Get an irresistible and symmetrical bosom after a mastectomy and regain your confidence. At Geoplasty Plastic Surgery, we offer the most contemporary and reliable treatments and techniques for breast reconstruction, using silicone implants, autologous tissue or both, for an impeccable and natural result.
What breast reconstruction following mastectomy is
Mastectomy for oncological reasons is a traumatic experience for all women from a psychological viewpoint. Breast reconstruction undoubtedly assists you in regaining your confidence and returning to normality, significantly improving your image and self-esteem.
Breast reconstruction is not a cosmetic procedure. It is performed on women who have removed part or all of their breast during mastectomy. It replaces the breast, so that it is approximately the same size, but always a better shape than before. If deemed necessary, the nipple and areola may also be added.
If you have undergone partial mastectomy, where only the lump is removed, a full reconstruction is not necessary, but only oncoplastic breast surgery.
How breast reconstruction is performed
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.
Before the procedure, a detailed medical history is obtained, and a preoperative check-up and imaging tests are performed.
Breast reconstruction is performed after a long discussion with the doctor, in cooperation with the oncology team. Dr Georgopoulos will provide detailed information on the procedure and answer any questions you may have about the it, so that he may settle any concerns and mainly guarantee an impeccable and natural result.
There are various techniques for breast reconstruction:
- Breast reconstruction with silicone implants.
- Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue.
- Combination of silicone implants and autologous tissue.
The final choice of the technique depends on the type of mastectomy, the use or not of radiotherapy and, of course, your own wishes.
How breast reconstruction is performed with silicone implant
Two stages are required to complete breast reconstruction with silicone implant.
Stage 1 – Temporary expander placement
At this stage, a special tissue expander is placed below the muscles of the anterior thoracic wall. Therefore, an excellent result is achieved as well as minimal postoperative complications.
This may take place either immediately after the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at later date (delayed reconstruction).
Through a special valve, the expander expands with saline at the doctor’s office, without any discomfort for you. The procedure is repeated every 10-15, days until the desired volume is acquired. Meanwhile, you undergo any supplementary therapy is required.
Stage 2 – Replacement of the expander with silicone implant
The replacement of the temporary expander with permanent silicone implant takes place approximately 4-5 months after the expander is placed. Highly cohesive silicone gel implants are selected for a more natural result.
In the event of a unilateral reconstruction, symmetry is performed on the other breast.
Fat grafting has an important role in this stage (fat transfer). This technique contributes to the regeneration of damaged tissue caused by burns, especially following radiotherapy to the breast, because of the regenerative ability of the stem cells contained in the fat.
One-stage breast reconstruction
Over the last few years, one-stage breast reconstruction techniques at the same time as the mastectomy have become all the more popular. Silicone implants and special meshes are used, which strengthen the tissue and support the implant.
These techniques should be used with caution and in specific conditions, so as to minimise postoperative complications and increase satisfaction as to the final aesthetic result.
How breast reconstruction is performed with autologous tissue
Reconstruction with autologous tissue, meaning tissue from your own body, is a more complex procedure.
It is performed mainly on women who have undergone breast radiotherapy, and fat grafting on its own cannot restore the damage. As a result, the tissue that has undergone radiotherapy cannot fully cover the implant.
There are 2 different techniques.
TRAM flap reconstruction
During the breast reconstruction technique with transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAM flap), a part of the tissue of the lower abdominal area is transferred to the area of the mastectomy, to form a new breast. The tissue includes muscle, subcutaneous flap and skin, along with the blood vessels.
The fact that the body uses its own tissue, which is supplied blood from the body itself, results in the successful acceptance of the grafted tissue.
DIEP flap reconstruction
The most advanced breast reconstruction technique is the use of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP flap). There are not many plastic surgeons who can perform this procedure effectively.
With this technique, a part of the lower abdominal area is excised, along with the blood vessels. Then, it is transferred to the area of the mastectomy, where it is anastomosed using microsurgery techniques.
The main advantage of this method is that it creates natural-looking results without implants.
How reconstruction is performed combining autologous tissue and implants
In this case, breast reconstruction is performed with the latissimus dorsi muscle (LD flap) and silicone implants.
When applying this technique, the latissimus dorsi muscle is transferred from the posterior to the anterior part of the chest, so as to replace the scarred and damaged tissue that has undergone radiotherapy.
At the same time, a silicone implant may be used to restore the volume and create a new breast, while causing the least possible inconvenience to you.
The main advantage of this method is that the body uses its own tissue to protrude, so as to maintain a natural feeling and breast stability.
It is the most popular and safe method for breast reconstruction with autologous tissue and provides optimal, postoperative results.
Why choose us for breast reconstruction
If you want to restore your body after a mastectomy and get an irresistible and voluptuous bosom, in a 100% safe procedure for you, at Geoplasty Plastic Surgery we offer the most contemporary and reliable techniques for breast reconstruction.
Dr Georgopoulos has extensive experience in breast reconstruction techniques and procedures. Over the last decade, through his commitment not only to cosmetic but also reconstructive breast surgery, especially at Agios Savvas General Anticancer-Oncology Hospital of Athens, he has gained deep knowledge and experience, and has been recognised as an expert in the area of breast surgery. Moreover, he is a recognised and certified surgeon in the USA (Miami Breast Center) on surgical breast treatments relating to fat grafting and stem cells.
On your first visit, Dr Georgopoulos, having as a principle the welfare of the women who want this reconstruction, will assess your needs in detail and discuss with you about all the available options. He will recommend personalised solutions, tailored to your needs, desires and expectations.
Furthermore, the experienced and qualified staff of Geoplasty Plastic Surgery will advise you accordingly for your smooth recovery.
Book an appointment to find out all about the available options and personalised solutions, fully tailored to your needs:
- Call on +302108949289.
- Fill in the contact form.