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Breast Reconstruction

Serving Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, Plastic Surgery Services know that understanding your breast reconstruction options can offer a sense of hope for women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy, or for those beginning breast cancer treatment. Plastic surgery can restore your breasts through a variety of ways, either through implant-based reconstruction or autologous (tissue-only) reconstruction. In some cases, the reconstructive process can begin at the same time as your mastectomy, allowing you to wake from your mastectomy with a new breast mound already in place. In other instances, reconstruction can be performed at a later date.

“Such a warm-welcoming place from the moment you walk in the door! The staff and Doctor are friendly and knowledgeable, they provided step by step for the procedure I was getting done which caused me to be calm and excited for it rather than nervous, everything has been going perfect from the surgery to the healing! They went beyond of what I expected. They followed up and were easy to contact when needing assistance with something. Definitely recommend getting cosmetic surgery and the other services they provide, done here! You won’t be disappointed! I can’t say enough good things about this place.” – Real patient review, June 2023

Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo is a skilled plastic surgeon offering several breast reconstruction options to women after mastectomy. He can not only restore the cancer-affected breast, but reduce, enhance, or lift the other breast to create a symmetrical appearance. Dr. Garazo will work with you and your medical team to create a reconstructive strategy to fit your individual situation. Dr. Garazo and his staff understand that the decision to have breast reconstruction is a personal one. Dr. Garazo can help you understand your options, empowering you to create the strategy that is best for you.

  • Restores Breast Contour: Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast mound, restoring the natural shape and contour of the breasts after mastectomy or injury.
  • Offers Symmetry to Both Breasts: For those who have had one breast removed, reconstruction can ensure that both breasts are symmetrical and balanced in size and shape.
  • Allows for the Choice of New Breast Size: Patients have the opportunity to choose their new breast size, potentially achieving the breast size they’ve always desired.
  • Can Reconstruct a Natural-Looking Nipple and Areola: Modern reconstruction techniques can recreate a nipple and areola, offering a more natural and complete aesthetic outcome.
  • Autologous Reconstruction: A type of breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue, such as skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from another part of the body, to recreate the breast mound.
  • Capsular Contracture: A potential complication where scar tissue forms around a breast implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal and possibly leading to discomfort or changes in appearance.
  • Delayed Reconstruction: A breast reconstruction that is performed months or years after the mastectomy, often after the completion of other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
  • Diep Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap): A type of autologous tissue reconstruction where fat, skin, and blood vessels are taken from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast without the use of muscle.
  • Expander-Implant Reconstruction: A two-stage process where a tissue expander is first inserted to gently stretch the skin and create space for a breast implant, followed by placement of the permanent implant at a later surgery.
  • Incisions: The surgical cuts made during breast reconstruction, which vary based on the type of reconstruction performed (implant-based or autologous tissue-based) and the specific techniques used, with the location and length of incisions influencing scar placement and size.
  • Immediate Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction that is started or completed at the same time as the mastectomy, minimizing the number of surgeries and recovery periods.
  • Latissimus Dorsi Flap: A technique using muscle, fat, and skin from the back, tunneled to the front of the chest to create a breast mound, sometimes combined with an implant.
  • Mastectomy: The surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely, often as a treatment for breast cancer.
  • Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction: The final stage of breast reconstruction, involving the recreation of the nipple and areola to give the reconstructed breast a more natural appearance.
  • Prophylactic Mastectomy: Preventive surgery to remove one or both breasts in order to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in women with a high genetic risk.
  • Radiation Therapy: A treatment for breast cancer using high-energy rays or particles that may affect the timing and type of breast reconstruction due to its impact on skin and tissues.
  • Reconstruction Revision: Additional surgery after the initial reconstruction to correct any imperfections, adjust size or shape, or address complications, ensuring the best possible outcome.
  • Recovery: The period following breast reconstruction surgery during which the body heals and recovers. This phase involves managing discomfort, caring for incisions, possibly dealing with drains, and gradually resuming daily activities..
  • Tissue Expander: A temporary device placed under the skin and chest muscle following a mastectomy to stretch the skin and make room for a future breast implant.
  • TRAM Flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap): A type of autologous reconstruction that uses muscle, fat, and skin from the lower abdomen to form a new breast, potentially weakening the abdominal wall.

Breast reconstruction must be covered by an insurance policy that covers mastectomy, according to federal law. This insurance includes both the restoration of the cancer-affected breast and surgery on the other breast to create a symmetrical appearance, as well as prostheses and physical complications during all stages of your mastectomy.

“From my consultation until now almost 3 weeks after my surgery these people have been wonderful and very welcoming, one of the friendliest offices I’ve ever walked into. They are very personable and make you feel very comfortable. They show genuine concern about your healing and comfort, they check on you regularly, they see you regularly to insure everything is going as it should. If you think somethings wrong they bring you in immediately without question. They are very kind people and I’m extremely happy with the work that I had done, I don’t think I’ll ever go anywhere else to have “work” done. This office is amazing and his employees are amazing, they are all so sweet and caring. I’d recommend them to everyone.” – Real patient review

For those considering a breast reconstruction, Dr. Garazo invites you to explore your options through a patient consultation. To schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services, contact us online or call (301) 791-1800.

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Call us at 301-791-1800