Breast reconstruction using implants is simple and requires less donor site morbidity on the part of patients. The breasts can be reconstructed well and there is no need of lengthy hospitalization.

1. Breast Reconstruction Using
Implants

2. Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is performed for
reconstructing the breast in women who have undergone
mastectomy for breast cancer. It is also an effective solution for
women with conditions such as congenital absence of breast or
abnormalities of the breast.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Reconstruction of the breast can be done in two ways: breast
reconstruction using implants and breast reconstruction with
autologous tissue. Both methods can produce good aesthetic
results. The autologous tissue method is the natural alternative in
which the patient’s own tissue is used for the reconstruction.
The other more popular method is breast reconstruction using
implants, which is simple and requires less donor site morbidity
on the part of patients. With this method, the breasts can be
reconstructed effectively and there is no need of prolonged
hospitalization. When provided by a reliable and experienced
plastic surgeon, this method presents minimal
complications/risks.
Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Reconstruction of the breasts can be done either immediately
after mastectomy or at a later stage. For immediate
reconstruction, the plastic surgeon would perform the first stage
of surgery to reconstruct the breast during the time of the
mastectomy. The surgeon may utilize a method called skin-
sparing mastectomy to save sufficient breast skin to cover the
reconstruction.
Another type of reconstruction is that which is provided using
tissue expanders and breast implants. There are 2 procedures
involved.

3.  The chest skin and soft tissue are expanded with the help of
the expander prosthesis. The tissue expander is a silicone
bag filled with saline and is placed in the area at the time of
mastectomy. Every few weeks, the patient will have to visit
the plastic surgery center to get the sterile fluid injected into
the expander.
 Once the appropriate expansion is achieved, the expander is
removed. In its place, the surgeon would insert a suitable
breast implant.
Once the chest heals from reconstruction surgery and the patient
has completed adjuvant therapy, the surgeon would reconstruct
the nipple and areola.
Breast Reconstruction – Some Considerations
For breast reconstruction with implants, enough skin and muscle
must remain after mastectomy to cover the implant. This is a
shorter surgical procedure compared to reconstruction using
autologous tissue and blood loss is less. The recovery period is
also usually shorter. Some complications that have been observed
with breast implant reconstruction are infection, hematoma within
the reconstructed breast, implant rupture, implant extrusion and
formation of hard scar tissue around the implant.
Overall, breast reconstruction using implants has several
advantages. No significant pain is experienced and there is no
need of other areas of the body to undergo surgery. There is
limited scarring as well. However, in case of complications, future
surgery may be required. An experienced surgeon should be
consulted for the same.

4. About Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery is an established surgical
center based in Houston Texas. We offer effective cosmetic and
reconstructive procedures. For more details, visit
www.hpcsurgery.com.
Contact Information
6400 Fannin, Suite 2290
Houston, TX 77030
Ph: 713-791-0700
Fax: 713-719-0703