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Implant vs. Flap Breast Reconstruction: How to Choose What’s Right for You Choosing between implant and flap breast reconstruction depends on your body, your cancer treatment plan (especially whether radiation is involved) and what matters most to you in recovery and in the years ahead. Neither path is right for everyone. That is why I […]
What Is Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction, and Who Is a Candidate for Conversion? Prepectoral reconstruction places a breast implant above the chest (pectoralis major) muscle. The implant sits directly beneath the skin and tissue that remain after mastectomy, rather than under the muscle. Some women who already have under-the-muscle implants ask about converting to prepectoral placement. […]
Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction: Refining Shape and Contour Fat grafting in breast reconstruction is a refinement step. I take a small amount of your own fat from another area, such as the abdomen or thighs, and place it where the reconstructed breast needs softening, filling or smoothing. It is usually done as a later […]
Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Pros and Cons of Reconstruction at the Time of Mastectomy When you weigh immediate breast reconstruction pros and cons, here is the short answer. Reconstruction at the time of mastectomy may mean fewer separate surgeries and waking up with a breast shape. It also means a longer first operation and making big […]
Does Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction? What to Know About Your Rights Does insurance cover breast reconstruction? In many cases, yes. For most health plans that cover a mastectomy, a federal law called the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires coverage for reconstruction as well, though your usual copays, deductibles and plan rules still apply. […]
Understanding Your Breast Reconstruction Options Patients in Phoenix facing a mastectomy often have more reconstructive options available to them than they realize. The two primary approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or “flap,” reconstruction, which uses the patient’s own tissue. Understanding the difference can make consultations with your surgeon more productive and help you feel […]
What to Know About Breast Reconstruction Recovery Recovering from breast reconstruction is a gradual process, and no two patients heal at exactly the same pace. Recovery depends on several factors, including the type of reconstruction performed, whether it was done immediately after mastectomy or delayed, and each patient’s overall health. While your surgical team will […]
What Is Tissue Expander Exchange Surgery? For many women undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction begins with a temporary device called a tissue expander. Because the skin and chest muscle often lack enough volume to support a permanent implant right away, expanders create the space gradually. Tissue expander exchange surgery is the procedure that follows: the temporary […]
Breast reconstruction surgery can be a powerful step in restoring confidence and body image after mastectomy or trauma—but it’s not the right choice for everyone. The process can take months and may involve multiple procedures, depending on the reconstruction method you choose. Some approaches use implants, which often require 4–6 months of tissue expansion before […]
