A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating for you and your loved ones. Depending on the type of cancer and the type of mastectomy (partial, total, skin-sparing, nipple-sparing), some women may opt for breast reconstruction in Houston after their oncologic resection. The timing and type of breast surgery will vary with oncologic type, anatomy, patient wishes, and surgical plan.
What are my options for breast reconstruction?
The first decisions patients and surgeons must make is whether to undergo immediate or delayed reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction is performed in a separate operation at a later date.
There are two general categories of reconstruction available: implants and autologous.
- Implants: This type of reconstruction uses a saline or silicone implant to recreate a breast mound. Depending on the situation, a final implant may be placed immediately, or a tissue expander may be inserted to expand the amount of skin. A final implant is then placed after a period of expansion. Typically two to three stages are required to achieve a final result.
- Autologous: Autologous reconstruction means using your own tissues to create a new breast. This can be from a variety of places including your back (Latissimus) or your abdomen (TRAM or DIEP flap), or with fat injections.
Regardless of your reconstructive choice, rest assured that Dr. Mushin will counsel you at regular intervals at his Houston office to help guide you through the process.
What is the recovery process like for breast reconstruction?
The length of recovery varies with the type of reconstruction performed, and the number of stages required. Dr. Mushin will provide a detailed expected course depending on your chosen type of reconstruction.
Choose Us for Your Houston Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Houston-raised Dr. Oren Paul Mushin is a fully-trained, highly-skilled plastic surgeon whom you can trust with your care. Educated at Duke University, one of the top medical schools in the country, and trained in New York, he brings with him extensive knowledge of reconstructive surgery to Texas. Above all, he is caring with his patients, and meticulous in his approach. Consider contacting us today to make an appointment to learn more about breast reconstruction in Houston. We look forward to hearing from you!
