Breast Reconstruction Surgery near Holladay, UT

Breast reconstruction surgery offers women hope when they lose their breasts to cancer. Reconstruction can actually be achieved immediately after the mastectomy, that way the patient does not have to live with one or no breasts. However, depending on the health status of a mastectomy patient, they may have to wait before undergoing surgery. Whatever the case, breast reconstruction surgery is promising. Breast reconstruction can match the natural breast again. Dr. Petersen, a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon near Holladay, UT, will make your body yours again.

What You Need to Know About Breast Reconstruction Surgery

When breast reconstruction surgery is done following mastectomy, a breast mound is created in place of the breast that has been removed. This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia. Dr. Petersen will work with your oncologist.

Breast reconstruction surgery typically involves more than one operation, and follow-up procedures could be done on an outpatient basis. Follow-up procedures may only require local anesthesia and often involve a skin expander with a breast implant, and reconstruction of the nipple and areola.

Here are some of the different ways breast reconstruction is achieved near Holladay, UT:

Skin Expander With Breast Implant

Advantages: Simplest surgery and shortest recovery from breast reconstruction surgery. This could be the better procedure for individuals who have health issues or contraindications to extensive surgery.

Disadvantages: Multiple trips to the office over several weeks or months to undergo expansion. Capsule formation or less aesthetic outcome due to thin skin.

Possible Complications:

  • Loss of breast skin requiring removal of implant. If you have undergone radiation, this procedure is not advisable as you are at increased risk for skin loss.
  • Noticeable outlines of the implant due to capsule formation
  • Hard texture due to capsule formation
  • Thin breast skin

Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap

Advantages: This is a very dependable breast reconstruction procedure that provides a good environment for an implant. The chances of capsule formation around the implant are reduced.

Disadvantages: Scar across the back. There may be decreased strength in the back due to muscle loss. Capsule formation may occur and result in the need for additional surgery.

Possible Complications:

  • Circulation problems with the flap
  • Formation of capsule around the implant
  • Symptoms from loss of shoulder muscle, such as decreased strength
  • Loss of back skin requiring skin grafting
  • Collection of fluid (seroma) under incision requiring needle aspiration

Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous Flap

Advantages: This offers the most natural-looking breast reconstruction with the added benefit of a “tummy tuck”. No implant is needed, so capsule formation is not a risk. The scar is easily hidden with clothing.

Disadvantages: There is a risk of herniation of the bowel resulting from moving the rectus abdominus muscle. Abdominal strength is diminished. This procedure is extensive and has the greatest risk of needing a blood transfusion.

Possible Complications:

  • Inadequate tissue requiring the use of a breast implant
  • Poor circulation to the flap resulting in tissue loss
  • Weakness or herniation of the abdominal wall
  • Placement of the umbilicus off center
  • Collection of fluid (seroma) under the skin requiring needle aspiration
  • Infection, in particular of the mesh, requiring surgery for removal

Nipple Reconstruction

The reconstruction of a nipple adds a pleasing final touch to the breast. This is a simple outpatient procedure that may be done with local anesthesia. An average time for this is about 1-2 hours. The goal of the surgery is to create a nipple that has the appearance of the nipple of the opposite breast. Skin is taken from the inner part of the upper thigh or from behind the ear. These areas tend to have a darker pigment, which will provide a better contrast to the breast tissue. As a second procedure, the healed nipple can be tattooed to improve the color match of the opposite breast.

Possible complications:

  • Excessive scarring
  • Shrinkage of the projecting part of the nipple
  • Infection of the donor site or the newly created nipple
  • Blood clot under the nipple, which may result in loss of all or part of the new nipple

Contact Our Office Near Holladay, UT

Breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy is a very rewarding procedure to both the patient and the surgeon. There are support groups available in the Holladay, UT, area where you can meet women who have gone through breast reconstruction surgeries. Ask us for references, books, and support groups in Holladay. Take advantage of these invaluable resources.

Our service area for mastectomy reconstruction is throughout Utah and our office is near Holladay, UT. Contact us using the form on the right, and we’ll schedule you a consultation so that you can learn more about your options.