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Breast Reconstruction in Colorado Springs
Plastic surgeon, Dr. James Banich, has extensive experience in breast reconstruction. He values listening to and working with patients who have undergone a mastectomy on one or both sides.
Breast reconstruction is typically performed in stages, requiring more than one surgery. With multiple options to pursue, Dr. Banich schedules an hour-long consultation for breast reconstruction so he can fully understand your medical and surgical history, type of mastectomy you will undergo, and need for additional cancer treatments. Dr. Banich will also work closely with your breast surgeon. The goal is to help you reach a cosmetic result that restores your beauty while ensuring your safety and health.
Breast reconstruction can begin at the same time as your mastectomy or it may take place after a period of time. Dr. Banich will discuss the pros and cons of these options during your consultation.
There are also four primary types of breast reconstruction. Your surgeon will discuss each and help you decide which approach is best for you. Learn more about these approaches below.
When determining which breast reconstruction option is right for you, there are many factors to consider. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each procedure so you can make an informed decision. Call Vanguard Skin Specialists today at (719) 355-3861 for a consultation with Dr. Banich in Colorado Springs or request an appointment online.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Often in a delayed reconstruction, as well as at times with immediate reconstruction, a tissue expander will be used to allow the skin to recover following the mastectomy. It may also be necessary to stretch the skin and underlying pectoralis muscle to accommodate implants.
The tissue expander will eventually be replaced with an implant. The second surgery takes place anywhere from 4 to 18 months following the mastectomy, depending on whether additional treatments are necessary to treat the breast cancer.
In certain cases, a tissue expander may not be necessary and an implant may be placed immediately. This may include modest reconstruction for women who have had previous breast augmentation, and if the skin allows for this option following the mastectomy.
This procedure uses the latissimus muscle on the back and a portion of the underlying skin to correct conditions that may arise from radiation. The latissimus is rotated to replace a portion of the damaged radiated tissue on the breast. Oftentimes, an implant will still be necessary to provide sufficient volume to the breast.
This reconstructive technique uses the lower abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast. There are various types of flap reconstructions; this is the most common because TRAM flap tissue is most similar to breast tissue.
“I describe the breast reconstruction process as a highway, and I want my patient to have the freedom to get off the highway at any point. She may not want to have reconstruction, and that’s okay. She may want to begin the process and not finish, and that’s okay. Or, she may undergo multiple procedures to bring back as much as possible. I want my patients to feel they have the permission and the confidence to do as much or as little as they want to do.” - James Banich, MD
Our doctors respect the privacy of patients so we do not post before/after photo galleries for plastic surgery procedures online. We understand, however, that photos are an important part of the decision-making process. We are happy to provide photos (with patient consent and identity disguised) during your consultation.
