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NYC Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction Videos

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Breast Reconstruction in NYC

Women in NYC who are seeking breast reconstruction surgery require the assistance of an experienced reconstructive surgeon. Whether your reconstruction is precipitated by a mastectomy or a congenital defect of your breast (such as tuberous breast deformity or Poland’s syndrome), corrective surgery is available.

The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore your breast(s) to a normal shape, appearance and size following surgery, trauma, disease or congenital defects. This is a highly individualized process that may require several surgeries.

For many of Dr. Naidu’s patients, the decision to have breast reconstruction is about more than their breasts. The choice to have breast reconstruction is a way to take control of their body during a difficult medical journey. It is a decision to feel more feminine and confident. Dr. Naidu’s goal is to help her patients understand their options, so that every woman can look and feel her best.

Breast Reconstruction Following a Mastectomy

Reconstruction following mastectomy may be performed immediately following the initial surgical procedure or at a later date. Beginning the reconstruction process at the time of the mastectomy can decrease the emotional trauma of the mastectomy. Dr. Naidu will help you determine the best timing of breast reconstruction based on your medical needs, your anatomy, and your preference.

Patients who are candidates for mastectomy are generally referred to Dr. Naidu by their breast surgeon. If you do not yet have a breast surgeon, but have been advised that you require a mastectomy, Dr. Naidu will be happy to refer you to one of her oncological surgery colleagues.

Breast Reconstruction – Your 1st Consultation with Dr. Naidu in NYC

The first part of your breast reconstruction process is a comprehensive consultation in our NYC office. Dr. Naidu will learn about your goals for your breast reconstruction.

At that time of your visit, Dr. Naidu will review your medical history and perform an examination of your breasts. She will explain your options for reconstruction and whether you are a good candidate. Your options for reconstruction depend on your anatomy, preference, and any additional therapy that may be required. Dr. Naidu will fully answer your questions and address your concerns about breast reconstruction.

At this appointment we will also take pre-operative photographs. These photographs are an important part of your surgical planning and are considered part of your medical record. They will never be shown to other patients without your written permission.

The decision to have breast reconstruction is highly personal. Dr. Naidu’s goal is to help you fully understand your options and to support your decision, whether or not you decide to proceed with breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction – Your 2nd Consultation with Dr. Naidu in NYC

If you decide to proceed with breast reconstruction, you will have a second consultation with Dr. Naidu in our NYC office. At this appointment, Dr. Naidu will explain your surgery in detail. You will understand how your breast reconstruction will affect the size, shape and volume of your breasts. Dr. Naidu will also explain the length of your surgery, the location of your incisions, and what to expect during your recovery.

Depending on your medical history, Dr. Naidu may advise you to discontinue certain medications prior to surgery. If you are a smoker, you must not smoke for four weeks before or after the surgery. For your safety, Dr. Naidu may request your medical records and may order additional screening tests.

Options for Breast Reconstruction

Implant Reconstruction

The most common type of breast reconstruction is implant reconstruction. This procedure has a shorter recovery time than flap reconstruction and can sometimes be completed in one step.

The downside of implant reconstruction is that it requires a longer preparation time. If you have had a mastectomy or you have very tight tissues in conjunction with the tuberous breast deformity, you may not have enough breast tissue to place an implant immediately. Implant reconstruction sometimes requires a period of tissue expansion to stretch out the skin and allow placement of permanent implant at a later time. The tissue expander acts like a “balloon” which is placed beneath the skin and pectoralis muscle. Through a small valve in the expander, salt water is periodically injected to gradually fill the expander over a period of 2-3 months.

After a waiting period 3 months, which allows the skin to accommodate to its new size, you will have a second surgery. At this time the expander is replaced with a permanent implant. (The implant size and material are chosen at your consultation.)

Flap Reconstruction

Flap reconstruction uses tissue from another part of your body to create a new breast. This is a more extensive surgery than implant reconstruction, because your muscle and tissues are being used to create the flap. Flap reconstruction also creates more visible scarring. However flap reconstruction is an ideal choice for someone who wants more natural-feeling breasts, doesn’t want the maintenance involved with implants, or doesn’t have enough skin available for implant reconstruction. Dr. Naidu recommends that flap surgery be performed in the hospital, and she will be able to refer you to the appropriate surgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center if this is your preference.

Good Candidates for Breast Reconstruction in NYC

You are a good candidate for breast reconstruction if you would like to restore your breasts to a more natural shape, have realistic expectations for the procedure, and do not have a condition that will impede healing. You also need to have good skin quality. Patients who have had radiation may have a difficult time expanding their skin to accommodate implants.

Having realistic expectations is essential. Your reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation as your natural breast tissue and will not look exactly like your natural breasts. You may require additional procedures to re-create the nipple-areolar complex.

The use of implants has risks and requires additional monitoring with yearly examinations. In our experience, despite these drawbacks, most women are extremely happy with their decision to have breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery in NYC – The Process

Breast reconstruction is performed using general anesthesia. The breast reconstruction process is highly individualized and may require several surgeries. During your consultation, Dr. Naidu will explain her surgical plan and make sure that you understand the details of your surgery.

Your first reconstructive surgery may be performed in a hospital setting and may require a short hospital stay. Additional surgeries, if required, may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.

Additional surgery may be required for minor revisions to the reconstructed breast. In the case of reconstructive surgery, where the goal is to match your opposite breast, surgery may be needed to enlarge, reduce, or lift the unaffected breast.

Breast Reconstruction Recovery in NYC

You will wake up from your breast reconstruction with a surgical bra and dressings. Dr. Naidu will give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery. She will give you prescriptions for pain management, as well as instructions about how to take care of your incisions. Immediately following surgery, you will need assistance with personal activities.

Dr. Naidu will describe what to expect during your recovery, which varies widely depending upon the procedure and the individual patient. In general, implant reconstruction patients return to normal activities more quickly than flap breast reconstruction patients.

Breast reconstruction surgery is major surgery and post-surgical assistance will be required. We strongly recommend that you create a plan to take care of yourself and your family, so that you can focus on your recovery.

Cost of Breast Reconstruction Surgery in NYC

The Women’s Health Act of 1998 requires group and individual health insurance plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction surgery. This includes reconstruction of the breast on which mastectomy has been performed; surgery and reconstruction on the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and implants.

We will provide you with specific information about possible insurance coverage after your consultation with Dr. Naidu. Please call our NYC office at 212-452-1230 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Choosing Dr. Naidu for Breast Reconstruction in NYC

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast comprise a large part of Dr. Naidu’s NYC surgical practice. She has a special interest in breast augmentation and in reconstruction of the breast. Dr. Naidu offers her patients the full range of breast implants.

Dr. Naidu completed her undergraduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University and obtained her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. After completing her general surgery and plastic surgery training at New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medical Center, she performed an additional year of fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Naidu is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Additional Information On Breast Reconstruction in NYC

Breast reconstruction is available for patients both following mastectomy for breast cancer and for congenital defects of the breast, including tuberous breast deformity and Poland’s syndrome. Reconstruction following mastectomy may be performed immediately following the initial surgical procedure, or at a later date. Immediate breast reconstruction allows the patient to awaken from surgery with a breast mound already in place, sparing her the experience of seeing herself without a breast. There are several options for reconstruction, which include implant reconstruction or reconstruction with your own tissues (autologous reconstruction). The determination of the appropriate reconstruction for a given patient is dependent upon her body type, preference, and additional therapy that may be required for the treatment of breast cancer.

At that time of your visit, Dr. Naidu will review your medical history, perform an examination of the breast and body, and make a recommendation based upon these factors. Your questions and concerns regarding breast reconstruction will be fully addressed.

Recovery varies depending upon the procedure and the individual patient. Implant reconstruction patients generally return to normal activities more quickly than autologous breast reconstruction patients. Additional surgery may be required for minor revisions to the reconstructed breast. Because the goal of reconstructive breast surgery is to match your opposite breast, an additional operation to enlarge, reduce, or lift the remaining breast may be suggested.

Breast Reconstruction FAQs

Do Breast Reconstruction Tissue Expanders Cause Pain As They Expand?

Tissue expanders can be uncomfortable for 24-48 hours after they have been expanded, as the tissue is being placed on tension. You can take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil or Aleve to relieve pain.

How Long Should Tissue Expanders Be in Place?

Tissue expanders are usually inflated over a period of 2-3 months, depending on desired size, and then left to allow the tissue to accommodate for another 3 months prior to being replaced with a permanent implant.

Aesthetically Ideal Areola Size, How to Calculate?

The aesthetically ideal areola is considered to range from 38-45 mm in diameter. Specific instruments are used during surgery to reproduce this size with a round shape.

How Much Fluid Should Be Draining in a Day in Order for my Jp Drains to Be Taken Out?

Most surgeons like to see less than 30 ml per day per drain prior to removal.

Are There Nipple Implants for Breast Reconstruction?

We do not use nipple implants, but can inject fat or even hyaluronic acid to give them more volume after reconstruction.

How to Fix Pain from Scar Tissue After Breast Reconstruction?

In some cases any pain associated with scarring will resolve with time, but if not, fat taken from your own body can sometimes be injected into the scar to soften the site, which in turn may relieve discomfort.

What Are My Options for Filling an Indentation Left After Lumpectomy?

Following lumpectomy, you may notice areas with indentations or depressions where the tissue was removed. These areas can be reconstructed with fat grafting, or for larger areas, with an implant.

Should Reconstruction Expanders Move Under the Skin?

In general, expanders are relatively fixed under the breast skin and muscle, and there should be minimal to no movement. If you do note significant motion, there may be fluid around the implant and your surgeon should be notified.

Implants Too Small After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

If you feel that your reconstructed breasts are too small following reconstruction, you can have them exchanged to larger implants in the future. It is best to wait until all swelling has resolved prior to deciding on a return to the operating room.

Will Insurance Cover Implant Exchange under Cancer Mastectomy Reconstruction? Is the Procedure Realistic?

A law was passed by Congress in 1998 which mandates that all insurance companies cover breast reconstruction surgery for cancer as well as symmetrizing surgery to the opposite breast, if needed. This extends to any additional procedures required for reconstruction, including implant exchange and nipple-areolar reconstruction.

Schedule a Breast Reconstruction Consultation in NYC

Our office is conveniently located at 1021 Park Avenue in NYC. If you’d like to learn more about breast reconstruction at our NYC office with Dr. Naidu please call our office at 212-452-1230 and schedule an appointment.

 

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