Breast Reconstruction

For many women, breast reconstruction following a mastectomy is a way to restore their body and put cancer in their past. Breast reconstruction signals a return to normalcy and can be a powerful booster for self-esteem and self-image.

If you desire breast reconstruction, you should trust your surgery to a skilled surgeon with extensive expertise in the field. Dr. Chance Kaplan, with offices based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is an expert in reconstructive surgery and will help you regain the shape that cancer took away. His compassionate and caring nature makes him easy to talk to, and you will feel confident putting yourself in his talented hands.

Call our office at 954-772-1069 today to schedule your consultation.

The Breast Reconstruction Surgery Consultation

You will begin the process of breast reconstruction with an initial consultation. This is an opportunity for you to get to know Dr. Kaplan and for him to understand your goals and expectations for this surgery. He will ask you questions about your mastectomy and ask for permission to discuss your surgery with your oncologist and the surgeon who performed your mastectomy.

Dr. Kaplan will talk to you about what you can realistically expect from breast reconstruction surgery. While there are many things it can do, including giving you back your feminine figure, there are some things that breast reconstruction cannot do. Breasts that have been reconstructed are unlikely to have the same sensation or feel as your breast that was removed although some sensation may return with time. You are also likely to always have visible lines on your breasts. Depending on the location of your donor site, you may have scarring in that area as well.

It’s important that you understand the procedure well before you make your decision. Ask Dr. Kaplan any questions you might have so that you can be sure that you are making the decision that is best for you and your body.

Your Breast Reconstruction Procedure

Every breast reconstruction procedure is different, but there are some elements that are the same. While your surgery is likely to be performed at our state-of-the-art Fort Lauderdale facility, Dr. Kaplan may opt to perform the surgery at a local Fort Lauderdale hospital. This decision will be made prior to your surgery.

Breast reconstruction usually involves tissue removed from a donor site elsewhere on your body because there is typically not enough tissue remaining on the chest wall for an implant to be appropriately supported. A variety of flap techniques are commonly used that take tissue from the abdomen, the back or the buttock. Some of these techniques allow the tissue to remain attached to the blood supply. These techniques will typically allow you to keep the most sensation in the reconstructed breast.

Breast reconstruction is not usually completed in one session. Once the tissue is moved into place, an expander is used to allow the tissue to comfortably stretch to the point where it is possible to place an implant. This process may take up to six months. The expander may serve as a permanent implant, or a second surgery will be required to remove the expander and place the silicone or saline implant.

If nipple reconstruction is to be part of your breast reconstruction procedure, a number of techniques are available that allow a nipple and areola to be constructed from donor tissue and then grafted into place.

Recovery from Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction is major surgery. Dr. Kaplan will discuss the anticipated length of time for your recovery, which will vary depending on the extent of reconstruction and the location of the donor site.

Follow Dr. Kaplan’s instructions carefully and don’t attempt to do too much too soon. Your body has been through a lot, and it deserves time to heal. Take your prescriptions as directed and attend your follow-up appointments so that Dr. Kaplan can check your progress.

Call our Fort Lauderdale clinic today at 954-772-1069 to schedule your breast reconstruction consultation with Dr. Kaplan.

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