After a mastectomy, women have a variety of surgical and non- surgical options available to restore their breasts. These options include prosthesis, autologous reconstruction (using a patient's own tissues) and implant. In addition, women who have already undergone a reconstruction and are dissatisfied or uncomfortable also have the option to convert into a different type and improve their outcomes.
Autologous breast reconstruction recreates a natural-looking and natural-feeling breast using your own body's tissues. This type of surgery involves transferring or "auto-transplanting" tissue (skin and fat) - usually from the lower abdomen - to the breast, while keeping the tissue alive by using microsurgery to connect it to blood vessels in the chest. Alternative donor sites for autologous reconstruction include the inner thigh, flanks, and even buttocks. Although it began in the 1980s, microsurgical breast reconstruction continues to improve and evolve and remains at the cutting edge of reconstructive techniques.
Patients should discuss all options, goals, and potential complications with their plastic surgeon to determine which method is the safest and delivers the best outcome based on their body type and their medical history. Any patient interested in breast reconstruction should consider both autologous and implant-based techniques. Most women are excellent candidates, and no one should rule themselves out before having a consultation with a specialist.
At UPMC Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery in Mechanicsburg, Dr. D’Agostino and Dr. Lu are ready to offer any type of breast reconstruction to our patients. For more information, call our office at 717-988-8020.
950 Woodland St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-988-8020
