Breast Reconstruction Phoenix

It’s impossible to predict how you will be feeling after losing a breast, or both breasts, after a mastectomy. However, doing your research and finding support may help you to evaluate your emotions and decide whether breast reconstruction in Phoenix is the best decision for you.

Whether you have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy or are about to endure either surgery, you may be considering breast reconstruction. You may also be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or even like you’re mourning the loss of a significant part of your womanhood.

The good news is that breast reconstruction in Phoenix is an option! Many women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery because of the high success rate. Some women get breast reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy. On the other hand, many women simply choose to put off breast reconstruction surgery until they are ready, and some choose to not have the surgery at all. This decision is entirely personal. Hopefully reading on will help give you an idea as to which route is best for you.

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What is Breast Reconstruction?

The goal of breast reconstruction is to reform the mounds once on the chest after a mastectomy or lumpectomy to instill confidence. This procedure can include implants or prosthetics or tissue flap surgery, which involves transferring tissue from another part of your body.

You can choose to have breast reconstruction surgery during the mastectomy surgery after removing the breast(s), or you can choose to wait years after the fact. If you’ve started chemotherapy or radiation treatment you may have to wait until your treatment is finished to reconstruct your breasts. Talk to your surgeon about your goals and concerns and he or she will recommend the right timing for you.

Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Phoenix

Dr. Finkel is double board-certified in Phoenix Plastic Surgery. She also has multiple professional memberships to back this up. Her professional memberships include:

American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

American Association of Plastic Surgeons

American Board of Plastic Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Do you have a question for Dr. Finkel? Click to schedule your one-on-one consultation.

About Dr. Finkel

What are my options for breast reconstruction in Phoenix?

The best way to truly answer this question for you as an individual is to attend a consultation with your surgeon of choice. Everybody is different and requires unique treatment to achieve the desired goal. During this consultation, you will have an open platform to discuss goals, concerns, and have your questions answered.

During your consultation with your breast reconstruction surgeon and with the information you’ve provided to him or her, your surgeon will be able to determine which procedure is right for you and your body. Here are two of the most common options for breast reconstruction in Phoenix.

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Implants

Your surgeon will place a tissue expander either under the skin (prepectoral) or under your chest muscle (subpectoral). The tissue expander is then gradually filled with saline over a few sessions. Once the chest tissue has healed (usually 2-6 months after surgery), the expander is replaced with an implant. Often women find this process moderately painful, but many are pleased with their results. However, keep in mind that implants are commonly prone to problems down the line, so you may have to get your implants replaced eventually. Be sure to talk with your surgeon about any concerns you have about implants.

In addition, there are two different kinds of implants: subpectoral and prepectoral. You can learn more about these implants by reading the article below!

Related Topic: Subpectoral vs Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Tissue Flap

This procedure involves taking tissue from either your back, abdomen, or sometimes your thighs or buttocks, to recreate a breast mound on your chest.

In some cases, surgeons will utilize both techniques to create a more natural recreation of the breast. However, some surgeons may use this technique because there isn’t enough skin and muscle left after mastectomy to allow for the expansion and use of an implant. Although this reconstruction procedure is a little more complicated, its results are more realistic and longer-lasting than implants. For this reason, tissue reconstruction is becoming a more popular procedure.

Nipple Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction is the optional and final phase of breast reconstructive surgery. Once your chest has entirely healed, your surgeon can reconstruct the nipple. This can be done in a few different ways:

-By cutting and moving small pieces of skin from one part of the body to reconstruct and shape the nipple

-By 3D nipple tattooing

-By nipple sparing. This procedure is sometimes an option for women, depending on if their areola is big enough to preserve some of their nipples.

To Learn More: Nipple Reconstruction

Some women feel exhausted from all the surgeries thus far and choose to not go through another one at all, or wait until they are ready. This is entirely up to you. Speak to your surgeon about all your feelings regarding your surgeries and he or she will help you make an informed decision.

How to Prepare for Breast Reconstruction in Phoenix

Like any procedure, there is a lot to do to prepare beforehand. But don’t stress! Take your time with planning and try to enlist the help of your family members or close friends. Here are some ways you can prepare for breast reconstruction in Phoenix.

  • Ask plenty of questions. Getting breast reconstruction is a big decision. Have a list of questions prepared to ask your surgeon so you can make an informed decision.
  • Have realistic expectations. One of the most important components of preparation is having realistic expectations and a positive mindset. Breast reconstruction is designed to closely resemble the appearance of a breast, not replicate it perfectly. Be positive about the outcome and have a healthy mindset going into surgery.
  • Prepare a place to rest. After surgery, you’ll need a quiet and comfortable place to rest. Set up soft pillows, blankets, entertainment, and some healthy snacks to help with your recovery.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help! After surgery, you’ll definitely need help getting back from the hospital. Ask a family member or close friend to help you out during the first few days of recovery. You may need help getting around, taking medications, and getting dressed.

Post-Surgery

As breast reconstruction surgery is major surgery, you can expect to be in the hospital for multiple days after the surgery. Some women may be required to undergo multiple surgeries to fully reconstruct the breast(s).

You may feel discomfort for the first few days after surgery, but most patients can return to their daily activities after two months. During these first two months, you may feel fatigued, bruising, soreness, swelling, and pain in the breasts. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and get a little bit of walking in to help promote good blood flow and healing. However, avoid strenuous exercise.

If you’ve undergone a tissue flap procedure, it’s not uncommon to feel pain at the site from which the surgeon removed tissue. Additionally, you may feel movement restrictions such as lifting your arms above your head.

You’ll most likely require drainage tubes and stitches following surgery. Many patients are sent home with both stitches and a drainage tube. If this is you, you will get instructions on how to care for them.

It’s normal to feel a sense of numbness and tightness but in time, some feelings may come back.

Breast Reconstruction in Phoenix

Studies have shown that having breast reconstruction surgery does not interfere with checking for cancer, does not increase the chances of cancer coming back, and wouldn’t interfere with the treatment of cancer.

For many women, breast reconstruction in Phoenix is a good solution to help regain confidence after a mastectomy. Whether you decide to get breast reconstruction is entirely up to you, and you should not feel pressured to make the decision. Do what feels right for you and trust your gut! Also be sure to talk at length with your surgeon about whether a breast reconstruction can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

If you still have questions about breast reconstruction in Phoenix, please contact Dr. Finkel for a consultation.

Dr. Finkel’s Medical Background

Dr. Rimma Finkel, MD is a Plastic Surgeon serving the entire Phoenix metro area, specializing in breast reconstruction in Phoenix. She has offices in Gilbert, Chandler, and Phoenix, and often travels to the Banner in Glendale as well. After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 2001, she trained in General Surgery at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center until 2006 and then in Plastic Surgery at the University of Louisville. Upon completion of these programs in 2008, Dr. Finkel started her own private practice.

Dr. Finkel believes everyone deserves to look and feel great in their own skin. Many women who undergo a mastectomy often feel a loss of confidence. And anyone knows that a lack of confidence can affect how we present ourselves and what we do with our lives. You deserve to live your life to the fullest and feel your best about your body! That’s where Dr. Finkel comes in. With over 20 years of experience with breast reconstruction in Phoenix, Dr. Finkel can help you achieve your aesthetic goals after a mastectomy.

 

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Locations

Chandler Location

1727 W. Frye Rd. Suite 250
Chandler, AZ 85224

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Phoenix Location

20033 N 19th Ave Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85027

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Rimma Finkel M.D.
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Office: (480) 963-3034
Fax: (480) 963-7019

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