Breast Reconstruction in Pasadena, CA

Reconstruction surgery for the breasts is performed to give you a more natural, attractive appearance following a lumpectomy or mastectomy. It's also an option to repair a breast damaged by trauma or a birth defect. Advanced technologies in breast reconstruction surgery make it possible for you to feel fully healed and attain natural-looking breasts after they have been removed. This surgery may involve multiple procedures and different stages that may be done at the beginning of your breast cancer treatment or delayed until a later date. Board-certified plastic surgeon and hand surgeon Dr. Omar Ahmed works closely with patients to create a personalized plan for breast reconstruction surgery. To find out more, contact Omar Ahmed, M.D. in Pasadena, CA.

Breast reconstruction is a highly customized surgery. Each patient will be required to have a thorough consultative appointment with Dr. Ahmed to create their surgical plan from their needs, concerns, and available options. If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, it's crucial that you have realistic expectations for results. While Dr. Ahmed aims to give you a natural appearance, your reconstructed breast(s) may not have the same sensations, look, or feel as your original breast(s). You should get approval from your oncology team to undergo reconstruction surgery.

There are several techniques available for breast reconstruction. There are also multiple factors that Dr. Ahmed considers when determining the technique that will produce your best results. A few of these factors include cancer diagnosis, reconstruction timing, whether you will use natural tissue or implants, and if nipple reconstruction or nipple-sparing is a part of the process. In order to rebuild the breast, there must be enough tissue to fully cover the breast mound. Flap methods accomplish this by using your own skin, muscle, and fat to build and cover the mound. The most frequent flap techniques are:

• TRAM Flap
• DIEP Flap
• Latissimus Dorsi Flap
• PAP Flap
• LTP Flap
• Composite Flap

Surgical breast reconstruction is performed in various stages. During certain phases, general anesthesia is typically used. Some patients will need to stay overnight — this is dependent on the current phase of treatment. When the last step is completed in the breast reconstruction process, you should wear a compression bra for the chest and you may be prescribed medication by Dr. Ahmed to minimize bleeding, discomfort, and swelling. Over time, the reconstructed breast(s) will appear more normal so you can feel more comfortable.

Although the breast reconstruction process can be lengthy, it is considered one of the most worthwhile surgeries for our Pasadena, CA patients. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have had an injury to the chest, or were born with a defect that affects the shape of your breasts, we encourage you to contact our Pasadena, CA office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahmed.