Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction revision in a 35 year old breast cancer survivor. She had undergone skin sparing mastectomies and tissue expander placement under the muscle elsewhere.
After completing chemotherapy, she traveled to San Francisco to complete her reconstruction. Her goal was to have a fuller breast volume than her current expanders, similar to her prior breast augmentation result. We get to know our patients’ aesthetic goals for reconstruction well, which helps us to plan the best revision procedure for them in the least number of surgical steps.
The tissue expanders were removed and her pectoralis major muscles were returned to the chest wall and her anatomy was reconstructed. Smooth round silicone gel breast implants were placed on top of the muscle, in the prepectoral position.
Excess old areola tissue at the bottom of her left breast was excised, as it contributed to her deformity and was not helpful for her reconstruction. Bilateral nipples were reconstructed using the local flap technique. Areolar circles were reconstructed using medical tattoo at the end of the procedure.
Follow up photos are shown 10 months after surgery, with maturing scars and a result that helped our patient to feel more like herself again. Breast reconstruction and revision surgery to create improved aesthetics can help women move forward after breast cancer.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
