BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IN BATON ROUGE, LA
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can be a life changing procedure for women who have had a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Thanks to advances in plastic surgery, there are many interventions available to give women natural reconstructed breasts that meet their aesthetic preferences. Plastic surgeons may utilize typical breast implants, or autologous techniques where tissue used to form the new breast mound is borrowed from other parts of the body. You can rest assured that there is a reconstruction technique that will suit your body, needs, and preferences.
Baton Rouge plastic surgeon Dr. Ruston Sanchez understands that struggling with the scourge of cancer is hard enough. The surgeon takes a keen interest in breast reconstruction patients and works diligently to create a treatment plan that fits your schedule, and that will give you the desired outcome. Dr. Ruston has helped numerous women from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Hammond, New Orleans, and surrounding Louisiana areas feel whole again with reconstruction breast surgery.
Is breast reconstruction for me?
Choosing whether to have a breast reconstruction performed is a highly personal choice. Many women need to have in-depth consultations with their plastic surgeon before undergoing this procedure. It is important that you have realistic expectations about what this procedure can achieve, and be in good enough health for a full recovery.
Dr. Ruston will carefully listen to your concerns and help chart a path forward. The surgeon will break down the treatment approach, discuss the method of surgery, and let you know what to expect during recovery. With each one of his breast reconstruction patients, Dr. Ruston aims to achieve an attractive, natural appearance that resembles your original breasts. Indeed, many Baton Rouge women who have had one or both breasts removed record an improvement in their quality of life after receiving this procedure.
Timing your breast reconstruction
You may have your reconstruction breast surgery at the same time as the mastectomy (where medically possible), or at a later date. Some women feel that having an immediate reconstruction makes them feel better and improved their self-confidence once they come out of the mastectomy. More so, immediate reconstruction means fewer surgeries, less scars, and combined healing. The breast skin also accommodates the new breast mound better if you have an immediate reconstruction. In some other cases though, it may be better to give your body adequate time to recover from the mastectomy and have a delayed reconstruction at a future date.
Dr. Ruston’s Approach
Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure. Dr. Ruston will guide you through the way right form your initial consultation to full recovery. The surgeon understands the benefits of various surgical methods and will discuss the best options for your needs. During the surgery, Dr. Ruston employs his extensive experience and immense skill in breast reconstruction to achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing the risk of scarring and other complications. Once the surgery is complete, you will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two so that the surgeon and his team can monitor your progress.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Plastic surgeons can perform breast reconstruction either using artificial implants or tissue borrowed from other parts of your body. Dr. Ruston will help you choose the most beneficial approach for you while taking into account your overall health, breast size, medical treatments you need in future, body shape, and speed of recovery.
Implant breast reconstruction
This entails using implants to achieve the new breast shape and size. Implant reconstruction may be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, or at a later date. The plastic surgeon will insert a silicone gel or saline implant in the breast pocket to rebuild the breast. Implants are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and Dr. Ruston will help you choose the best one to suit your requirements. Breast reconstruction using implants may be a good option if you want to avoid incision in other areas of the body (donor sites), do not require radiation therapy in the future, or want to have a faster recovery time.
Autologous breast reconstruction
This type of breast reconstruction (flap technique) entails using flaps of tissue (fat, skin, and sometimes muscle) borrowed from donor sites in the patient’s body. Flap reconstruction leads to a more natural (and permanent) outcome because the new breast is formed using tissue from the patient’s own body. Keep in mind though that flap reconstruction requires more extensive surgery and takes longer to heal.
- DIEP Reconstruction – this is a newer (and very popular) procedure where the plastic surgeon uses donor tissue extracted from the abdominal area. Skin and fat are extracted and reattached to blood vessels in the chest to form the new breast. This is a complex procedure that requires expertise in microsurgery. Since the abdominal muscle is not used in the procedure, the patient retains strength while also gaining some of the benefits of a tummy tuck. DIEP surgery is only suitable for patients who have enough extra tissue in the abdominal area to form the new breast mound.
- TRAM Flap – this is similar to a DIEP flap in that donor tissue is extracted from the abdomen. However, the donor tissue includes a part of the abdominal muscle, which lengthens recovery and may lead to a loss of strength in the belly area.
- PAP Flap – this autologous reconstruction technique uses skin, fat, and muscle tissue borrowed from the inner thigh region.
- Latissimus Dorsi Flap – this autologous reconstruction technique uses skin, muscle, and fat borrowed from the back which is rotated to the chest. It is sometimes used in conjunction with implant reconstruction in the setting of radiation and/or as a salvage reconstructive procedure after a failed reconstruction.
- Composite Flap – in cases where there is not enough tissue in one donor site, plastic surgeons may borrow the reconstruction tissue from various parts of the body.
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction
It is not uncommon to feel tired and sore over the first few weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help alleviate the pain and discomfort. Drainage tubes may be inserted in the treatment area for a few days to help get rid of excess fluids. Dr. Ruston will require you to wear an elastic compression garment to control the swelling and support your new breasts as they heal. The surgeon will let you know how to care for your incision sites and scars after full recovery. Silicone based ointments or sheets may be used to reduce the appearance of scars after your Baton Rouge breast expansion. The surgeon will also provide other detailed instructions for a speedy recovery. Most women can resume their regular daily routine within 6 weeks after this surgery. However, it will be months until you feel completely healed. Dr. Ruston and his team will be available to answer all your questions and hold your hand throughout the recovery process.
Your Initial LA Breast Reconstruction Consultation
Your initial consultation with LA plastic surgeon Dr. Ruston Sanchez is the perfect opportunity to air all your questions and learn as much as you can about this procedure. The surgeon will discuss your concerns and expectations from breast reconstruction. Physical examination will be conducted, and your current health taken into account. Once the surgeon has all the information – including your medical history – he will create a treatment plan that is considerate of your needs and schedule.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Plan your Breast Reconstruction in Baton Rouge
Dr. Ruston Sanchez performs breast reconstruction at accredited medical facilities and is supported by a team of highly qualified support staff. The cost of breast reconstruction in Baton Rouge varies depending on the surgical method, facility fees, and other factors.
Meet Dr. Ruston Sanchez
Dr. Ruston is a board-certified LA plastic surgeon who has got the skills to deliver a highly satisfactory breast reconstruction. Many of his breast reconstruction experience an improvement in their confidence and quality of life. Dr. Ruston takes each patient case as unique and works diligently to achieve the best procedure outcome with faster surgery time, smallest scar possible, and minimal risk of complications. Get in touch with Dr. Ruston’s office today to schedule a consultation.
