Breast Cancer Reconstruction in San Diego, CA

Tissue Expanders and Implants

The process of recreating a breast with tissue expanders and implants occurs over a period of six months. This method is ideal for women who do not have sufficient tissue to use for the flap method. Breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants can start at the same time as a mastectomy or years down the line. During this procedure:

1. A tissue expander is placed in the breast area.

2. The expander is gradually filled with saline to stretch the breast skin.

3. An implant replaces the tissue expander once the skin has stretched appropriately.

Breast reconstruction with implants usually allows for larger and higher profile breasts—meaning more projection.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction Revision

Much like breast augmentation, breast reconstruction does not always provide desirable results initially. Unfortunately, some women are forced to undergo a revision of their breast cancer reconstruction to improve the look, feel, and comfort of their reconstructed breast(s). Breast reconstruction revision helps correct aesthetic and physical defects after initial breast reconstruction. This procedure can usually be performed three months after the initial surgery.

Tissue Flaps

Breast reconstruction with tissue flaps can be an alternative to implants for women who prefer not to have a foreign object in their body, or it may be used in combination with tissue expanders and implants when additional soft tissue is needed. Like implant-based reconstruction, flap procedures can be performed either immediately at the time of mastectomy or in a delayed fashion. Tissue flap surgeries use a woman’s own skin and fat—sometimes along with the accompanying blood vessels, to rebuild the breast mound.

• The latissimus dorsi flap relocates tissue from the back. In this procedure, the donor tissue typically remains attached to its original blood supply while it is carefully tunneled to the chest.
• The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) relocates skin and fat from the lower abdomen while preserving the abdominal muscles. This microsurgical technique uses the deep inferior epigastric vessels to maintain blood flow to the transferred tissue. Because no muscle is removed, the DIEP flap generally offers a faster recovery and reduces the risk of abdominal weakness compared to older techniques like the TRAM flap. DIEP reconstruction is especially beneficial for women who have undergone radiation, as implant-based reconstruction alone may not provide enough healthy, well-vascularized tissue. Many women therefore require or benefit from a DIEP flap to achieve the best reconstructive outcome.