Breast Surgery

What is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore one or both breasts to a more standard shape, appearance, symmetry, or size following a breast cancer mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other trauma. Breast reconstruction often involves several procedures performed in stages, and can either begin at the time of your mastectomy or be delayed until a later date.

What types of breast reconstruction are there?

Breast reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. Implant reconstruction relies on breast implants to help form a new breast mound, while flap reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue from another part of the body to form a new breast. There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing which option is best, including:

• The type of mastectomy you’ve already received
• Cancer treatments you may still be undergoing
• Your individual body type

What type of breast implants are there? 

There are a number of different options for implants that may be used during your breast reconstruction:

• Saline implants, which are filled with varying amounts of sterile salt water to affect the shape and feel of your breast. Saline implants are a safe option which will be absorbed naturally and expelled by your body should they ever leak. 
• Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel which feels a great deal like natural breast tissue. However, these implants will need regular monitoring by your plastic surgeon, as the gel may not collapse and can pose risks to your health should they ever leak

You also have several options regarding the shape of your implants, including:

• Form stable implants, which mimic the natural shape of the breast and are shaped like a teardrop. They are thicker at the bottom and tapered towards the top.They are usually filled with a cohesive gel. 
• Round implants, which have a tendency to make reconstructed breasts appear fuller than form stable implants. They also often will make the breast project out further away from the body. 

Breast implants come in a variety of textures as well:

• Textured breast implants allow the scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and get repositioned.
• Smooth breast implants move around freely inside of the breast, which may give more natural movement. These implants also have an increased risk of rippling.

Every patient is an individual, and Dr. McKenna is committed to discussing every option with you to make sure you receive the best breast reconstruction to meet your needs and goals.

What can I expect after my breast reconstruction surgery?

Following your surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the reconstructed breast. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. A pain pump may also be used to reduce the need for narcotics. 

Dr. McKenna will give you specific instructions, including how to care for your surgical site and which medications you’ll need to aid healing, reduce your risk of infection, and manage any pain.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery involves using implants to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast volume that has been lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Breast augmentation can:

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts.
• Improve the balance of your figure.
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence.

Breast augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else. Breast augmentation is a good option if:

• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging.
• You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing "empty."
• Your breasts are asymmetrical.
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape.

Will an augmentation lift my breasts?

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation. Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. If you think you may need a breast lift alongside your augmentation, be sure to discuss your goals with Dr. McKenna during your appointment.

What are my options for implants?

As in the case of a breast reconstruction, you have several choices for your implants that affect the shape, texture and contents of your implants, including:

• Saline implants
• Silicone implants
• Form-stable implants
• Round implants
• Textured implants
• Smooth implants

When it comes to breast augmentations, you have an additional option for your implants: fat grafting, which uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is an option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size. While the results from fat grafting may be more natural, they are accompanied by several increased risks, including cysts, infection, death of fat cells, loss of your implants’ shape, and more. If this option is interesting to you, be sure to discuss your risk factors with Dr. McKenna. 

What is the normal breast augmentation recovery time?

Your post-surgical recovery period should last between 24 and 48 hours, and you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks afterward. Be sure to follow all care and cleaning instructions from Dr. McKenna to ensure your breasts heal correctly.

What is a breast reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a smaller breast size.

Why might I want a breast reduction?

Having large breasts can be emotionally, socially and physically detrimental. Breast reduction is a good option for you if you:

• Are bothered by feeling that your breasts are too large
• Have breasts that limit your physical activity
• Experience back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
• Have shoulder indentations from bra straps
• Have skin irritation beneath the breast crease

How does a breast reduction procedure work?

As with all other breast surgeries, you will be sedated and/or anaesthetized for your comfort during your procedure. Dr. McKenna will then make one of two incisions:

• A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern
• An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern 

After the incision is made, your nipple will be repositioned, the diameter of your areola may be reduced, underlying breast tissue will be reduced, and the remaining breast tissue will be lifted and reshaped. The incisions will then be brought together to reshape the smaller breast.

What can I expect during my recovery?

Dr. McKenna will give you specific instructions on the care of your incisions. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. It’s important to note that Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade over time and can be easily concealed beneath a bra.