Breast reconstruction surgery is a critical aspect of regaining your emotional health after breast cancer surgery. If you're considering breast reconstruction in San Antonio please schedule a consultation.
Breast Reconstruction Menu:
Advanced Breast Reconstruction Techniques
The surgeons at Hill Country Plastic Surgery have the most advanced surgical techniques to perform breast reconstruction surgery. We offer implant reconstruction, oncoplastic reconstruction, and revisional breast surgeries and will work with your breast cancer team to achieve optimal outcomes.
Advanced breast reconstruction surgery
Patients may need reconstruction in one or both breasts after cancer surgeries such as:
- Lumpectomy (removal of a portion of the breast)
- Reconstructive surgery after mastectomy (removal of the entire breast)
Reconstructive surgery can be done at the time of mastectomy or lumpectomy or after completion of the cancer treatment. Multiple factors influence the type and the timing of reconstruction, such as:
- Cancer treatment plan, and if radiation is required
- Your overall health
- Your body type and shape and size of the breasts
- Your lifestyle
What are the types of breast reconstruction surgeries?
Many women have breast reconstruction in the same procedure as cancer surgery. First, breast surgeons remove the cancer. Immediately thereafter, our plastic and reconstructive surgeons take the steps to create new breasts, so when you awaken from surgery, your new breasts are in place. This is called “immediate” reconstruction. In other cases, it is necessary to have the reconstruction after you have fully healed from cancer surgery. This is called “delayed” reconstruction. Many women are candidates for breast reconstruction even years after undergoing a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
What is the recovery time?
Breast reconstruction is a major surgery that will require several weeks of recovery. In some cases, the patient is released to return home on the day of surgery. For others, it may require several days in the hospital. We focus on minimizing discomfort and the use of the latest surgical techniques for a faster, less stressful recovery. After surgery, we stay in regular contact with our patients, with several follow-up appointments, check-ins by phone, and interactions on our advanced patient portal to track the recovery process and identify any developing issues for a fast, uneventful recovery.
Breast reconstruction to restore breast symmetry
If reconstruction is only necessary on one breast, the other side may need to be adjusted to create symmetry. Our surgeons may employ cosmetic breast techniques such as breast lifts, augmentations, and reductions.
Breast reconstruction revision surgery
For some women, breast reconstruction revisions are needed. The surgeons at Hill Country Plastic Surgery are often called upon to correct problems that occur after breast reconstruction surgery due to infections, excess scar tissue, or uneven results.
Why undergo breast reconstruction at Hill Country Plastic Surgery?
If you are scheduled for breast cancer surgery, planning your reconstruction at the same time is extremely important, as many women are candidates for reconstruction during the same surgery. When seeking a breast surgeon, you want to ensure you are under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon with exceptional experience and access to the latest techniques. At Hill Country Plastic Surgery, we are widely recognized in the medical community as leaders in the field, with years as educators for young surgeons and experience performing some of the world’s most complex procedures.
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
How do I choose a breast reconstruction surgeon?
Can I have breast reconstruction if I need radiation treatments?
Will my insurance cover my reconstruction?
Do you do surgery to fix lymphedema after breast cancer surgery?
When should I see a breast reconstruction surgeon?
How do I choose a breast reconstruction surgeon?
The breast reconstruction process can take up to a full year in some cases. It is important that you feel comfortable with and trust your surgeon to be able to meet your reconstruction goals. You will be able to meet and talk with your surgeon to determine if he or she is the right person for you.
Can I have breast reconstruction if I need radiation treatments?
Radiation, while warding off cancer recurrence, impacts skin healing, skin color, and its natural resilient quality, often leaving the skin harder. While the need for radiation therapy does not exclude you from reconstruction, it can increase the risks. Not all patients respond to radiation in the same way, so we will evaluate you, your skin, and your treatment to determine which reconstructive techniques will work best for you.
Will my insurance cover my reconstruction?
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 guarantees reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy for women with insurance. While reconstruction is covered, there are many differences between insurances. Not every insurance provider covers all reconstructive procedures. We will work with your insurance company to determine what is covered under your plan.
Do you do surgery to fix lymphedema after breast cancer surgery?
We currently do not do surgery to correct lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. However, we do procedures to treat lymphedema and lipedema on other parts of the body.
When should I see a breast reconstruction surgeon?
It is recommended that you see us before any surgery is done. That way, we can determine the best timing for your reconstruction.