Breast Reconstruction is a type of surgery for women who have had a breast removed (mastectomy). The surgery involves rebuilding the breast to restore size and shape. There are a wide variety of options for breast reconstruction. Dr. Ploplys can work with your breast cancer surgeon at the time of a mastectomy or help you after you have recovered from your cancer treatments. Please call to schedule an appointment. We give patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer priority and can usually see you within a week of your call.
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
A subset of women diagnosed with very early breast cancer or breast pre-cancer may be candidates for nipple sparing mastectomy. What kind of mastectomy you have is decided by your general surgeon based on your cancer type. This type of reconstruction works best in women with smaller, non-sagging breasts.
Skin Sparing Mastectomy
Modern mastectomy techniques can spare the breast skin to aid in reconstruction. This is possible as long as the skin is not involved in the cancer. Nipples are removed. We work with your choice of general surgeons to provide immediate reconstruction so that you wake up from surgery with a breast form.
Delayed Reconstruction
Reconstruction does not have to be immediate. Some patients decide to undergo all of their cancer therapy before reconstruction, and some decide to pursue reconstruction later for personal reasons. We are happy to help you decide which reconstructive path is right for you.
Matching Procedures
The opposite breast can undergo a variety of treatments to match the reconstructed breast. This includes lift, reduction, augmentation or fat grafting and is covered by insurance.
Nipple Reconstruction
If a patient desires a prominent nipple, and they have thick enough skin to create one, a nipple can be folded from the skin on the breast. This procedure is done in the office.
Tattooing
A tattoo can be completed in the office to finish off the look of a reconstruction. This can add pigment to the nipple areola or create a 3D effect to simulate a projecting nipple where there is none.
Fat grafting
Fat grafting uses the fat liposuctioned from stubborn areas to fill in areas of the breast deformed by lumpectomy and radiation and/or release tight tissue under arms or on breasts. This is a commonly used adjunct to improve the look and feel of a breast reconstruction.