Breast Reconstruction Newport Beach

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 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 Dr. Sundine at 949 706 3100 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 medicine and following 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.

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 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.