Dr. Karen Horton, San Francisco’s preeminent Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Reconstructive Microsurgeon who dedicates part of her practice to breast cancer reconstruction, was recently featured as an expert and served as MD Review on an article about Breast Reconstruction for RealSelf.

Breast reconstruction refers to the restoration of the appearance of the breasts through Plastic Surgery techniques following mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery. Many women who undergo mastectomy or lumpectomy surgeries as part of their breast cancer treatment—or prophylactically due to a history of breast cancer in the family or a positive BRCA gene—choose to have breast reconstruction to rebuild the breast if their surgeon deems it safe and appropriate based on each patient’s individual case.

Different Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

There are three different types of breast reconstruction; there is reconstruction with breast implants and there is autologous reconstruction (“flap” reconstruction) which relies on tissue taken from somewhere else on the patient’s body to rebuild the breast. The third type is a combination of the first two methods—using both breast implants and autologous reconstruction techniques.

Generally, surgeons performing breast reconstruction will do everything possible to preserve the nipple. However, when the nipple cannot be saved for whatever reason, the surgeon and patient may opt to do a nipple reconstruction procedure to achieve the most natural looking results and medical tattoo for the areola.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

The risks associated with breast reconstruction are similar to those associated with any Plastic Surgery procedure, but complications are somewhat higher as reconstruction surgeries tend to be longer, involve more surgeons and working on potentially compromised tissue and immune systems.

Learn More About Breast Reconstruction

Read the full article to learn more about reconstructive breast surgery options. You can also view Dr. Horton’s guide to Breast Reconstruction which features information on the procedures, tools and tips for recovery, info on the patient experience, and more. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Horton.