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Breast Reconstruction Procedure

Breast Reconstruction

What is for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, led by the esteemed Dr. Kristopher M. Day, offers a transformative path to restoration and confidence for those in Bellevue and the broader Seattle community. This procedure is a beacon of hope for patients who have undergone a mastectomy, experienced breast trauma, or face congenital deformities. Dr. Day’s compassionate approach, coupled with his advanced surgical techniques, ensures that each reconstruction is deeply personalized, focusing on restoring the breast’s natural appearance and feel. His dedication to each patient’s individual needs and aesthetic goals helps them regain a sense of wholeness and confidence in their physical appearance.

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Good Candidates for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Suitable candidates for breast reconstruction surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Kristopher M. Day in the heart of Bellevue and serving the Seattle area, are those looking to restore their body’s appearance following a mastectomy, breast injury, or due to congenital conditions. Dr. Day looks for patients who have a positive mindset and realistic expectations regarding the reconstruction process. The best candidates are generally in good overall health, do not smoke, and have completed any necessary cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Day provides a comprehensive evaluation and consultation for each patient, ensuring that breast reconstruction is a fitting and safe choice for their journey towards physical and emotional healing.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Kristopher M. Day in Bellevue and catering to the Seattle area, offers numerous advantages. One of the primary benefits is the restoration of symmetrical breasts, replenishing lost tissue and volume to achieve a more balanced and proportional body contour. Beyond the physical enhancements, the most significant impact of this surgery lies in its ability to foster a sense of normalcy and boost confidence and self-esteem, particularly for those who have undergone life-altering events. Dr. Day’s expertise in breast reconstruction provides a path to not just physical restoration, but also emotional healing, helping patients regain a sense of wholeness and self-assurance.

Preparing For
Breast Reconstruction

Before your breast reconstruction surgery with Dr. Kristopher M. Day at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, thorough preparation is key for a successful outcome. Dr. Day will guide you through understanding the procedure, discussing your health history, and setting realistic expectations. You’ll receive advice on modifying medications if necessary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle for better recovery, and planning for post-surgery assistance. This preparation phase is crucial for ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and ready for the transformative journey ahead, with Dr. Day’s commitment to patient care and excellence at every step

While you can likely resume your regular routine within two to three weeks, you’ll need to wait 4 to 6 weeks to return to heavy lifting and chest or over-the-head exercise. During the recovery period, we’ll ask you to return to our Bellevue office for multiple follow-up appointments to ensure you’re healing properly.

What to Expect
During Breast Reconstruction

At Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue, catering to those in the Seattle area, breast reconstruction is meticulously performed under general anesthesia by Dr. Kristopher M. Day. The procedure is tailored to each patient, employing either implant-based reconstruction, which initially uses temporary implants followed by permanent ones to form new breast mounds, or using the patient’s own tissue and fat for a natural reconstruction. Dr. Day carefully determines the best approach during a comprehensive consultation, ensuring each patient is fully informed and comfortable with their personalized treatment plan. Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is dedicated to making patients feel informed and relaxed, providing support and care throughout the journey to recovery

Recovering From Breast Reconstruction

It is common to experience pain, bruising, swelling, and soreness. To manage these effects, Dr. Kristopher M. Day and his team will guide you in using over-the-counter and prescription pain medications as necessary. A surgical bra may be recommended to support your breasts and minimize swelling. Post-procedure, you’re encouraged to gently move your arms, though upper body movement will be limited for a few weeks.

 

Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for two weeks is crucial, and high-impact activities, like contact sports, should be postponed for six to eight weeks. Throughout your recovery, you’ll have several follow-up visits at our Bellevue office, where we’ll address any questions or concerns, review activity limitations, and provide incision care guidance.

 

For those undergoing breast reconstruction with implants, regular visits to our office are necessary for 4-6 months post-procedure. Depending on your specific surgical plan, a second procedure might be required to replace temporary implants with permanent ones or to further optimize your surgical results. Our team at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is committed to providing thorough, compassionate care every step of the way.

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Types of Breast Reconstruction

There are several different avenues to go down when it comes to breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Day will make a professional recommendation based on your body type, natural breast size, type of cancer treatment, and the amount of tissue available.

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

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One type of breast reconstruction we offer here at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is a reconstruction using silicone or saline breast implants. Depending on your unique situation, a tissue expander (a temporary implant) may be used to stretch the skin tissue to make room for permanent breast implants. A second procedure is then needed to remove the temporary expander and put in the permanent implants.

Breast Reconstruction with Tissue

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Breast reconstruction via tissue flap involves using one’s own skin tissue from the stomach, back, thighs, or buttocks to reconstruct the breast. The advantages of this reconstruction method are that it looks more natural because it uses the body’s own tissue. However, this method is dependent on the amount of tissues available.

Fat Transfer Breast Reconstruction

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A fat transfer breast reconstruction reforms one’s breasts using their own fat from the abdomen, butt, and thighs. Fat is grafted from those areas and then injected into the chest to form new breasts. This process is similar to liposuction. Dr. Day may need to repeat this process a few times depending on your desired breast size.

Nipple Reconstruction

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Reconstructing the nipples is the final phase of breast reconstruction. To rebuild the nipples, skin is skin is rearranged on the breast mound itself. There is also the option of nipple tattooing as well. Typically, Dr. Day recommends patients wait until the new breast tissue has had time to fully heal before he starts working on the nipples.

Schedule Your Consult

Click the button below to book your consultation with Dr. Kristopher M. Day at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the breast shape and size after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other trauma. The goal is to restore the breast to near normal shape, appearance, and size.

Ideal candidates include those who have undergone breast surgery due to cancer or other conditions and wish to reconstruct their breasts. It's important for patients to be in overall good health, have a positive outlook, and realistic goals.

Breast reconstruction can be done using breast implants (saline or silicone) or through autologous (or flap) techniques, which use tissue from another part of your body. Dr. Day will help you decide the best option based on your anatomy, medical history, and preferences.

Yes, immediate reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy. There's also the option for delayed reconstruction, where surgery is performed at a later date.

Recovery varies depending on the type of reconstruction. It generally involves several weeks of recovery, during which strenuous activities should be avoided. Dr. Day will provide detailed post-operative care instructions.

As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. Specific risks related to breast implants or flap procedures will be discussed during your consultation.

Breast reconstruction can offer long-lasting results, but future surgeries may be required for maintaining results or symmetry, especially if implants are used.

Dr. Day aims to create a breast shape that is as natural as possible, though it may not match the exact look or feel of your natural breast. The appearance of scars and sensation in the breast will improve over time.

Bring a list of current medications, a summary of your medical and surgical history, and any questions or concerns you may have.