Breast Reconstruction Results

The results of breast reconstruction can be extremely rewarding. Although both breasts won’t be identical, secondary procedures can help address inconsistencies and further restore confidence and well-being.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Results and Outcomes

Results and outcomes of breast reconstruction surgery will vary and are dependant upon individual cases. Some women will undergo multiple surgeries to achieve a desired look and may choose to have their natural breasts altered to look more like their reconstructed breasts.

Flap Reconstruction

Flap breast reconstruction is popular among women who want their reconstructed breast to look and feel natural. The breast mound is made from existing tissue on the body through one of four flap breast reconstruction techniques: TRAM flap, DIEP flap, latissimus dorsi flap, or gluteal flap. Depending on the amount of available tissue, a breast implant may have to be used in conjunction with flap reconstruction.

Some downfalls that are unique to flap breast reconstruction are an increased healing time, more time spent in surgery, and scars at both the flap donor site and the breast mound. However, many patients are willing to commit to this tradeoff, as the new breast mound will look and feel very much like a natural breast

Flap reconstruction is not recommended for women with large breasts or women who are very thin because there typically won’t be enough tissue available to construct a breast mound.

As with all breast reconstruction surgeries, flap reconstruction offers no guarantee that the new breast mound will retain feeling. Little to no feeling is normal, but the presence of two breasts instead of one is enough to restore a sense of wholeness to most patients.

Implant Reconstruction

Implant breast reconstruction using saline breast implants or silicone breast implants has a shorter healing time than flap reconstruction and provides a youthful, attractive shape to the breast mound. However, the breast mound will not look exactly the same as the remaining breast. Because of this, many patients alter their remaining natural breast to achieve greater symmetry. Implant breast reconstruction requires multiple visits to the doctor’s office, as a tissue expander is gradually filled with liquid to stretch the skin and make room for the new breast mound. This ongoing treatment can be an inconvenience for some women.

Secondary surgical procedures are available to patients who wish to have nipple reconstruction or further breast reconstruction procedures. Implant breast reconstruction cannot return feeling to the breast mound, but it can help to restore a sense of wholeness and femininity to many patients.

Find a Plastic Surgeon through DocShop

The breast reconstruction surgery information provided by DocShop is intended to inform patients about their surgical options. Because each individual is different, we recommend that you contact a qualified surgeon to answer any personal questions you may have. DocShop makes it easy to find cosmetic plastic surgeons in your area through our online directory.