Westport, New Canaan, Ridgefield & All of Fairfield County
Breast reconstruction surgery can rebuild a breast to near normal shape and appearance after a mastectomy, lumpectomy or congenital deformities.
Reconstruction of a woman’s breast following mastectomy is one of the most gratifying procedures in plastic surgery for both patient and doctor alike. Part of Dr. O’Connell’s training was spent at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where he participated in expander-implant breast reconstruction while the technique was still in its early years.
Recently Dr. O’Connell performed the first “bio-engineered” pre-pectoral breast reconstruction with permanent saline implants. This innovative technique utilized different thicknesses of the well known ADM, Alloderm, to “wrap” the implants which were then inserted following mastectomy. He’s always preferred the less invasive techniques of breast reconstruction and Dr. O’Connell is quite enthusiastic about pre-pectoral reconstruction. At Total Aesthetics, Dr. O'Connell strives to deliver the best breast reconstruction Westport, Fairfield County, and the whole of Connectuct have to offer.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores one or both breasts in size, appearance and symmetry when the breast is modified as a result of cancer, trauma, congenital anomaly or other disease process. There are two broad types of breast reconstruction surgery – implant based reconstruction and flap reconstruction.
Skin expansion is a common technique that includes the insertion of an implant and often utilizes an acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Following mastectomy, an expander is inserted and inflated over time to stretch the overlying soft tissues. The expander is subsequently removed and replaced with a more permanent implant. In some cases the expander is not necessary and the implant is placed in what is known as “direct to implant reconstruction.”
There are various types of flap reconstruction techniques where tissue is relocated, sometimes involving microsurgery, to rebuild the breast. Examples of flap reconstructive techniques include the DIEP Flap and the Latissimus Dorsi Flap.
Total Aesthetics in Westport and Fairfield County
We believe that it is important to obtain a plastic surgical consultation early in the treatment planning and, because there are many techniques for breast reconstruction, it can be beneficial to obtain more than one opinion.
An acellular dermal matrix is a product with great utility in plastic surgery, particularly in soft tissue reinforcement or replacement during breast reconstruction surgery. One of the earliest ADM’s to obtain popularity is the AlloDerm regenerative tissue matrix from the Allergan Corporation.
We are pleased to offer nipple reconstruction as an outpatient procedure in our office-based surgical facility. In most cases in our practice nipple reconstruction is performed under local anesthesia without need for sedation or general anesthesia. Areolar reconstruction is performed via tattoos.
Symmetry is a goal in all breast surgery, including breast reconstruction. In many cases the opposite breast that is not involved in breast cancer is modified to better match the newly reconstructed breast. These “contralateral symmetrizing” procedures may include breast lifting (mastopexy), breast reduction and breast augmentation.
At Total Aesthetics in Westport breast reconstruction surgery may include fat grafting, sometimes only needing to utilize local anesthesia.
As with all surgery there are risks associated with breast reconstruction. These risks will vary with the type of technique utilized. A full discussion of risks and potential complications is an important part of the presurgical process at Total Aesthetics.
Recovery following breast reconstruction will vary depending upon the nature of the procedure performed. A discussion of the recovery process is an important part of presurgical preparation.
Good candidates for breast reconstruction are in good physical health, do not have medical conditions or illnesses that can impair healing and have realistic expectations for this type of surgery. Some women choose to have a breast removed and reconstructed at the same time; this is known as immediate breast reconstruction or simply, immediate reconstruction.
A common candidate for breast reconstruction is a woman who has breast cancer and needs surgery. Many women who lose a breast to cancer choose breast reconstruction.
For those interested in learning more about breast reconstruction Westport and Fairfield County patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. O'Connell, today.
The first step towards a new, beautiful you is to schedule a personal consultation.
Along with providing the highest level of care, no effort is spared to create an environment where each patient is nurtured and cared for as an individual. Use our form to contact Dr. O’Connell with questions about any of our aesthetic or plastic surgery procedures.
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(203) 454-0044
208 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880
Total Aesthetics proudly serves patients from Westport, New Canaan, Bridgeport, Greenwich and all of Fairfield County Connecticut.
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