Breast Reconstruction

Whether or not to undergo breast reconstruction in Montgomery AL after having a mastectomy is one of the most personal decisions a woman must make. If you decide this surgery is right for you, Dr. John Bauer can help rebuild the shape and the appearance of your breast(s).

About breast reconstruction

Reconstructive breast surgery is performed either during or after a mastectomy in order to maintain the appearance of an organic breast. This procedure helps many women feel like themselves again after going through cancer (or other trauma or conditions concerning the breasts). Reconstructive breast surgery has the ability to help a patient move on from the disease and to once again feel confident in the clothing, intimacy, and even the world.

Types of reconstructive breast surgery

For those thinking about reconstructive breast surgery, it’s important to be fully aware of your options. There are several kinds, and the kind that is best for you will depend on the specific stage of breast cancer; your medical condition; if you will be having additional therapy, and your own personal preference.

Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Immediate and delayed

When reconstructive breast surgery is done during the mastectomy, it’s called an immediate reconstruction. When it’s done afterward, it’s called a delayed reconstruction.

The advantage to having an immediate reconstructive breast surgery is that both procedures can be done at once, instead of two separate operations (and recovery periods).

On the other hand, a delayed breast reconstructive surgery allows the patient to have more time to think about her options — and if reconstructive surgery is even what she wants.

Before & After Breast Reconstruction

What to expect

It’s good for patients to understand that the reconstructed breast(s), no matter how natural-looking, will not appear exactly as the original breast. Nor will it have the same nerves and sensitivity.

That said, this procedure is still incredibly emotionally satisfying to many women, as it can help restore confidence, peace, and quality of life.

Recovery

Because breast reconstructive surgery is a highly customized procedure, every patient will have a different recovery experience. However, in general, patients resume work and regular activities around six weeks post-surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Bauer will give you a more detailed explanation of what the recovery process will look like based on the type of breast reconstruction surgery that you’ll be having.

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Candidates for reconstructive breast surgery

If you’re in the Montgomery, AL area and you’re considering reconstructive breast surgery, it’s important to know if you’re a candidate or not.

You may not be a good candidate if you:

Will require chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Are very overweight
Have certain scarring from previous operations
Have medical conditions that may cause bleeding or infection
Are a smoker
Have unrealistic expectations of what the procedure can accomplish