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Breast Reconstruction

About this procedure

When a woman’s breast has been lost, fortunately, there are surgical procedures available to restore a mound of tissue, on the front of the chest, to resemble a natural breast.


Cancer of the breast is a common malignancy among women. Removal of the breast (mastectomy) offers the best chance for a cure; however, the result is disfiguring. A woman who has had a mastectomy can live without a breast, of course; however, the loss of one or both breasts can be a severe blow to a woman’s sense of femininity and self-worth. It can lead to a sense of incompleteness and oftentimes depression. Stuffing a bra with padding or a prosthesis cannot replace what the patient has lost. In most cases, a reasonable breast mound, as well as an attractive nipple, can be created surgically.


Reconstruction of the nipple involves creating a projection for the central portion of the nipple (the papilla) from local tissue into a tubular shape; then the circular pigmented area is created called the areola. The areola can be created either from a graft of pigmented skin from a distant site, or it can be created by the use of permanent skin pigments (tattoo).


If there is sufficient local tissue after mastectomy, a mound may be created using an expander/implant, after which a nipple is reconstructed. If more soft tissue is required, fat injection grafting can be used to enhance the result in breast reconstruction.

Things to avoid in Breast Reconstruction:

There are a number of carefully designed operations, which, depending on your circumstance, may apply. In some cases, a saline expander is inserted under the muscle at the time of mastectomy and subsequently inflated. In other procedures, the patient’s own tissues are transferred from one site into the breast position, or a combination is used. Some procedures require the use of a breast implant; others do not. Careful use of a patient’s own tissue is important in all breast reconstruction.


When transposing a flap (segment of skin and fat) of the patient’s own tissue, an independent blood supply (pedicle) is required. A flap of tissue is brought to the front of the chest from a distant site and formed to look like a breast. If lower abdominal skin and fat are used, sufficient volume can usually be achieved without the use of an implant. This operation is called the Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous Flap (TRAM flap). Skin and subcutaneous island flap are transferred on a muscle carrier for blood supply.


An alternative flap involving muscle, fat, and skin taken from the back is called the Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDM flap). Using the broad fan-like muscle of the back, this can be rotated around to the front of the chest with an island of skin and subcutaneous tissue and together with an implant create a sufficient mound. Every effort is made to equalize the breasts. If the opposite breast is too large it can be reduced in size. Fortunately, the use of muscle pedicle flap is well tolerated and provides little disability to the patient.

Related Procedures:

*All post-operative pictures are of real patients of Fairbanks Plastic Surgery. Identifiable images are used with patient or parent of patient permission.

Meet Grant A. Fairbanks, MD

Board Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.

Meet

Grant A. Fairbanks, MD

Board Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.

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Office Address

10382 S Jordan Gateway Suite 100

South Jordan, UT 84095

Business Hours

Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm

Click To Call Office Number

Office Address

10382 S Jordan Gateway Suite 100

South Jordan, UT 84095

Business Hours

Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm

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