Breast Reconstructive Surgery
Count on the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at VHC Health for quality care if you choose breast reconstruction. You can get services in one convenient place at the Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health in Arlington.
Look forward to caring, respectful support if you have breast cancer or another breast condition. Breast reconstruction services are led by board-certified surgeon Marilyn Nguyen, MD. Your surgeon and other specialists work closely together, so your journey goes smoothly.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery to rebuild the shape, size, and look of your breast. You may choose it after breast cancer surgery, like a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also help people who were born with breast differences or whose breasts didn't fully develop. Rebuilding the breast can play a role in your healing process.
Before surgery, tell your surgeon about your goals. You can choose to have reconstruction right away during cancer surgery, or you may decide to wait until later. Your surgeon will explain your choices and help you pick what is best for you. Expect a care plan made just for your needs.
Recovery
Recovery time is different for each person. You may feel sore, swollen, or tight while you heal. Your care team will teach you how to care for your incision and what activities to avoid. You'll also learn when it's safe to return to work, school, or exercise. Follow-up visits help us make sure you're healing and answer your questions.
Breast Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses a temporary device called an expander to help create the breast shape and size you want. A surgeon puts the expander under a chest muscle to stretch the skin and soft tissue.
Over several weeks, the expander is slowly filled with saltwater (saline) through a small port under your skin. When the expander reaches the right size, it stays in place for several more weeks or months. This gives your body time to get ready for the final implant.
In a second surgery, a surgeon removes the expander and replaces it with a permanent breast implant. Implants can be filled with silicone or saline. They form the breast shape and size you choose.
Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
Another option is free flap breast reconstruction. This option doesn't use an implant. Instead, your surgeon uses tissue from your own body to build a new breast. The tissue most often comes from the lower belly (abdomen).
This surgery is more complex and uses very small tools and careful techniques. The surgeon moves tissue from the abdomen to the chest and reconnects it to blood vessels so it stays healthy. Free flap breast reconstruction creates a more natural look and feel, and it ages more naturally. Your surgeon will help you understand if this choice is right for you.
