Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Frequently, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy), so the patient wakes up with a breast mound already in place, having been spared the experience of seeing herself with no breast at all. Alternatively, the reconstruction can be performed weeks or even years after a mastectomy.

There are essentially two different methods of reconstruction:

1. Implants: The first method usually involves placing an inflatable device, or tissue expander, under chest skin and muscle, though there is growing evidence that not all tissue expanders need be placed under the muscle. Over a period of months, this device is slowly expanded to the desired size and shape by periodically injecting saline solution during office visits. The breast skin is typically insensate after mastectomy and therefore this is a painless procedure. Once fully expanded, the device is left in place for about 12 weeks until the scar tissue has matured and then the device is removed during a second short operation and replaced with a permanent implant. In some instances, particularly during nipple-sparing mastectomies, some patients are candidates for Direct-to-Implant (DTI) reconstruction and can therefore avoid additional surgery.

2. The second method of breast reconstruction involves creating a new breast using the patient’s own tissue borrowed from elsewhere in the body. The most common area to borrow from is the abdomen, from which skin, fat, and muscle are removed and transferred to the chest to create a new breast mound. A side benefit to this procedure, called a TRAM flap, is that the patient gets a tummy tuck! Another advantage to the TRAM flap procedure, though recovery is significantly longer, is usually a breast that looks and feels more natural than one reconstructed with implants.

After the new breast shape is obtained, additional procedures can be performed, including nipple reconstruction and lifting the opposite breast to achieve symmetry.

STEPHEN J. RONAN, MD FACS

An award-winning plastic surgeon performing thousands of surgery procedures every year in the Blackhawk Surgery Center, Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS, is one of the best plastic surgeons in the Bay Area. Click below to learn more about Dr. Ronan.

Your Breast Reduction will be performed in Dr. Ronan’s surgery center located in Danville.

Your Breast Reconstruction Location

Conveniently located in the heart of Danville, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery is easily accessible to San Francisco Bay Area residents. Our state-of-the-art facility offers innovative Breast Reconstruction procedures, tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re a local or coming from neighboring cities in the Tri-Valley or beyond, our dedicated team is committed to enhancing your health and beauty.

We are conveniently located in Blackhawk in the San Francisco Bay Area with a fully-accredited surgery center to serve patients in Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Tracy, Modesto, Castro Valley, Hayward, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Orinda and Moraga! Wherever you come from, we’re here to meet your unique needs.

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Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction

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There are essentially two different methods of reconstruction:

STEPHEN J. RONAN, MD FACS

Your Breast Reconstruction Location

Your Breast Reconstruction Location

Our Financing Partners

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