What is a breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is the surgical restoration of a breast either removed from surgery or correction of an abnormality. Typically, reconstruction involves correcting a defect after mastectomy, but there are congenital deformities as well. Dr. Kayser is a Michigan Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic surgery. As a perfectionist, Dr. Kayser will take all measures necessary to ensure that your results are the best that he can offer. Please view the extensive gallery of before and after photographs of breast lift patients.

Can breast reconstruction be performed immediately?

This is usually the time reconstruction is performed. However, there are circumstances in which a delayed reconstruction would be necessary.

What are the approaches to reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction either uses a prosthetic device (implant), the patient's own tissue or a combination of both. With an implant, a tissue expander is placed and then inflated on a weekly basis in the office. The expander is then exchanged at a later time with either a permanent saline or silicone implant device.

In a combined procedure, a muscle flap is used in combination with either an expander or permanent implant. The result is usually a little more involved than an expander alone but also yields a more natural result.

The last option uses your own tissue and is either taken from the abdomen (TRAM flap) or from another part of the body as a free flap (this requires the use of a microscope to reconnect the blood vessels). This is the most lengthy in both procedure and recovery but usually produces the most natural result. In addition, since there is no implant device, once final healing has occurred, the reconstruction can be expected to last a lifetime.

Finally, reconstruction of the nipple and areola (the skin surrounding the nipple) can also be performed but us usually performed when the final breast mound has been created.

Can breast reconstruction look natural?

There have been tremendous advancements over the years with regard to breast reconstruction. Unlike the days of old where a successful reconstruction was simply a breast mound that looked like a ball, patients today can look forward to results that actually restore both volume and shape. And although an exact duplicate of the original breast is never possible, most women are astounded how good they can look and feel.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Breast reconstruction is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure is usually performed in conjunction with a general surgeon and the hospital stay varies from 1-5 days. The office of Dr. Kayser is strategically located at 20905 East 12 Mile Road, suite 300, which is directly across from the fully accredited St. John Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center just off the I-696 and I-94 loop in the Roseville and St. Clair Shores area - a suburban community northeast of the city of Detroit, Michigan.

What can I expect after surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about 3 - 4 hours and is performed as an outpatient so you can go home the same day, although overnight stays are available. The office of Dr. Kayser is strategically located at 20905 East 12 Mile Road, suite 300, which is directly across from the fully accredited St. John Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center just off the I-696 and I-94 loop in the Roseville and St. Clair Shores area - a suburban community northeast of the city of Detroit, Michigan.

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