Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy for cancer or other disease process is one of the most rewarding procedures in plastic surgery today. It can help to restore a sense of wholeness and femininity at a time in a woman's life when she is most vulnerable. Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or may be performed at a later date after you have healed from your mastectomy (delayed reconstruction).

Breast reconstruction is usually covered by medical insurance, but you will want to receive prior approval from your insurance company before undergoing the procedure.

If you think you might be a good candidate for breast reconstruction, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. However, Dr. Revis feels it is extremely important to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals, therefore it is recommended that you visit our office for a complimentary consultation. You are also invited to email Dr. Revis with your questions, or we will mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.

The Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Revis will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.

After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Revis will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Revis will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will also explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you.

At the completion of your consultation, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

Where Your Procedure Will Be Performed

Dr. Revis has been granted staff privileges at seven local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. In the interest of the safety of his patients, he only performs surgery in fully accredited facilities with the proper services and staff.

Type(s) of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is an essential part of any surgical procedure and must be performed safely. General anesthesia is the deepest form of anesthesia. You are asleep, feel no pain, and will not remember the procedure. Dr. Revis will discuss anesthesia with you more thoroughly at the time of your consultation, and please ask him about anything you do not understand.

Details of the Procedure

Breast reconstruction takes one to six hours to perform, depending on what type of reconstruction you are having performed. The most simple type is reconstruction with breast implants. Slightly more complex is the initial placement of tissue expanders which expand the remaining tissues of the chest wall so that they may later accommodate the placement of breast implants. 

Breast reconstruction may also be performed with your own tissues. Dr. Revis may take a muscle from your back, the latissimus dorsi, or a muscle from your abdomen, the rectus abdominis, and use this tissue to reconstruct your breast. Although these procedures are more complex than breast implant breast reconstruction, they have the benefit of avoiding the use of breast implants. Additionally, when Dr. Revis uses muscle from your abdomen, you have the benefit of a tummy tuck at the same time as your breast reconstruction. 

Products To Help You Heal

SinEcch- Arnica Montana is a natural product from Sweden which has been shown in clinical studies to reduce postoperative bruising and swelling. Begun the evening prior to surgery, this product is continued for four days postoperatively.

Regenerin Surgical Support- Specially formulated for the surgical patient, this antioxidant and vitamin preparation will provide your body with the necessary nutrients and antioxidants to assist in healing your surgical wounds. Begun seven days prior to surgery, this product is then continued for one month postoperatively. Many patients find this product so beneficial that they continue on the Regenerin Daily Dietary Supplement Program after their healing is complete.

Unjury- This protein powder contains 20 grams of protein per scoop, and is taken twice daily beginning two weeks preoperatively and continued four weeks postoperatively. It is an invaluable source of protein to provide your body with the basic building blocks necessary to form strong healed wounds. This product is also accompanied by a number of recipes for using this product with coffee, tea, milk, Crystal Lite, and Jell-O.

ScarGuard- A combination of hydrocortisone, silicone and Vitamin E, this product is painted on your scars topically like nail polish beginning three weeks after surgery, and it helps your scars fade so that they fade as much as possible.

All of these products are available for purchase in our office. Please ask us about these products and others if you have any further questions about whether or not these would be beneficial for you during your healing period. 

After Your Procedure

Most patients spend one to three days in the hospital following breast reconstruction, particularly if you live alone or if you live out of town. Drains placed at the time of surgery will be removed by Dr. Revis within a few days of the surgery. Dr. Revis will remove your sutures in seven to ten days.

You should plan to take it easy following breast reconstruction. No strenuous activities, heavy lifting (over 20 pounds), aerobic exercises, swimming, contact sports, tennis, or golf should be planned for the first several weeks. As Dr. Revis monitors your recovery, he will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.

The Results You Can Expect

After the initial recovery period, you will discover your new appearance. Although your newly created breast will never be the same as the breast that was removed, most women greatly appreciate being able to wear normal clothing without a breast prosthesis. With time, you will come to accept your new breast and appreciate your restored sense of femininity and wholeness.

Please call (954) 630-2009 for further information or email Dr. Revis.

Read what patients have to say about Dr. Revis

Email: DrRevis@SouthFloridaPlasticSurgery.com