After a mastectomy, many women experience a profound sense of loss. The emotional toll of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and hormonal changes, can leave many women feeling disconnected from their own bodies. While some changes may be temporary, breast reconstruction offers a chance to rebuild not just the body but also a sense of confidence and femininity, marking the final step in a woman’s healing journey.
Breast reconstruction in Westchester can help restore a sense of wholeness, femininity, and confidence. This procedure provides an opportunity for women to regain their self-esteem and feel more comfortable in their bodies once again. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Reinblatt helps women feel empowered and whole again, offering a transformative step toward healing and renewal.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or due to injury or trauma. This personalized surgery can be performed using various techniques, including tissue expanders and implants, autologous flap creation, or fat grafting, depending on the patient's unique body, preferences, and goals. The final stage of the process often includes nipple reconstruction to complete the breast’s appearance.
During your private consultation, Dr. Reinblatt and her team will guide you in selecting the best approach for your needs and desired outcomes. Breast reconstruction aims to help women regain their sense of wholeness and confidence, offering high patient satisfaction when performed by a skilled, detail-oriented surgeon like Dr. Reinblatt.
The immense benefits of breast reconstruction
- Restore your feelings of femininity
- Feel like yourself again
- Eliminate the need to wear breast prosthesis
- Increase your self-esteem and body confidence
What do reconstructedbreasts look and feel like?
Visible lines will be present on the breasts, but they will fade with time
Reconstructed breasts won't have the same sensation as your original breasts
If only one breast is being reconstructed, Dr. Reinblatt will ensure that it looks like the opposite side
Did You Know?
It is estimated that one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
When Should You Have a Breast Reconstruction?
Many women choose to have reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy. This is known as immediate reconstruction. As soon as the breast is removed, Dr. Reinblatt will step in to reconstruct your chest.
It is also possible to have your reconstruction months or years after your first surgery. This is known as delayed or secondary reconstruction. This may be appropriate if your cancer treatment involves radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can affect the size, color, texture and appearance of your reconstructed breast, so you will likely want to wait until they are complete.
Unhappy with your first breast reconstruction?
Dr. Reinblatt also sees Westchester breast reconstruction patients who are unhappy with the results of their first breast reconstruction with another surgeon. In these cases, common complaints include:
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Large scars
Asymmetry
Poorly positioned implants
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Capsular contracture
Hollow areas
Divots
If this occurs, Dr. Reinblatt will perform a revision reconstruction. She will identify the precise changes that need to be made to address your complaints and create the chest you want and deserve.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgeries
With Dr. Reinblatt, you have three main options in terms of breast reconstruction surgeries: tissue expanders, flap reconstruction and fat grafting:
Tissue Expanders
With this approach, tissue expanders are placed beneath the skin and Dr. Reinblatt will add saline to the expanders once a week to stretch the area. Once the skin is sufficiently stretched, Dr. Reinblatt will perform a two-stage procedure to remove the expander and replace it with a permanent breast implant.
Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction involves taking muscle, tissue, skin and fat from another area of the body and using these elements to construct a new breast mound. The donor site can be the abdomen, back, buttock or thigh, and the incisions will be well-concealed along the bra line. If necessary, a breast implant can be placed underneath the flap.
Fat Grafting
Also known as a fat transfer, fat grafting is a new reconstruction technique that's popular among many of Dr. Reinblatt's Westchester breast reconstruction patients. It involves removing fat from the thighs, belly or butt via liposuction. From there, Dr. Reinblatt will process and re-inject the fat into the breasts to create a new chest.
What to Expect During Recovery?
- Do not sleep on your side or stomach for the first week
- Take your pain medication and antibiotics as directed
- You can expect bruising and swelling for up to eight weeks
- It can take a year or longer for the area to fully heal and for your scars to fade
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks
"I met with Dr. Reinblatt today to discuss having my implants that were done at different times due to breast cancer, replaced for a better cosmetic outcome. After a thorough exam, she answered all my questions. Her honesty is unmeasurable and ease of communication is beyond anything I have experienced with a doctor. Her team represents Dr. Reinblatt’s vision. I highly recommend Dr. Reinblatt when you are ready for a first class experience."
- Laura (Real Patient)
WHY CHOOSE DR. REINBLATT FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
Dr. Maura Reinblatt, a highly respected and board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in breast reconstruction procedures. With certifications from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Reinblatt is known for her exceptional skill, compassionate care, and attention to detail. Her personalized approach ensures that each patient receives the highest level of care and the best possible outcome.
Dr. Reinblatt’s practice is equipped with the latest technology for cosmetic and breast reconstructive procedures. Her dedication to excellence in breast reconstruction in Westchester has earned her a reputation for delivering outstanding results while prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of her patients throughout their recovery journey.
FAQs
Are saline or silicone implants better for breast reconstruction?
The FDA has approved both saline and silicone implants for women electing to have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Both types of implants have an excellent safety record. Both come in various sizes and can offer a natural look. Determining which implant is best for you is based on personal preference as well as body type.
A silicone breast implant consists of a silicone outer shell that is filled with a cohesive silicone gel. It can be a smooth shell that moves freely within the breast or a textured shell that attaches to the surrounding body tissue. A saline implant is filled with sterile salt water or saline. This type of implant can be adjusted and filled during surgery. Both saline and silicone implants are designed to be long-lasting.
I had a single mastectomy. Will my newly reconstructed breast look similar to my other one?
Many times women only need to have a single mastectomy, which presents the challenge of matching the reconstructed breast to the existing breast. The goal of breast reconstruction after a single mastectomy is to restore symmetry and sometimes you may need an adjustment to the other breast.
Dr. Reinblatt is a skilled Westchester plastic surgeon who has completed many successful breast reconstructions. It may take a few adjustments after the initial surgery to obtain a well-balanced, natural look, but her skill and experience will ensure that you will look your best.
Do I have to be done with radiation and chemo treatments before getting breast reconstruction done?
There are no hard and fast rules as to when to have breast reconstruction. There are many benefits to doing it immediately, even during your mastectomy. However, there are also some points to consider before jumping right in with surgery. Consult with Dr. Reinblatt as soon after the cancer diagnosis as possible to determine the approach that will be best for you.
Let's Get Together
For many women, reconstruction is a way of reclaiming their bodies after fighting breast cancer. Contact Dr. Reinblatt's office today to schedule a consultation for one of the best surgeries of breast reconstruction Westchester, NY has to offer.
Schedule12 Greenridge Ave #401, White Plains, NY 10605
(646) 905-0087