Surgical, General Anesthesia
Breast Reconstruction
CosmetiCare can perform breast reconstruction in Newport Beach to reshape the upper body, resulting in a more feminine, attractive appearance.
THE PROCEDURE
Healing Downtime
One to Two Weeks
Final Results
Four to Six Months
All About Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction enables you to restore your natural breast shape and size after undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy and can also help you enjoy enhanced symmetry. If you are interested in breast reconstruction in Newport Beach, our expert plastic surgeons at Cosmeticare can provide you with the best, natural-looking results.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical option to restore a more natural, symmetrical shape to your breast after mastectomy, a surgery that removes your breast to treat or prevent breast cancer. This procedure can be performed at the time of mastectomy, or in a procedure following the healing of a mastectomy or lumpectomy with the ultimate goal of helping you look (and feel) like yourself again.
Breast reconstruction can enable you to once again see those familiar curves in the mirror, leaving you with a body silhouette that enables you to feel attractive, alluring, and feminine. To learn more about breast reconstruction, reach out to our Newport Beach office and set up your consultation with a member of our team today.
Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy
In many cases, breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy. This can be a good time for breast reconstruction surgery, as the breast tissues are typically unharmed by radiation therapy or scarring. It will also save you from having to deal with more than just a single recovery period.
Your overall health will be taken into consideration before the decision is made to perform both mastectomy and breast reconstruction in Newport Beach at the same time. In most cases, it is best to know that the patient’s cancer, as far as can be determined, has been eliminated by mastectomy. During your consultation, you’ll work with a highly experienced member of our surgical team to decide on the approach that is best for you, your lifestyle, and your individual goals.
Breast Reconstruction Procedures
We utilize two primary reconstruction techniques to ensure the most ideal results, in addition to nipple reconstruction. During your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the technique that will most effectively address your main concerns. Since every breast reconstruction is different, your surgical plan will be customized and created to align with your personal cosmetic goals, your lifestyle, and your unique physical characteristics.
As such, your surgeon will explain your treatment plan in detail to you during your pre-procedural consultation, giving you a clear idea of what you can expect from both your surgical experience and your recovery period.
Implant-Based
The implant-based reconstruction technique utilizes an implant (either saline or silicone) to recreate the shape of the breast. This is the most common option for reconstruction and is often combined with the “tissue flap” technique for ideal results.
Implant + Natural Tissue
Combination procedures can be utilized, involving both implant & natural breast tissue. Your surgeon will walk you through the best game plan to treat your breast concerns during your consultation, and help you decide on the right technique for your goals.
Natural-Tissue Based
This technique, known as the “tissue flap” method, uses your own natural breast tissue (skin, fat, blood cells, muscle) from another part of the body (abdomen, buttock, or back) to rebuild the breast. While complicated, this technique creates very naturalistic results.
Nipple Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction may also entail reconstruction of your nipple so that you can enjoy a naturalistic and complete appearance. If you choose, nipple reconstruction can include tattooing to define the dark area of skin surrounding your nipple (areola).
Virtual Simulation — Try Before You Buy
Upload your photo and get a realistic preview of your potential breast reconstruction results, helping you make a confident, informed decision about your transformation.
Your Breast Reconstruction Recovery Process
Three to Four Weeks
For at least three to four weeks after your breast reconstruction in Newport Beach, you should be avoiding the following to help reduce bleeding, bruising, or swelling:
- Strenuous activity
- Repetitive arm motions
- Lifting, pulling, or pushing anything over 10 pounds
At around the four-week mark, your surgeon will clear you to start returning to regular activity.
Your Full Recovery
Here is what you can expect, in terms of the timetable for your full and final results:
- Four to six weeks for tissue expander placement or implant-based reconstruction
- Six to eight weeks for tissue-based reconstruction
During your consultation, you’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions and a clear recovery timeline so that you know exactly what to expect after your procedure.
Play Video
Breast Education 101
Enjoying Your Final Results
In general, your body frame and the technique utilized for your reconstruction will dictate the timetable for your ultimate results. If you’ve had reconstruction with implants, you’ll notice your results immediately. It will take longer to see results from flap reconstruction, as this technique involves larger incisions and more swelling. Reconstructed breasts can take three to six months, or more before you see the final size and appearance of your new breasts.
A Reputation for Excellence
CosmetiCare has been enjoying a well-earned reputation for excellence in Orange County and beyond, and we remain committed to creating the life-affirming results we know our patients deserve. When you visit CosmetiCare, you’ll meet a carefully selected team of award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons who are dedicated to exceeding your cosmetic expectations.
We’ve founded our practice on the principles of respect, quality, empowerment, and trust, offering you the first-class care that we know you deserve. If you’d like to learn more about the surgical and non-surgical methods by which we can help you realize your cosmetic dreams, reach out and set up your appointment at our Newport Beach location today.
Breast Reconstruction Testimonial
"I'm absolutely in love with my breasts again. I can rave enough about my experience with absolutely everyone in this office. Wish I could show pictures but trust me when I say I have beautiful breasts again like when I was 20. They might even be better!"
* Heike B.
Breast Reconstruction FAQ
How much is breast reconstruction in Newport Beach?
During your consultation for breast reconstruction in Newport Beach, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will prescribe the perfect treatment plan and provide you with an estimate to achieve your aesthetic goals. This procedure varies according to a wide range of factors, so we’ll help you understand your exact costs as we work with you to develop your treatment plan.
At CosmetiCare in Newport Beach, we also offer up to 24-month financing options to help our patients pay off the cost of their procedure over time. In just minutes, you can apply here to see what you are pre-qualified for before your consultation.
Why isn’t exact surgical procedure pricing available on the website?
Every patient’s anatomy is different and the complexity of each surgery varies from patient to patient as well as the total time in the operating room. We are able to give you a general range & starting price for the procedure however a consultation with our plastic surgeons will give you a closer estimate.
Can I have breast reconstruction without breast implants?
Yes, our Newport beach surgeons can perform breast reconstruction without breast implants.
A tissue flap procedure (also known as autologous tissue reconstruction) is a technique that uses tissue from other parts of your body, such as your tummy, back, thighs, or buttocks, to rebuild the breast shape. Tissue flaps generally look more natural and behave more like natural breast tissue than breast implants. For instance, they may get bigger or smaller as you gain or lose weight.
How long will breast reconstruction results last?
For breast reconstruction with breast implants, you’ll need to consider breast implant exchange at the 10 to 15 year mark to maintain breast health.
On the other hand, with the tissue flap method (also known as autologous tissue reconstruction) using your own tissue to recreate breast volume, your results should be long-lasting, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Normal aging of the skin and changes to its elasticity will occur over time in any case.
What do I need to know?
Breast reconstruction in Newport Beach often involves the use of breast implants. Our patients can choose between saline or silicone gel-filled implants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of silicone gel implants for those women who undergo breast reconstruction. Two-stage reconstruction is performed for patients whose skin and chest wall tissues are tight and flat.
- First, a tissue expander is implanted beneath the skin and chest muscle. The surgeon injects a salt-water solution into the expander over time at regular appointments.
- Once the skin has been stretched enough, surgery is again required to remove the expander and add a permanent breast implant.
The tissue flap procedure is an alternative to using breast implants. This technique involves using tissue from your abdomen, back, hip or buttocks for reconstruction. With either technique, after the breast has had time to heal, patients may have their nipples and areolas reconstructed. Tissue for this procedure is also taken from your own body, with the ideal color of the areola achieved via tattooing to match the other breast.
What is nipple reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction at CosmetiCare in Newport Beach is done after the reconstructed breast heals, usually three to four months after the initial reconstructive surgery. Your surgeon will cut “flaps” of skin from the breast or elsewhere on your body (like the abdomen), before forming it into a natural-looking nipple.
This technique looks as close to natural as possible but will not preserve nipple sensation. After your recovery, your surgeon will refer you to their preferred cosmetic tattoo artist to add the nipple and areola color as the final touch.
Will insurance cover breast reconstruction surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by insurance. However, health insurance providers are legally obligated in the U.S. to cover breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Do I have to be a breast cancer survivor to be an ideal candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?
While every patient is different, nearly all breast cancer survivors interested in breast reconstruction at CosmetiCare in Newport Beach are good candidates.
Am I supposed to have breast reconstruction surgery at the same time as my mastectomy/lumpectomy?
In most cases, reconstructed breast results are the same whether done during or after your mastectomy/lumpectomy.
How will I look & feel afterwards?
- Expect to feel sore and swollen for one to two weeks following implant reconstruction. Flap procedures may leave you sore longer.
- You will go home with surgical drains left in the breasts to help reduce residual fluid and bleeding that can build up following surgery.
- Medication prescribed by your physician will help minimize any discomfort.
- Reconstruction will not leave your breasts with the same feeling you had before your mastectomy. It can take up to two years for the tissues to completely heal and your scars to become less noticeable.
- Avoid lifting and strenuous activity for four to six weeks.
- You may return to work after six to eight weeks.
- Reconstruction does not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment and it does not affect breast cancer recurrence.
What else do I need to know?
The goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to improve your appearance. Perfection is not possible, but women appreciate that they can improve their appearance and restore their self-confidence with this procedure.
Request a consultation online today or give us a call to schedule your appointment to learn more about breast reconstruction at our Newport Beach office.
Additional Areas We Serve
Journey to the Best You
Here’s what to expect during your surgical journey with CosmetiCare:
Consultation
Discuss your options and ask any questions that you may have with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Simulation
Want to see your New Look Now? Virtually “try on” any procedure free of cost using our photo simulation tool.
Surgery
Get ready to look & feel your best with one of our renowned board-certified plastic surgeons performing your surgery.
Recovery
Trust our staff to guide you through the recovery process, providing tips and tools to make it as smooth as possible.
