Breast Reconstruction

There are several choices for breast reconstruction. During the consultation, Dr. Villalobos will consider the patient's physical health to determine which reconstruction method would be appropriate. The options available are:

Skin expansion with a tissue expander: A tissue expander is surgically placed beneath the chest muscles, and over several weeks is gradually filled with a saline solution. Once the skin and muscles are stretched, the expander is removed and a softer, permanent implant is inserted.

Flap Reconstruction: Tissue consisting of a portion of skin, fat and muscle, is taken from the back or abdomen and tunneled to the breast to form a mound. The flap is still attached to its original blood supply. Many women prefer this procedure because the breast is reconstructed with natural tissue. This method may require a longer recovery, add new scars, and is only one surgery, not two as with an expansion, and increases time in the hospital. Advantages are an immediately reconstructed breast mound and using your own tissue.