Breast Reconstruction
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick K. Park performs breast reconstruction in Rocky Mount, NC, to help women restore their breasts and renew their self-image after mastectomy. He offers techniques that involve breast implants and those that are performed with the patient’s own tissue. Women come to his practice for breast reconstruction from Greenville, Wilson, Murfreesboro, and Weldon, NC, and beyond.
Dr. Park’s Approach:
“Breast reconstruction is the creation of a new breast following removal, usually for breast cancer. The techniques available to women and plastic surgeons are expanding. A two-stage technique using a tissue expander and then a permanent implant is common. Techniques which utilize the tissues from the back and stomach are also often performed.
Reconstruction can be performed at the time of the breast removal or in the future. This decision involves many factors and it is a very important aspect of the consultation. Both the type of reconstruction and its timing are things every patient needs to consider.
Breast reconstruction also presents an opportunity for a patient to choose a different breast than she originally had. She might choose to go larger, smaller or higher when compared with her shape prior to removal. Breast reconstruction consultations are detailed and in depth with many choices and explanations required for each patient to make the best decision for herself.”
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Although breast reconstruction can rebuild your breast, the results are highly variable:
- A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces.
- Visible incision lines will always be present on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy.
- Certain surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site, commonly located in less exposed areas of the body, such as the back, abdomen or buttocks.
A note about symmetry: If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed. In addition, a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to improve symmetry of the size, shape, and position of the breasts.
