JC Plastic Surgery
of Atlanta
Phone: 404-312-3878
Breast Reconstruction
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Direct to Implant
Breast reconstruction has evolved into a faster restorative procedure with less recovery time. Some patients are candidates to have implants placed immediately after the mastectomy in one setting. Most candidates need to eligible for nipple preservation and desire a smaller cup size. The length of the surgery and time of recovery is shorter than other techniques. It also has the advantage of addressing only the chest area. Though it may still require additional surgeries, it decreases aftercare and time of completion. It is most popular amongst patients who carry high risk for breast cancer and need prophylactic breast mastectomies (breast tissue removal). Breast implants are not forever. They will require an exchange in the future.
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Tissue Expander
Tissue expanders are inflatable devices and are a bridge to placing breast implants. Some patients desire a larger breast size, or the amount of skin preserved after the mastectomy is insufficient for a direct to implant technique. In such cases, tissue expanders can be placed immediately after the mastectomy and subsequently stretched (expanded) to the perfect size. This will require a second surgery where the expander is removed and replaced with the breast implant. The length and recovery of this technique is still shorter than a tissue-based (flap) surgery, but it does involve multiple visits to our office. Tissue expanders have been by far the most common technique of breast reconstruction.
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Latissimus Flap
A flap is a transfer of tissue with its intrinsic blood supply from one part of the body to another. A Latissimus flap is based on a muscle called latissimus dorsi muscle. This is a muscle located in your back just below your shoulders and spans out towards your spine and waist. This flap is composed of skin and muscle and it is moved around to the front of your chest to rebuild your breast. The blood vessels of the flap are left attached to their original blood supply in your back. This flap is usually used in patients who have unfortunately lost significant amount of skin during the mastectomy and/or patients who’ve had radiation of the chest wall in the past. This flap does not create enough volume to the breast area, so it is combined with an implant for a better cosmetic outcome. This surgery does involve a longer surgery and recovery time.
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Fat Transfer
Fat tissue is a noble tissue that can be removed (by liposuction technique) from one part your body and transferred (injected) into the reconstructed breast. This autologous fat transfer has been the key adjunct to achieve the best cosmetic outcomes in breast reconstruction. Fat transfer to the breasts can correct indentations, deformities, asymmetry, rippling of implants and add volume to the breast size. This has been the perfect tool to a more natural looking breast. This however cannot be the only technique used in breast reconstruction. It is usually done during a separate surgery from the initial mastectomy and reconstruction. It is important to know that fat can be re-absorbed and it can sometimes cause small nodules under the skin
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Nipple Reconstruction & Tattoo
Some patients are not able to preserve their nipples. But don’t worry, nipples can be recreated with your own skin during surgery. The color is added later on with skin tattooing and they complete the breast reconstruction. Reconstructed nipples unfortunately lack sensation and movement, so they stick out all of the time. If this a feature you don’t love, then 3D tattooing of the nipple may be a perfect option for you. Though 3D tattoos lack the texture and volume, they give a visual illusion that they are present. At JC Plastic Surgery of Atlanta, we have a wonderful nipple tattoo artist that will perform the procedure in the comfort of our office.
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Oncoplasty (Reconstruction
After Lumpectomy)
Breast cancer can be treated with removal of the tumor alone (lumpectomy) or the whole breast (mastectomy). If you are a candidate for a lumpectomy, sometimes this partial breast removal can leave some asymmetry or deformity of the breast. In order to avoid these potential complications, oncoplastic surgery can be done at the same time of the lumpectomy. Oncoplasty means we combine breast cancer removal with plastic surgery. It uses the remaining breast tissue to sculpt and realign the nipple-areolas and to restore the natural appearance of the breast. This is a great option for patients with large breasts who are candidates for breast conservation therapy or lumpectomy. The opposite breasts is addressed appropriately to achieve symmetry. In some cases, oncoplastic techniques require the use of implants in patients with smaller size breasts.
JC PLASTIC SURGERY OF ATLANTA, LLC
Breast Reconstruction
Revisions
Breast reconstruction after mastectomies (breast tissue removal) is a long, difficult journey both from an emotional and surgical standpoint. Our goal at JC Plastic Surgery of Atlanta is to restore the breasts in the most cosmetically pleasing way possible. Some patients might have already undergone breast reconstruction elsewhere but would like some improvement in their outcome. Dr. Jenny Chang is most passionate about these breast reconstruction revision cases because they are the most challenging and rewarding surgeries she performs.
HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 12pm