Reconstruction of partial breast defects is medically referred to as “oncoplastic surgery”. A mastectomy is a surgery to remove a breast. Surgical reconstruction of partial breast defects is performed by the NYC board certified plastic surgeon, at the time of your lumpectomy breast surgery to ensure an aesthetic appearance of the breast during or after your mastectomy.
Please note: The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 is a federal law requiring any insurance company covering a mastectomy (mastectomies) to also cover all stages of breast reconstruction, including partial breast reconstruction surgery of the unaffected breast in order to produce a symmetrical appearance, as well as coverage for prostheses and treatment of physical complications from a mastectomy. This applies to implant-based reconstruction as well as breast reconstruction using your body’s own tissues, regardless of whether these procedures are performed at the time of mastectomy or at a later date. We will work closely with you and your insurance company to make sure you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled.
The top rated board certified plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC offer:
(1) Immediate Breast Reconstruction: (Working with your breast surgeon in the hospital at the time of the cancer removal surgery (mastectomy) to perform breast reconstruction); The plastic surgeons will work closely with your breast cancer surgeons to offer immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. Suitability for this procedure will depend on the nature of the breast cancer and the likely need for subsequent cancer treatment. The decision to offer this procedure is often made in conjunction with both the reconstructive and cancer therapy team.
(2) Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction after your cancer surgery (post mastectomy).
There are several factors to consider when choosing the type of partial breast reconstruction that is best suited to you, these include:
- Your lifestyle – how much time can you take to recover? Do you need to consider work and family?
- Breast implant-based or natural ‘own tissue’ reconstruction.
- The type of mastectomy you have or will have (or had had).
- Which additional treatments have you or will you have? -Radiotherapy/chemotherapy, etc.
One of the first decisions that you will make when consulting with the Manhattan based breast reconstruction specialist is the type of breast reconstruction you will undergo. Reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at any time that you are ready (delayed reconstruction).
Reconstruction options can be divided into two categories:
- Implant-based breast reconstruction and;
- Autologous reconstruction, using a patient’s own tissue often referred to as flap reconstructions.
Implant-based breast reconstruction using a tissue expander:
Two-stage tissue expander and implant reconstruction may be suitable for most patients and it generally involves a fairly quick recovery and return to work.
You may be a suitable candidate for this type of reconstruction if:
- You have no available flap options.
- You do not wish to have a flap reconstruction.
- You have not had radiotherapy to the chest wall.
- You are having preventative mastectomies.
- You are having immediate reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Autologous breast reconstruction with a DIEP Flap:
DIEP stands for “deep inferior epigastric perforator”. It is named after the blood supply to the tissue that will be used to create a new breast. The donor site for this type of reconstruction is the abdomen. In this type of reconstruction muscle, skin and fat are taken from the abdominal area to create the shape of a new breast. Little to no abdominal musculature is sacrificed during the procedure, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative hernias or abdominal bulges.
Only your own skin and tissues are used for this type of reconstruction, therefore the result is very natural. This type of reconstruction will flatten the abdomen, and similar to a tummy tuck. The DIEP flap can also be used to reconstruct one or both breasts and generally offers much better symmetry for patients having a unilateral (one side) reconstruction.
FYI: This breast reconstruction surgery usually involves a longer hospital stay and recovery.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
590 5th Ave, Suite 1124
New York, NY 10036
(646) 350-1675