Also Serving Breast Reconstruction Patients in Beachwood
Breast reconstruction following lumpectomy or mastectomy is one of the most rewarding procedures Drs. Mark A. Foglietti and Alanna Foglietti Fostyk perform at their Cleveland plastic surgery practice. Breast reconstruction recreates all or part of the breast mound and nipple/areola to restore a natural-looking appearance and relieve some of the physical and emotional discomfort caused by breast cancer. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Foglietti Fostyk are trained and experienced in the latest and safest techniques in breast reconstruction. They, along with our compassionate staff, can work with your oncology team to create a safe and effective treatment plan that achieves the results that make you feel whole again after breast cancer.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction may be an ideal choice for you if you:
- Wish to restore a normal breast shape and size to one or both of your breasts following mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Want to improve the symmetry of the breasts if only one breast has been altered
- Are not currently undergoing a type of cancer treatment that interferes with breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can be immediate or delayed. Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as a mastectomy or lumpectomy while delayed reconstruction occurs at a later date. Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk will discuss both options with you and recommend the treatment option that suits your unique case.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Breast reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant-based reconstruction and flap reconstruction. The type of technique used to reconstruct your breast(s) will depend on a number of factors including the amount of natural tissue available, the type of cancer treatments you underwent and your personal preferences. The two techniques can be performed alone or combined to produce the most desired result.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction involves using a device called a tissue expander to create a pocket within the breast tissue that will eventually allow a breast implant to be inserted. Expanders are inserted and then saline is gradually added over the course of weeks to months to fill to a size the patient desires.
Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction involves reconstructing the breast mound using the patient’s tissue harvested from another body area. A TRAM flap technique uses skin, tissue and fat from the lower abdominal tissue while a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction uses donor tissue, skin and fat from the back.
There are several techniques that can be used to reconstruct the nipple and areola, including skin grafting and tattooing. Reconstruction of the nipple and areola usually occurs several months after the breast mound has healed from reconstruction.
Feel Whole Again with Breast Reconstruction
For many women, the breasts play an integral role in their sense of femininity and self-confidence. If this applies to you, breast reconstruction can help you feel whole again following breast cancer. To learn more about your breast reconstruction options, please schedule a consultation with one of the board certified plastic surgeons at Foglietti Fostyk Plastic Surgeryby contacting our Cleveland practice today.
