Options for Reconstruction After Bilateral Mastectomy?

After a bilateral mastectomy has been performed, what breast reconstruction options will provide the most natural look?

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Bilateral Mastectomy Reconstruction

The two major categories for breast reconstruction are 1) implant-based and 2) autologous (using your own tissue). With proper patient selection, we obtain outstanding results with both modalities. However, reconstruction is a process that requires some steps to achieve the best results. Options will include Saline/Silicone Gel implants, Autologous reconstruction with DIEP or SIEA or TRAM flaps, etc. There are pro's and con's to each option. No single reconstruction is the best... more

Most Natural Look after Bilateral Mastectomy

In my opinion, the most natural look and feel will come with use of your own tissue for reconstruction. In order to perform this procedure, you must have an adequate donor area to provide you with your desired cup size. The most common donor site is the abdomen, where we typically perform a muscle preserving DIEP Flap. Other donor sites include the buttocks (GAP Flap) and Inner Thighs (TUG Flap). If you are not a candidate for tissue... more

Breast reconstruction can involve implants, the body's own tissue (a flap) or a combination of these options

After a mastectomy for breast cancer or for risk-reducing surgery (BRCA gene positive women or those who wish to reduce their personal risk of breast cancer), there are a variety of options for breast reconstruction: Nipple-sparing mastectomy - provides the most natural results and allows reconstruction of the entire breast in a single operation Implant-based reconstruction - I specialize in a single-stage approach using adjustable permanent implants Flap-based... more

Breast Reconstruction

This requires your visiting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or surgeon who does a lot of these and can explore all your options. They will need to examine you and offer advice based on your previous therapy and what options are best for you now.

Breast reconstruction options

There are many forms of breast reconstruction options including using autologous tissue usinf perforator flaps, other forms of free flaps, as well as pedicled flaps like a TRAM. Other forms of reconstruction include tissue expanders and then exchanged for implants.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction

The most natural look is with your own tissue, but that will depend on your doner site availability. it also means a longer operation. i generally suggest that you start with expander /implant reconstructions. they are easier on you and symetry is fairly easy to achieve. all reconstruction choices have their own set of complications. find an experienced surgeon in your community and he will help you with your choices

Bilateral breast reconstruction options

As a presumably non-radiated patient, you have all options open to you. Tissue reconstructions can be shaped and reshaped and feel warm and natural. These are the best reconstructions in the right candidate but involve more scars and much more technical skill from the surgeon. Bilateral implant reconstructions are easier and can usually look reasonably symmetrical too. Implants carry long-term baggage like scar tissue, deflation/rupture. Make sure you see... more

Immediate bilateral DIEP flap or other autologous breast reconstruction

If you are looking for the most natural result,autologous breast reconstruction is the best option. You will get the best cosmetic result if your oncologial breast surgeon can do nipple sparing mastectomy and get immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. All depends on your breast cancer and if you need radiation after mastectomy. You can send more information about your breast cancer stage and your pictures for more evaluation. I prefer DIEP flap since your abdominal muscle left intact unlike... more

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Best results for bilateral breast reconstruction with implants

To begin, the best time to discuss reconstruction is before the mastectomies, since in many cases the reconstruction can be done at the same time. When both sides are done, it is easier to get a symmetrical and natural result with implants, but it can be more difficult to match an implant reconstruction to the opposite breast. Flap procedures are lengthier operations with a longer recovery time and of course this doubles for bilateral mastectomy. If you go the implant route, the use of an... more

The most natural look reconstruction

TRAM Flap would be the most natural. But I believe that the persons life style has an impact . If you are an athlete than the use of core muscle can affect your quality of life. Being young vs old and mobility can impact where you want to be when it is all over. If down time matters than implant - expander reconstruction would be a good option. After balancing the options, using the tissue vs implants , will have to be balance. Having said that, TRAM flap will be the most... more

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Since this question has come up frequently My answer is what I tell my patients about their options in breast reconstruction BREAST RECONSTRUCTION Breast reconstruction is performed to reconstruct the breast after breast cancer. Facing reconstruction surgery along with a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming. However, with today’s technology and medical approaches there are options today that weren’t available years ago. Breast reconstruction is... more

Bilateral mastectomy reconstruction

The gold standard is an autologous flap reconstruction although you need to be thoroughly evaulated to see if you are a candidate. Bilateral implants are easier but has their own set of potential side effectsand risks. You need a consultatiohn with an experienced plastic surgeon who has experience with multiple techniques and types of patients. Robin T.W. Yuan. M.D.