves several procedures performed in multiple stages.

It can:

• Begin at the same time as Mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or
• Be delayed until you heal from Mastectomy and recover from any additional cancer treatments

Breast Reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy.

RECONSTRUCTION WITH TISSUE EXPANSION

Skin expansion is the most common breast reconstruction performed.  It combines skin expansion and the subsequent insertion of a breast implant.  Tissue expansion stretches healthy skin to provide coverage for a breast implant.  Reconstruction with tissue expansion allows an easier recovery than flap procedures, but it is a more lengthy reconstruction process.  It requires many office visits over 4-6 months after placement of the expander to slowly fill the device through an internal valve to expand the skin. A second surgical procedure will be needed to replace the expander with a breast implant, if it is not designed to serve as a permanent implant.

NIPPLE RECONSTRUCTION

A nipple reconstruction is performed on an outpatient basis as the third procedure.  Many patients come back to have their areola and nipple tattooed in the clinic after their nipple reconstruction.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION USING FLAPS

Flap techniques reposition a woman’s own muscle, fat and skin to create or cover the breast mound.  Sometimes a mastectomy or radiation therapy will leave insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant.  The use of a breast implant for reconstruction almost always requires either a flap technique or tissue expansion.  A TRAM Flap uses donor muscle, fat and skin from a woman’s abdomen to reconstruct the breast.  The flap may either remain attached to the original blood supply and be tunneled up through the chest wall, or be completely detached, and formed into a breast mound.  Alternatively, Dr. Skarparis may choose the DIEP or SGAP Flap Techniques which do not use muscle but transport tissue to the chest from the abdomen or buttock.  A Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses muscle, fat and skin from the back tunneled to the mastectomy site and remains attached to its donor site, leaving blood supply intact.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Occasionally, the flap can reconstruct a complete breast mound, but often provides the muscle and tissue necessary to cover and support a breast implant.  Dr. Andreas Skarparis will explain in detail the risks associated with any surgery.  The possible risks of Breast Reconstruction include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions.

YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW THAT:

• Flap surgery includes the risk of partial or complete loss of the flap and a loss of sensation at both the donor and reconstruction site.
• The use of implants carries the risk of breast firmness (capsular contracture) and implant rupture. Breast implants do not impair breast health.
• The decision to have breast reconstruction surgery is extremely personal. You’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.