Am I a Good Candidate for Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction?

You may be a good candidate for aesthetic breast reconstruction if you:

Have had a mastectomy for cancer treatment or prophylaxis
Have undergone or are planning a lumpectomy and radiation with volume loss or contour irregularities
Are dissatisfied with prior breast reconstruction results
Desire improved symmetry and a more natural appearance
Are in overall good health and cleared medically for surgery

Breast reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or months to years later (delayed reconstruction). Patient preference, medical conditions, and ongoing cancer treatments all play a role in determining the best timing and approach.

A consultation is the best way to create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs. Dr. Fearmonti will guide you through the safest and most appropriate options for your situation.

What Reconstruction Options Are Available?

Aesthetic breast reconstruction is highly individualized and may involve one or a combination of advanced techniques:

Partial Breast Reconstruction:

Lumpectomy and radiation (breast conservation therapy) can lead to tightening of the skin, volume loss, and contour irregularities.

Techniques used may include:

Oncoplastic tissue rearrangement
Fat grafting to restore volume and contour
Local flap procedures to improve shape
Procedures on the unaffected breast (such as a lift or reduction) to restore symmetry

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

This is typically a two-stage procedure:

A tissue expander (temporary implant) is placed at the time of mastectomy to preserve and gradually expand the skin
Expansion occurs over time in-office based on patient comfort
A second surgery replaces the expander with a permanent implant

These procedures are generally shorter surgeries with a brief hospital stay. However, implants may not be recommended in patients requiring radiation therapy.

Autologous (Your Own Tissue) Reconstruction

Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue to recreate a natural breast mound.

Options include:

Latissimus dorsi flap (tissue from the back, sometimes combined with an implant)
Abdominal-based flaps (TRAM, DIEP, SIEA)
Thigh-based flaps (TUG)
Gluteal flaps (SGAP, IGAP)

These procedures may involve microsurgery (free flap reconstruction), where tissue is transferred and reconnected to blood vessels in the chest.

Autologous reconstruction often provides a more natural look and feel but involves longer surgical time and recovery. Most patients experience minimal long-term functional impact.

Procedure Details

Procedure Time: Varies depending on reconstruction type and complexity

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Optional Add-Ons: Fat grafting, Breast lift or reduction (contralateral breast), Nipple-areola reconstruction

Surgical Services

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