Introduction to Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is one of the most rewarding procedures Dr. Sundine performs at his Newport Beach plastic surgery office. Losing one or both breasts to breast cancer or traumatic injury is a very depressing experience. Dr. Sundine uses his vast knowledge and superb surgical skills to restore your femininity via breast reconstruction surgery. Your restored breasts will help you overcome the emotional and physical trauma that you have undergone as a result of mastectomy (breast removal surgery). Dr. Sundine has years of experience and training pertaining to various surgical techniques used to reconstruct the breasts. To learn more, please read the paragraphs below or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

If you have lost one or both breasts to mastectomy, you may qualify for breast reconstruction surgery. To assess your candidacy, Dr. Sundine will examine your chest to see if you have enough tissue. In addition, he will ask you about your physical and mental health. He may also get in touch with your primary care provider or oncologist to make sure you are healthy and will not need any additional medical treatments that may compromise the results of your breast reconstruction treatment.

There are two types of breast reconstruction surgery. The first involves the use of breast implants. Another technique uses your own tissue flap or both the flap and breast implants. A tissue flap is a section of your own skin, fat, and muscle that is removed from the stomach or another area of the body to reconstruct the breasts. The final step in reconstructing the breasts is to reconstruct the nipple and the areola.

Patient Review

I love Dr. Sundine and his staff! When I met him for the first time, facing a double mastectomy for breast cancer, he immediately put me at ease. He radiates calm confidence with surprising humility. He gently led me through the entire process with skill and a humanity that was so appreciated. He does not fill the stereotype of a plastic surgeon. He did not try to “up-sell,” but listened carefully to what I wanted. Toni, who handles the office, is amazing! She’s personable and funny and very caring. I always felt like I was a treasured patient. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Sundine! – Sally W.

Breast Reconstruction with Implants in Newport Beach

All breast reconstruction surgeries are performed under general anesthesia at an accredited medical facility and may take up to four hours. Dr. Sundine will walk you through your treatment step by step prior to taking you to the operating room.

If you have enough skin to cover a breast implant, Dr. Sundine will make an incision where appropriate and insert saline or silicone breast implants between layers of the chest muscle. If you do not have enough tissue, he may use expandable implants or tissue expanders, in which case you will undergo another surgical procedure after a certain period of time.

The Breast Reconstruction Procedure with Tissue Flap

If Dr. Sundine opts to perform the flap procedure, he will most likely use the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous) technique. During this procedure, he will take fatty tissue and skin from the abdomen and tunnel it to the chest area to reconstruct the breasts. The blood vessels are reattached to those in the chest. This technique involves the removal of excess fat from the stomach, and women who do not have enough fat in the area may not be good candidates for this procedure. Excess fat and tissue may also be used from the back area, in a procedure known as the latissimus dorsi flap.

Before and After Photos

Breast Reconstruction Before and After Results in Newport Beach by Dr. Sundine

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Recovering from Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery can take several weeks. You will be wrapped in bandages and will wear a surgical bra for several days. The reconstructed breasts and donor tissue will be bruised, swollen, and sore. Taking your prescribed medication and following the doctor’s post-treatment instructions will help you recover safely.

You may return to work within one to two weeks, depending on how you feel and the nature of your job. You will not be able to perform any strenuous physical activities for an extended period of time. It is important that you rest and take proper care of your surgical incisions. Dr. Sundine will see you on a regular basis to monitor your progress.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

The reconstruction of the nipple and areola are the final steps in reconstructing the breasts. This treatment is performed well after the newly reconstructed breasts have healed. When reconstructing the nipple and the areola, you will have a couple of options. One is to have tissue taken from the newly reconstructed breast; another is tattooing. Dr. Sundine will advise you as to which technique is best for you.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Sundine is a well-known plastic surgeon serving the needs of patients throughout Newport Beach and Orange County. In addition to performing advanced breast procedures, he is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery and specializes in a facelift in Orange County as well as rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty in Newport Beach. Over the years, many patients have received the beautiful, natural-looking results they desire under his care. If you’d like to book a consultation, please contact us today. We look forward to beginning this journey with you!

Professional Memberships:

International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons

American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons

American Cleft Palate- Craniofacial Association

American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons

Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

"Extremely Qualified"

I was referred to Dr Sundine by the Pelican Hill Resort while I was a guest there and I suffered serious facial injuries from a mountain biking incident. Dr Sundine and his staff were concerned and caring and extremely qualified. the work performed by Dr Sundine on my face is simpl astounding. I was so impressed with the quality of care and results I received that I have had additional voluntary facila work performed by Dr Sundine. My wife and some friends have also become patients of Dr Sundine's with the same results. It is a difficult decision to entrust someone to repair and maintain one's appearance. I trust Dr Sundine.
- MJ

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"Thanks, Dr. Sundine!"

After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. He is gentle and kind and genuinely listens to you. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. Even the day of the procedure, he spent ample time talking to me, taking measurements, and making marks on my body so as to get the perfect results. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine!

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"Excellent Plastic Surgeon!"

Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. The office setting is state of the art and his office manager Toni makes sure that everything runs efficiently. They really listen to your needs before and after surgery to make certain that you walk out fully satisfied. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. This is not your typical Newport Beach plastic surgeon’s office. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County! The office offers a full range of injectables, peels, and lasers in addition to major cosmetic surgery procedures. Whether you need a little tweak or surgery this is the physician that you should see!
- Susan

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"You are the Best Surgeon!"

Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!
- Thy D.

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