Breast Reconstruction in Beverly Hills, CA

Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision and process, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Double board-certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Trott performs safe and efficient breast reconstruction procedures and incorporates the latest aesthetic techniques to maximize the final appearance of the reconstructive work. Our goal at Suzanne A. Trott, MD, FACS in Beverly Hills, CA is to produce a finished result that will be as natural and comfortable for you as possible. The technology for breast reconstruction has advanced considerably in recent years. Techniques and procedures now exist that allow the creation of a reconstructed breast that looks and feels very much like a native breast. Below, please find information on the various breast reconstruction procedures offered by Dr. Trott and answers to many of the common questions we receive. We value you as a patient and we strive to help you understand this information so that you can make a more knowledgeable decision about what is individually best for you.

Breast reconstruction surgery is common to restore one or both breasts after:

• A mastectomy or lumpectomy
• A traumatic injury that damaged the breast tissue
• Congenital/birth defects such as tubular or unsymmetrical breasts
• Extreme weight loss

There are currently 2 ways of creating a new breast with Dr. Trott:

1) Using tissue expanders and implants for reconstruction

Expander/implant reconstruction is the most common reconstruction performed after a total mastectomy (breast removal surgery). First the expander is placed immediately at the time of mastectomy. Then over the next 2 – 3 months it is expanded with saline at weekly office visits. These expansions cause minimal to no discomfort. The expansion is completed when you and Dr. Trott have reached the goal volume for your new breast(s). Then at a second surgery the saline-filled expander is removed and replaced with a natural-feeling silicone implant. At that time, the other breast can be lifted and/or augmented to match your new reconstructed breast. It is possible in selected cases to do the entire procedure in one stage. Dr. Trott will discuss whether or not you are a candidate for this if it is something that interests you. The nipple reconstruction is usually performed at the second surgery or several months later. For the new nipple, Dr. Trott fashions a local skin flap that does not require skin grafts from anywhere else on your body. This procedure usually takes about 45 minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. This entire expander/implant reconstructive process can take approximately 3 – 6 months to complete.

A tissue expander may also be placed at the time of the initial mastectomy as a temporary spacer in the chest if radiation therapy will be required. The tissue expander may be removed and replaced with a breast reconstruction flap at a later date. This allows for the preservation of the maximum amount of chest wall skin while sparing the flap the potentially damaging effects of the radiation therapy.

2) Using your own tissue

Your own tissue may be transferred to create a new breast from another portion of the body, such as the abdomen, where excess skin and fat is less desired. The tissue transferred collectively is known as a "flap." A breast reconstructed from your own tissue will look and feel much like a native breast that has had a breast lift. It will gain and lose weight with you and age just like the rest of your body.

Immediate breast reconstruction is breast reconstruction that is performed during the same procedure as the initial mastectomy. The breast is reconstructed during the same surgery and allows you to awaken from surgery with a new breast.

Delayed reconstruction means that the mastectomy, lumpectomy or other breast procedure has been performed in the past, or if circumstances, such as the need for radiation therapy, may be a contraindication to immediate reconstruction. Breast reconstruction may have been attempted or completed with tissue expanders or implants with which you may be unhappy.

To create a tissue flap, the surgeon will remove a section of skin, fat, and muscle from one area of the body to move it to the breast. Tissue may be taken from the abdomen, upper back, or buttocks. Surgeons may also use a tissue expander to gradually enlarge and open space for an implant. When the skin has been stretched to the needed size, the expander will be removed and replaced with either a silicone or saline implant.

The Women's Health and Cancer Act (WHCA) was signed into federal law in 1998 and requires that health insurance companies cover breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. For more information on this law and breast cancer, please visit www.cancer.org.

We understand that losing the breasts as a result of a cancer or an accident can result in lowered self-esteem, but having a breast reconstruction surgery may help your physical and emotional recovery. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation and learn about your breast reconstruction options.