Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Mastectomy
By Houston, Texas Plastic Surgeon & Cosmetic Surgeon,
Dr. Mark. Schusterman

Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy can be an empowering choice. When challenged with the loss of a breast due to breast cancer or other disease, women today have a wider range of treatment to choose from than ever before.

At a difficult time of your life, you find yourself faced with an array of decisions. There are medical, emotional, lifestyle and financial considerations, but exploring one's options is a bold, proactive way to move forward. Some of these options are explored below.

Before After

Example 1 of the breast reconstruction procedure.

Timing Your Breast
Reconstruction Surgery

Immediate:
Breast reconstruction at the time of your mastectomy is not only possible, but may be preferable in certain patients. Immediate reconstruction not only spares you the emotional burden of seeing ourself without a breast, but also spares you the requirement of a second major hospitalization and operation. Ask your surgeon whether this is a possibility for you. When possible, immediate breast reconstruction is preferred.

Delayed:
You or your surgeon may feel that you need a few weeks or months following your mastectomy before you're ready to face further decisions. There is no time limit, so take the time that you need. Perhaps years have passed, and now you're encouraged by the newer techniques.

Ask your general surgeon to describe his or her expectations for your healing process. Sometimes there are advantages to completing other treatments (example: chemotherapy, radiation) before beginning reconstruction. Or you may choose to allow yourself more time to explore available reconstructive procedures and to develop a relationship with just the right plastic surgeon.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

There are two basic categories of reconstruction:

1) Breast Implants
Following a mastectomy, the surgeon places an inflatable or balloon-type tissue expander behind the pectoral (chest) muscle. The incisions are sewn closed, and the patient is released within a short time. A tiny tube and valve mechanism is part of the expander.

Over the next several weeks or months, the doctor will periodically inject saline solution to gradually fill the expander. This gentle stretching of the skin creates the space in which a permanent saline implant will be placed during a subsequent operation. Some patients find the "gentle stretching" involves a small degree of temporary discomfort. For more information on Breast Implants, visit and review the Breast Implants page.

2) Tissue Flaps
In this surgical technique, the breast is reconstructed using a flap of tissue harvested from your abdomen or back and relocated to the breast area. The tissue flap, also called myocutaneous flap, consists of skin, fat and muscle. For more information, visit and review the Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Flaps page.

Nipple Reconstruction

As your recovery progresses, your doctor will more fully discuss nipple reconstruction. Two to three months of healing is required before this second surgery can be scheduled.

Shape and color are created separately. First, on an outpatient basis, tissue from the skin flap is rearranged to form a nipple mound.

When this is completed and the nipple mound has healed, you will be scheduled (also on an outpatient basis) for areola micro pigmentation. This process provides color and definition - essentially a tattooing of the area - in order to simulate a nipple and areola.

Areola / Nipple Repigmentation
Before	After

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reconstruction

In most cases, health insurance will cover most or all of the cost of postmastectomy reconstruction. Consider each step (example: the anesthesiologist). Check your policy carefully to see if there are limitations on what types of reconstruction are covered.

After recovery from the primary surgery (and any requisite follow-up procedures), many surgeons recommend an additional operation to enlarge, reduce or lift the natural breast in order to more closely match the reconstructed breast. Keep in mind that this may result in scarring of an otherwise normal breast and may not be covered by your insurance policy.

Recurrence of Disease

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS):
"Reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of disease in the breast, nor does it generally interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment, should cancer reoccur."

To make an appointment with Dr. Schusterman to discuss your Breast Reconstruction needs, call 713-794-0368, or use our Contact From.

Where Dr. Schusterman Performs Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgery. Dr. Schusterman performs all plastic surgery procedures at the well-equipped Museum District Aesthetic Surgery Center and overnight stays are in a luxurious Park View Suite at the Park Plaza Hospital. Both facilities make for a totally satisfying experience. Read more about these fine facilities and a patient testimonial.

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