For women who have had a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or some type of congenital deformity, it may be necessary to reconstruct the breasts to restore a near-normal appearance, if the patient chooses to do so. While this is not a mandatory surgery by any means, there are many reasons why women may consider the procedure. Boulder Valley Plastic Surgery has proudly served the Boulder area for more than 30 years, and if you have questions about whether or not breast reconstruction is right for you, we would love to talk to you. Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Swail.

Choosing to undergo any type of breast surgery is a major decision, and there are many factors that should be considered before you decide whether or not to proceed with the procedure. To help you gather information about the surgery, today we will review two different types of breast reconstruction surgery and the benefits of the procedure.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

There are two main types of procedures for reconstructing the breasts: implant-based and flap reconstruction. During your consultation at our office, Dr. Swail will review many details with you, including your medical history, your body type, and other factors to determine which method best suits your needs.

• Implant-based. This procedure uses implants to reconstruct the patient’s breasts.
• Flap reconstruction. This method relies on tissue from another area of the patient’s body to reconstruct the breast.

Certain types of mastectomies and radiation therapy can leave patients with insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant. In these cases, a combination of the two procedures may be necessary to properly reconstruct the breasts.

Advantages of Having a Reconstructive Breast Procedure

Understanding the benefits that this procedure has to offer can also help you make the best decision for yourself.

Enhanced Self-Confidence and Self Esteem

For some women, the loss of their breasts can have a great impact on their sense of femininity. Some patients have also expressed that the lack of breast tissue following a mastectomy also serves as a permanent reminder of their battle with cancer. Reconstructing the breasts can help a woman restore her self-confidence and self-esteem, and the procedure can help patients emotionally recovery from their cancer treatments.

Restores Balance, Symmetry, and Proportion

Following a mastectomy, many women are unhappy with their body proportions. Many patients report that they feel their body has lost its feminine contour. The breast reconstruction procedure builds breast tissue back up. This restores balance, symmetry, and proportion to a woman’s body, allowing her to feel more comfortable in certain pieces of clothing, such as swimming suits and form-fitting garments.

Provides Long-Lasting Results

In an effort to restore the curves and contours that are common to the feminine form, many women choose to use bra inserts following their mastectomy. While these can be effective at restoring the appearance of breasts, the inserts can shift easily, causing discomfort and chafing. Breast reconstruction offers a permanent solution for patients who wish to achieve natural, comfortable, long-lasting results.

Boulder Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Are you considering breast reconstruction following a lumpectomy or mastectomy, or would you like to minimize the effects and appearance of congenital breast deformities? If so, then Boulder Valley Plastic Surgery is here to help. Dr. Swail is an experienced plastic surgeon who excels in breast reconstruction procedures, using his technical mastery of surgical skills and techniques to restore the natural appearance and contours of your body. Contact our plastic surgery center today to schedule your consultation to learn more about our innovative procedures. We look forward to speaking with you!