Breast Reconstruction in Farmington Hills

What breast reconstruction involves

Breast reconstruction is for women who have lost a breast to cancer or another disease. It is typically done using saline or silicone breast implants, through a combination of plastic surgery techniques, and it is performed in multiple stages.

Techniques

Depending on your case, reconstruction may include:

• Flap techniques — your own muscle, fat and skin are repositioned to create or cover the breast mound.
• Tissue expansion — healthy skin is stretched to provide coverage for a breast implant.
• Implant placement — a breast implant is surgically placed to create the breast mound.
• Nipple and areola reconstruction — grafting and other specialized techniques create a nipple and areola.

Timing

Reconstruction can begin at the same time as the mastectomy. It can also be delayed until you have healed from the mastectomy and fully recovered from any additional cancer treatment.

Emotional readiness matters as well. Much like losing a breast, some women need time to heal and to accept the results of the reconstruction itself.

What to expect

Results from breast reconstruction can be highly variable. A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces.

Incision lines will always be visible on the breast, whether from reconstruction, mastectomy or breast lift procedures. Flap techniques also leave incision lines at the donor site, commonly in less exposed areas of the body such as the back, abdomen or buttocks.

Am I a good candidate?

Good candidates for breast reconstruction are generally women who:

• are non-smokers
• have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring their breast and body image
• are able to cope well with their diagnosis and treatment
• do not have additional medical conditions or illnesses that may impair healing

Candidacy is decided at consultation.

Your consultation

A consultation with Dr. Hardaway is the best way to learn about breast reconstruction. It is designed to explain your options fully, in a non-pressured environment, and includes:

• a discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
• the options available in breast reconstruction surgery
• the likely outcomes of reconstruction and any risks or potential complications
• the recommended course of treatment, including procedures to achieve breast symmetry

Each surgery is individualized, and your anatomy and personal preferences are always taken into consideration.

Choosing a surgeon

Not all physicians who perform plastic surgery, or who use the title plastic surgeon, are board certified in plastic surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies physicians who have graduated from an accredited medical school, completed a minimum of five years of surgical training after medical school, including an accredited plastic surgery residency program, and passed comprehensive oral and written exams.

Your surgeon should also have operating privileges at an accredited local hospital for the procedure you plan to have, even if it will be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility or an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Hardaway is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.