Breast Reconstruction Surgeon Bakersfield and Orange Co

Nipple-Areolar Reconstruction

Dr. Daneshmand usually performs nipple and areola reconstruction as the final procedure. Dr. Daneshmand will use local tissue flaps for nipple reconstruction. To recreate the areola, plastic surgeons may use a tattoo or a skin graft. If the areola is reconstructed with a skin graft, the graft itself may heal with enough pigmentation to simulate a natural areola. If not, a simple tattoo can recreate a natural areola color.

What is a Nipple Sparing Mastectomy?

In some cases, surgeons will remove all breast tissue except the nipple and areola. So when it comes time for nipple reconstruction, plastic surgeons can just use the natural nipple-areola complex for the most natural look.

Opposite Breast Surgery

If you only have cancer in one breast, that means you’ll need a reconstruction in only one breast. For the sake of symmetry, many women also have to undergo opposite breast surgery. This could include a breast lift or a breast reduction surgery to ensure that the natural breast matches the size and shape of the reconstructed one.

Does Breast Reconstruction Affect My Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence?

Breast reconstruction does not affect breast cancer recurrence according to the American Cancer Society. If your cancer does come back, it’s likely unrelated to your breast reconstruction. Your breast surgeon may recommend periodic mammograms on both the reconstructed breast and the other breast. If your reconstruction involves an implant, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in getting reliable x-rays of a breast reconstructed with an implant.

Can I Undergo a Breast Reconstruction During Chemotherapy?

Yes, technically you can undergo breast reconstruction during radiation therapy, although this isn’t always recommended by doctors. Radiation treatment is violent on the body just like reconstructive surgery. Some women aren’t physically and mentally capable of handling both chemotherapy and the pain associated with healing from major surgery at the same time. But every woman and situation is different. Most women opt for immediate reconstruction, which sometimes means they’re healing from their surgery and receiving chemotherapy at the same time. Or, in another scenario, some women get part of their reconstruction done immediately and then finish the rest of their reconstruction once they’ve completed chemotherapy.

For many women undergoing radiation treatment, delayed reconstruction is the best option. This is because chemotherapy after a reconstruction can change the shape, color, texture, and appearance of the reconstructed breast(s). This is especially the case with women who have a permanent implant. In fact, some research even suggests that the breast reconstruction process can interfere with chemotherapy effectiveness, according to BreastCancer.org. 

Be sure to discuss your reconstruction timeline with your plastic surgeon. They will help you determine when is the best time to undergo this surgery, especially if you’re enduring chemotherapy.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implants can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. But if you experience capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, and other implant issues, you will have to undergo breast revision surgery to fix them.

Are Silicone Implants Better Than Saline Implants?

Many reconstructive surgery patients opt for silicone implants because they feel more natural than saline.

Anatomic vs. Round Implants

Teardrop or anatomic implants were introduced to better simulate the natural contour of the breast. Many surgeons like these implants and use them both for breast reconstruction and breast augmentation. Dr. Daneshmand typically uses round implants, but he occasionally uses anatomic implants as well. One of the disadvantages associated with contoured implants is that they are textured. In the saline-inflatable implants, this sometimes means that they will be more palpable, they may have a higher rate of rupture, and there may be more visible rippling.

Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer?

There is no evidence that the presence of breast implants causes breast cancer or increases your risk of getting breast cancer. However, the FDA has identified a possible link between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) according to the Mayo Clinic. In fact, this immune system cancer is often called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It’s important to note that the limited research conducted so far indicates that textured breast implants don’t cause ALCL, instead it just raises the cancer risk.

Can You Get a Mammogram With Breast Implants?

If you’re a breast cancer survivor, you must get regular mammograms even if you have breast implants. For women who have never had breast cancer, it’s crucial to get regular screenings starting at age 40 according to the American Cancer Society. If you have breast implants, be sure to tell the mammogram technologist before they start the scan. 

Do Plastic Surgeons Perform Mastectomies?

Generally, the plastic surgeon works with a general surgeon during breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Daneshmand has extensive experience in working with general surgeons in order to give breast cancer survivors the best looking and feeling set of breasts after their health crisis.

How Many Surgeries Are Required for Breast Reconstructions?

Breast reconstruction usually involves multiple operations. The first stage, whether done at the same time as the mastectomy or later on, is usually performed in a hospital. Follow-up procedures are usually performed in an outpatient facility.

Generally, the initial reconstructive operation is the most complex. Follow-up surgery may be required to replace a tissue expander with an implant or to reconstruct the nipple and the areola. Many surgeons recommend an additional operation to enlarge, reduce, or lift the natural breast to match the reconstructed breast.

Does Health Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Most health insurance companies don’t cover plastic surgeries because they’re generally considered elective procedures that aren’t medically necessary. However, breast reconstruction surgery is different. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 requires most health insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer survivors.