Breast Reconstruction

Conveniently located to serve Newport Beach

breast reconstructionBreast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a plastic surgery to rebuild either one breast or both breasts, typically following a partial or full mastectomy. The goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to restore the breasts to as close to their original form as possible.

In some cases, this includes the restoration of the areola as well. Lumpectomy patients can also benefit from this procedure, as it is both physically and emotionally healing for those who have suffered even a partial loss of the breast from cancer or other medical conditions.

Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy Overview

Breast reconstruction can be performed as a one-stage procedure, meaning at the same time as the mastectomy. If a patient anticipates additional cancer procedures and/or treatments, then she can opt for the two-stage delayed reconstruction after full recovery has taken place.

The two-stage reconstruction process requires the surgeon to implant a skin tissue expander behind the chest muscle wall. Over a 4 to 6 month time period, the surgeon will inject a solution into the expander to stretch the skin in preparation for the new breast implant. In some cases, the expanders act as the final implant.

Procedural times vary according to individual medical background, but typically last between two to three hours. The common anesthesia options are general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. There are several breast reconstruction options available, including saline implants, silicone implants, autologous tissue, or a combination of implant/skin tissue.

There are also many flap technique procedures that the surgeon can use for transferring autologous tissue, for example from the stomach or thighs to the breast. Your doctor will review your medical history along with your ideal expectations to achieve customized results. In addition to your mastectomy procedure, you will also have a breast lift appearance.

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Your Breast Reconstruction will be performed in Dr. Robert Kessler's surgery center located in Corona Del Mar.

 

Recovery process

Following surgery, hospital bandages will be applied to the incisions. A support bra or bandage will help support the new breasts and help control swelling. A temporary drainage tube may be inserted at the surgery site to drain any excess fluids. You will spend approximately three hours in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.

You may experience moderate discomfort, but your doctor will prescribe pain medications as needed. Nurses will aid you in slow movement, such as standing and sitting for the first 24 hours. The average hospital stay is anywhere between two and six days. The recovery period at home will last for several weeks. It is important to rest and refrain from any vigorous activity until the incisions have properly healed.

  • 01 What is breast reconstruction?

    Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore the appearance of the chest, after a partial or full breast has been removed. The procedure will involve either autologous tissue or a breast implant to provide shape and volume. The nipple and areola can be reconstructed during this procedure, as well.

  • 02 Must a breast reconstruction be performed immediately after a mastectomy?

    Breast Reconstruction can be successfully performed on women just completing their Mastectomy, as well as those who had their Mastectomy in years past (delayed Reconstruction).

  • 03 How is a breast reconstruction performed?

    Dr. Kessler can perform the Breast Reconstruction in either a one or two stage procedure. The one-stage procedure means the reconstruction of breast tissue is performed at the same time as the Mastectomy.

    A two-stage procedure requires the surgeon to first place a tissue expander behind the chest muscle wall. Slowly, over the following four to six months, the expander will stretch the tissue in preparation for the new implant. The two-stage procedure is better for patients anticipating additional cancer treatments.

  • 04 Who is a good candidate for a breast reconstruction?

    Women who have lost some or all of their breast tissue may make an excellent candidate for the Breast Reconstruction procedure. Women expecting further cancer treatments can still make a good candidate for Breast Reconstruction. Dr. Kessler will look at each woman’s unique medical history and situation to determine if they are right for a Breast Reconstruction procedure.

  • 05 Where is the breast reconstruction procedure performed?

    Dr. Kessler performs surgery at a nearby accredited outpatient Surgery Center.

  • 06 What type of anesthesia is used during a breast revision?

    A Breast Reconstruction will be performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation.

  • 07 How long does a breast reconstruction procedure take?

    The length of a Breast Reconstruction procedure will depend on the exact needs of each patient. Typically, the surgery will take between two and three hours to complete.

  • 08 Will i stay in the hospital after a breast reconstruction?

    That will depend on your reconstruction. An autologous tissue transfer, TRAM, should expect to spend between two and four nights in the hospital after a Breast Reconstruction procedure. While an implant reconstruction would not need to spend the night in the hospital.

  • 09 What can i expect from the breast reconstruction recovery?

    Moderate discomfort may be experienced after a Breast Reconstruction procedure. This will be well controlled through the use of pain medications, both during the hospital stay and at home. Patients will be sore, and experience swelling and bruising; these will diminish over several weeks. Patients should plan for several weeks of at home recovery, as the breasts take time to heal.

  • 10 When can i return to work after breast reconstruction?

    Generally, women feel well enough to return to work in three to four weeks following their Breast Reconstruction procedure. No strenuous exercise or activities should be undertaken for at least the first six weeks after surgery.

  • 11 What are the risks involved with breast reconstruction?

    Potential complications from the Breast Reconstruction procedure include hematoma, infection, asymmetry, and poor wound healing.

  • 12 Can i finance my breast reconstruction?

    Yes, Kessler Plastic Surgery is happy to offer patients the ability to finance their Breast Reconstruction through CareCredit. Applications can be submitted online, with instant approval notification. Our office also accepts cash and all major credit cards.

Patient Testimonial

My wife went to Dr. Kessler for some reconstructive surgery and was completely swept off her feet from the first moment we walked in. The staff and the doctor himself were completely professional and the kindest people we have ever met in the medical field. Their customer service and patient care was second to none from beginning to end a standard rarely seen. From the money side to the pre-care side and pre-event through the procedure and beyond we have received nothing but phenomenal care and communication. The procedure it’s self was more than my wife could’ve ever hoped for and to this day is still astounding us… As she continues to heal and progress. The inability to discover what had been done is priceless. We left much of the call in the doctors hands and he understood what was desired and delivered beyond our expectations. Bravo sir well done to you and your staff.

By E.B.

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Artistry and Caring for a Masterpiece Called You

Our Truth in Beauty Promise
We will ALWAYS make recommendations for you that deeply consider your unique goals in context of your nutrition, lifestyle, face and body type.

We will NEVER knowingly recommend a procedure that could compromise your health, appearance or well-being.
Alex D. San Antonio,TX
Dr. Kessler is not only one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever met, he is also one of the finest highly skilled physicians around. He truly does care about every patient’s goals and will do whatever he can to help achieve those goals. I had a face/neck lift and...
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Debbie S., Cenby, OR, USA
As both a patient and a professional, Dr. Kessler is the best surgeon I have ever had the pleasure of being treated by, he has amazing surgical skill, takes all the time in the world with you during your care and has the highest standard for his work I have seen for many years. I have...
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Stephen P., Beverly Hills, CA, USA
I am so happy. I am so glad I came to Newport Beach in search of Dr Kessler. You have all made me feel just so ‘relaxed & confident’ in all aspects of this ‘thing’. Dr Kessler is a wonderful person, who is ethical, informative, sincere and a surgical ‘artist’. As I...
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Alejandra B., Mission Viejo, CA,, USA
It has been 6 months since the date of my surgery and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. As you may recall, my previous breast implants became encapsulated resulting in hard, tender and poorly shaped breasts. I was ashamed of how they looked. When my husband and I met with...
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Markee F., Irvine, Ca,USA
Dr. Kessler is definitely a “Best in Class” surgeon. His enthusiasm and love for what he does is evident the first time you meet him. The compassion and care that he gives his patients is beyond measure.He took the time to not only explain the surgery procedure and potential problems...
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Lee W., Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
Dr. Kessler is the most caring doctor I have ever met. The minute he walked into the examination room for my initial consult I liked him and it continues EVERY time I see him. I had a lower body lift and my arms done. I am so happy with his work. He is a perfectionist and it shows....
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Glory E., Dayton, OH, USA
My experience with Dr Rob Kessler was extremely pleasant and has changed my life in the most positive ways. He has performed numeous surgeries on me after I had lost weight with having a gastric stomach bypass. He has perfomed the following surgeries on me: A breast lift, lower body...
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Stephen P., Beverly Hills, CA, USA
Incredible results. Surgical center was great–lots of special care, made you feel very special, spent the night with one to one nursing care with an ICU nurse. Nurse anesthetist was great. VERY postive experience.
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