Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction revision in a 48-year-old breast cancer survivor. Her previously placed submuscular implants during her breast cancer treatment felt painful, were constantly tight and caused her to feel self-conscious when not wearing a bra, even with her husband in intimate settings.
Her revision involved removal of the old implants, reconstruction of her chest wall musculature, returning the pectoralis major muscles to the chest wall and suturing them back into place on the ribs, and insertion of new smooth round silicone gel breast implants. Liposuction removed excess fat from her armpits and bra rolls.
The local flap technique was used to create two new nipple prominences, and medical tattoo created new areolar circles. Follow up photos are shown 10 months after surgery. She went out of pocket for this breast revision, as she was in a strict managed-care organization health plan where she only had one option as a surgeon. “You get what you pay for” was her statement, “and this was worth it!”
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
