Breast Reconstruction in Bergen County, NJ
The decision to have breast reconstruction surgery can feel both triumphant and overwhelming. For many women, breast reconstruction is the final step to putting cancer in the past.
At Art Plastic Surgery, board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Luis A. Zapiach provides a calm, compassionate environment where patients can explore their options.
Our doctor does everything in his power to ensure your comfort throughout recovery while working closely with your medical team. We strive to balance your recovery preferences with your cosmetic goals to create the beautiful, natural-looking results you deserve.
To schedule your breast reconstruction consultation, contact our Paramus reconstructive plastic surgeon today.
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?
Our team is ready to help you navigate through the next steps of you booking your procedure. Contact us today!
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?
Our team is ready to help you navigate through the next steps of you booking your procedure. Contact us today!
How is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
There are two main methods of performing breast reconstruction surgery: flap (autologous) and implant-based (prosthetic) reconstruction.
Flap Breast Reconstruction
During flap breast reconstruction, fatty tissue and skin are taken from a donor site and used to form a new breast. Sometimes, if extensive reconstruction is needed, muscle is also transplanted to help rebuild the tissue that supports the breasts.
Our surgeons form the harvested skin into a breast shape, then perform fat grafting to add volume to the breast flap. Sometimes, implants are added to increase breast volume further while maintaining a natural look and feel. During this process, Dr. Zapiach uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure that blood vessel function is preserved.
The fatty tissue and skin used during flap breast reconstruction are usually removed from the belly. Tissue may also be taken from the thighs, back, or buttocks, but the stomach is the most popular location because it contours the abdomen, which is a desired cosmetic change for many patients. Removing fat and skin from the stomach to perform flap breast reconstruction creates an effect similar to having tummy tuck surgery.
Flap breast reconstruction is ideal for women who:
- Have large natural breasts
- Are looking for the most natural-looking results (flap-based reconstruction produces the ideal results for patients with large natural breasts)
- Have had radiotherapy or a radical mastectomy
Prosthetic (Implant-Based) Breast Reconstruction
Some women prefer prosthetic breast reconstruction because it doesn’t create a second treatment site (for tissue grafting) and is more convenient than flap-based reconstruction. During prosthetic breast reconstruction, silicone implants are inserted into the breast pocket (usually above the breast muscle) to restore lost volume.
Our surgeon may combine fat transfer with the use of implants to create soft, natural breast contours. It’s worth noting that skin and muscle tissue are not transplanted during this procedure.
Depending on the nature of your cancer treatment, you may be eligible for what is known as “direct-to-implant” breast reconstruction. During this treatment process, implants are inserted immediately following mastectomy or lumpectomy. This way, patients only need to have one round of surgery.
In many cases, however, patients must wear a special tissue expander for some time before having implants placed. This expander slowly enlarges the breast pocket to create room for the implant.
Implant-based breast reconstruction is ideal for women who:
- Have small to medium-sized natural breasts
- Have had a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy that left their nipples intact
- Want to regain lost breast volume without tissue grafting
Dr. Zapiach always uses a Keller funnel when inserting breast implants during breast reconstruction or breast augmentation. Keller funnels prevent contact between the surface of the implant and the patient’s skin, keeping the implant completely sterile during surgery. Using a Keller funnel greatly reduces the risk of capsular contracture, a hardening of the tissue around the implant.
Regardless of which breast reconstruction method you choose, Dr. Zapiach will work alongside your primary surgeon to preserve as much of your natural breast tissue as possible, reduce scarring from your mastectomy, and optimize your reconstructive results.
This approach, which is called oncoplastic breast reconstruction, has been shown to produce superior cosmetic results while safeguarding the health of the patient. To learn more about breast reconstruction surgery, feel free to contact us or review the information provided in the FAQ below.
Breast Reconstruction FAQ
Yes. Federal law in the United States requires insurance companies to cover every stage of breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Zapiach performs breast reconstruction on all eligible patients who are referred to our practice, regardless of their current financial status. If you need help with financing, we can assist you in securing funding from a reputable third party, like CareCredit.
No. Our surgeons take every necessary step required to make sure both breasts have the same shape and overall level of firmness. To achieve complete breast symmetry, we may reduce the size of the opposite breast and perform a breast lift to correct sagging.
Sometimes, when the patient has chosen implant-based reconstruction, we’ll place an implant in both breasts to create a consistent look and feel. If you have insurance, it will cover the cost of these additional surgical steps.
If you have implant-based reconstruction, you will probably need to rest after your surgery. The recovery period associated with flap reconstruction tends to be a bit longer (two to three weeks) because this operation involves two surgical sites.
For the first week after your surgery, you may need to wear surgical drains and keep your incisions covered with bandages. We, therefore, strongly recommend enlisting the aid of a caregiver, as you might need someone to help you with certain tasks.
Though you will feel better after about two weeks, you can expect symptoms of residual swelling to last for three to six weeks. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Breast reconstruction is generally safe, though any surgery carries a risk of complications, such as infection or bleeding. To minimize these concerns, our surgeons closely monitor the reconstructed area, especially after free flap procedures, to ensure proper blood flow and tissue survival.
Results can last for many years, particularly when using a prosthesis or tissue-based reconstruction. Additional procedures may be needed over time to maintain symmetry, especially as the body changes naturally with age. Further, if you opt for an implant-based reconstruction, be mindful that the implants will eventually need to be replaced.
If you’re planning on undergoing radiation therapy or are currently partaking in it, you may want to delay your reconstructive surgery. Radiation can end up changing the final results of the surgery, so it’s in your best interests to hold off. Speak with the specialists at Art Plastic Surgery if you’re worried that any upcoming or current treatments may interfere with your procedure, and make sure to bring them up during your consultation.
Arrange a Breast Reconstruction Consultation With Us Today
Breast reconstruction surgery can help you complete your journey back to wellness by restoring your breasts and eliminating visible reminders of a previous illness. Additionally, we specialize in other breast procedures as well, including augmentation, reductions, and lifts.
If you’re ready to learn more about your options, contact Art Plastic Surgery to arrange your personal consultation. Our caring, dedicated reconstructive surgeons are here to support you as you achieve physical and emotional victory over cancer.