Breast Reconstruction Minneapolis
Regain Your Lost Form
The loss of one or both breasts as a result of disease, injury, or surgery can be devastating. Many women feel that, in losing one or both of their breasts, they are losing a piece of themselves, which often leads to depression and lowered self-esteem. For these women, the breasts are an inherent part of what defined them as female. Fortunately, breast reconstruction provides hope for those who have lost one or both breasts. Brian J. Kobienia M.D., F.A.C.S., is proud to provide breast reconstruction for patients in the Minneapolis area.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction allows patients the opportunity to rebuild their breast(s) after mastectomy, disease, or injury. Whether the breast is rebuilt using the patient's own tissue or an implant, the breast mound can be reformed, and the natural shape and appearance of the breast(s) restored. There are two techniques used for breast reconstruction at Dr. Kobienia's Minneapolis-area plastic surgery practice. Depending on the patient's wishes and the amount of tissue present, either the tissue expander or flap reconstruction technique will be used.
Tissue Expander – Breast Implant
If there is enough tissue present, and the patient is comfortable utilizing a breast implant, the tissue expander technique will be used. The tissue expander, a temporary saline implant, is inserted through the original mastectomy incision, to reduce further scarring, and placed underneath the pectoral muscle of the chest wall. The temporary implant is slowly inflated over time, allowing the tissue to expand for the placement of a more permanent breast implant once the proper sized pocket is achieved, like the ones used for breast augmentation. Reconstruction of the nipple and areola can be completed during a later surgery, after the implant has been placed and the tissue has had enough time to fully expand.
Flap Reconstruction
Should the patient not desire the use of an implant, or if there is insufficient tissue present at the reconstruction site, due to surgery or radiation therapy, then the patient's own tissue will be used to create the breast. The flap reconstruction technique utilizes muscle and tissue from the back, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen to reconstruct the breast(s). Remaining connected to the blood supply, the muscle and tissue will be repositioned on the chest and reshaped to create the breast(s). Just as with the tissue expander technique, the reconstruction of the areola and nipple can be completed once the flap reconstruction has had time to heal. The use of breast implants and the flap technique are not mutually exclusive, and can be used in conjunction with each other in certain cases. This is commonly called the back flap technique, also known as the latissimus dorsi flap. There are several reasons this technique may be recommended – some aesthetic, some practical.
A TRAM (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous) flap is another variety of breast reconstruction. In this process, extra skin and fat from the lower abdomen is used to reconstruct the missing breast. TRAM flap reconstruction is a large-scale operation and requires extensive recovery. The advantage to this technique is that the breast is made with the patient’s own tissue, no implant is involved.
Since breast reconstruction is an inpatient procedure, one to two nights of hospital recovery is usually required, especially if being performed in conjunction with a mastectomy. While full recovery for both breast reconstruction techniques can take several months, most patients are able to return to their normal activities in about one to two weeks after surgery.
Learn More about Breast Reconstruction
If you have lost your breast(s) due to a mastectomy, disease, or injury, there is hope; plastic surgery can help reconstruct your natural-looking breast. Breast reconstruction at the Minneapolis-area practice of Dr. Kobienia has helped many patients regain their form and appearance; chances are we can help you as well. Please contact us today to schedule a personal consultation to evaluate your case.
Brian J. Kobienia MD, FACS
7450 France Avenue S.
Suite 220
Edina, MN 55435 MAP
Phone: (952) 925-1111
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