Before and after right delayed breast implant reconstruction in a 56-year-old breast cancer survivor. Following bilateral mastectomies and immediate breast implant reconstruction with smooth round postoperatively adjustable saline-filled implants, she developed a right breast infection during chemotherapy. She unfortunately had lost her right implant due to postoperative infection that failed intravenous antibiotics. After waiting six months, her edema (post-infection swelling) had resolved, and she had completely recovered from chemotherapy.
She was a candidate for a flap-based reconstruction, but she elected to have reinsertion of an implant. She felt strongly that she did not want a tissue expander, or an implant placed under the muscle – she was elated to learn that she could have the full-sized implant placed without going through tissue expansion again.
The previous mastectomy space was recreated by a total capsulectomy, and a smooth round silicone gel breast implant, sized intraoperatively to best match the left breast, was placed on top of the muscle. Her left saline breast implant was exchanged for silicone as well. Tattoo of her nipples and areolas added color and definition to her reconstruction.
Follow up photos are shown three weeks after surgery. Her drain was removed at one week and she took two weeks off work. She is elated to have been offered such a straightforward option with greatly improved symmetry!
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
