Breast Reconstruction Chicago
At The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, breast reconstruction is a very common procedure. Breast reconstruction is a broad term used to describe surgical procedures developed by plastic surgeons to reconstruct the female breast after breast cancer treatment. During breast cancer treatment, patients will have a surgery that removes all or a portion of the breast. The nipple and areola may also be removed during the cancer treatment. Immediately after the breast cancer surgery, the plastic surgeon may reconstruct the breast using implants, expanders, or the patient’s own abdominal tissue to rebuild the breast. The goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to recreate a breast and restore the female breast in form, to achieve symmetry of the bilateral breasts. Additionally, the goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to improve a patient’s self-image and self-confidence after breast cancer treatment.Â
Breast reconstruction surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures. The procedures range from fat transfer to the breast, direct implant placement, tissue expander, and implant placement, and flap reconstruction with the patient’s own tissue. during your consultation appointment, your Chicago breast reconstruction surgeon will discuss the different techniques and options available.Â
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
If you have had breast cancer treatment and have asymmetries of the breast, you may be a good candidate for breast reconstruction surgery. Patients should be in overall good health and not be actively smoking.
A breast reconstruction can also help to correct:
- Breast asymmetries after breast cancer treatment
- Absent breast after mastectomy surgery
- Absent nipple and areola after breast cancer treatment
If any of these factors apply to you, you may be a good candidate for a Chicago breast reconstruction. Ideal candidates should be in generally favorable health and non-smokers.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we understand that decreased self-image and confidence can affect more than just the perception of oneself, but the quality of life as well. The motivations for breast reconstruction can be varied, but our goal is to help each patient both look and feel like the best version of themselves.
During a consultation at our practice, a board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, will discuss your reconstructive goals and review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for a breast reconstruction. Be prepared to discuss any past surgeries and other medical issues related to your breasts.
The plastic surgeon will examine your upper body and take measurements of your breasts for size, shape, skin quality, and nipple position. Photographs are usually taken at this stage so that your plastic surgeon can perform a full evaluation and work with you to determine the best course of treatment to reach your ideal reconstructive goals.
If you have any questions about results, recovery, potential risks, or any other factors, the consultation is the best time to discuss these with your plastic surgeon.
HOW BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IS PERFORMED
There are many techniques available for breast reconstruction. For patients with small asymmetries of the breast, for example from a lumpectomy procedure, fat grafting is an option. In this procedure, fat is taken from one site and transferred to the deficient area of the breast to restore volume and symmetry. For patients who have had a mastectomy, the breast can be reconstructed with an implant or the patient’s own tissue. When an implant based reconstruction is chosen, in certain situations, the implant is placed immediately to reconstruct the breast. In other situations, a balloon-like device or tissue expander has to be placed to expand the breast skin to accommodate an implant. An alternative option is using the patient’s abdominal tissue to rebuild and reconstruct the breast without the use of an implant. This option is the most complex and requires a longer hospital stay.
After the mastectomy procedure is performed by the breast surgeon, your plastic surgeon will then reconstruct the breast with an expander or implant. Sometimes, a biologic tissue substitute is placed to help support the implant and breast skin during the reconstruction. If the patient has opted for a reconstruction using one’s own tissue, then abdominal tissue is used to rebuild or reconstruct the breast (DIEP flap). During this procedure, the abdominal tissue is transplanted to the chest with its own artery and vein. A microscope and suture smaller than a human hair is used to put the artery and vein back together. Once the reconstruction is performed, drains may be placed and the incisions are closed. For implant-based reconstructions, the patient may stay in the hospital for a few days. For the flap based reconstruction, the patient may stay in the hospital for 5-7 days.
RECOVERY AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Swelling and bruising of the breasts and incision sites are normal in the weeks following the procedure. Usually an elastic bandage or support bra is necessary to maintain support while the breasts heal. A drain may be placed at the incision sites after surgery to remove any excess fluid.
Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and issue post-surgical care instructions to ensure a safe recovery. You should avoid any rigorous exercise or exertion until your doctor clears you to return to your normal level of activity.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
There are known risks and potential complications associated with breast reconstruction surgery. Risks commonly associated with breast reconstruction may include:
- Infection
- Hematoma (blood clot)
- Implant related infection
- Loss of flap
- Fluid accumulation
- Scarring
- Breast asymmetry
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago takes every measure to minimize risk by using only the safest, most innovative techniques in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. You can also reduce potential complications by carefully following all instructions from your plastic surgeon, both before and after the procedure.
WHAT DOES BREAST RECONSTRUCTION COST IN CHICAGO?
Health insurance carriers will cover the cost of breast reconstruction surgery and therefore the out of pocket cost to you the patient depends on the individual health plan. Be sure to speak with your health insurance carrier about all associated costs prior to your consultation and surgery.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are interested in breast reconstruction surgery, call the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to schedule a consultation. A board-certified plastic surgeon will speak with you about your reconstructive and aesthetic goals and discuss all treatment options available.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
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Happy National Botox Day! 💉
Botox isn’t just about smoothing fine lines and wrinkles; it has many additional medical benefits too!
Benefits of Botox include:
✨ Migraines: Botox can help reduce the frequency of migraines, especially for people who experience headaches 15 or more days per month.Â
✨ Excessive sweating: Botox can help with excessive sweating, also known as Hyperhidrosis, by paralyzing the muscles around sweat glands.Â
✨ Eye problems: Botox can correct physical eye problems like lazy eye, crossed eyes, and rapid eye blinking.Â
✨ Neck spasms: Botox can help with neck spasms, also known as Cervical Dystonia, which can cause the neck muscles to contract uncontrollably.Â
✨ Jaw tension: Botox can help with jaw tension and TMJ by reducing muscle activity in the masseter muscle.
📆 Book your consultation and let’s talk Botox!Â
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✨ Post-surgery care is key to achieving your best results! ✨
Here are a few tips to help minimize scar visibility:
1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions Carefully!
This typically includes keeping incisions clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and wearing recommended tissue-healing support garments if needed.
2. Use Silicone-Based Products!
Applying silicone sheets or gels can reduce scar thickness and discoloration. These products create a protective barrier to maintain moisture levels and promote smoother skin regeneration.
3. Massage Gently!
Once cleared by your plastic surgeon, gently massaging the scar tissue can improve circulation and flexibility to soften or fade scars.
4. Protect from Sun Exposure!
Exposing healing scars to sunlight can cause darkening and prolong the healing process. Use SPF, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and cover the area appropriately when spending time outdoors.
5. Consider Advanced Treatments!
Treatments like laser therapy or microdermabrasion may benefit persistent or prominent scars more. These treatments can enhance skin texture and color, making scars less noticeable. Always consult with your plastic surgeon before pursuing additional treatments.
Remember, patience is part of the process! ❤️
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Ever wonder how plastic surgeons create custom facial implants? 🤔
Plastic surgeons will use a CT scan of your face and work with engineers to surgically design and plan the custom implants. The models and implants are created with a 3D printer, which are then used in the operating room. The implants can be made with a number of different materials, for example titanium or PEEK (Polyetheretherketone). The main advantage of Virtual Surgical Planning is being able to customize the surgical plan to the patient’s anatomy and goals. ✨
Posted with permission. This is an educational post.
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Liposuction VS. Tummy Tuck, what’s the difference? 👀
Although they can target similar areas, they target different needs. Let’s talk about it! ✨
✍️ Liposuction is ideal for removing stubborn fat deposits, offering targeted sculpting without major surgery. This procedure removes unwanted and excess fat from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck through tiny incisions. This is a less invasive procedure and has a quicker recovery time as compared to a tummy tuck. A liposuction is usually performed on people who are close to their ideal weight and have firm skin.
✍️ A Tummy Tuck goes deeper, targeting abdominal muscles and removing excess skin for a firmer, smoother appearance. A Tummy Tuck is the common term given to Abdominoplasty, a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen through a larger incision. The goal of this procedure is a smoother, flatter, well-defined abdomen and, in some cases, to restore weakened muscles of the abdomen. It’s typically performed on people who have lost a significant amount of weight or have gone through pregnancy.
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Can you spot the difference between the before and after? 🔍
This patient wanted and underwent a subtle, natural-looking lip lift to improve the height and proportions of her upper lip and the amount of tooth show. Post-op, the surgical site scar is nearly invisible, lying flat and soft against the skin. The difference might be subtle, but the results speak for themselves! đź‘„
Posted with permission.
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Can you believe we removed nearly 5 pounds of breast tissue? 🌸
Breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts to reach a size that is proportionate to other parts of the body. This transformative procedure can equally be useful in alleviating discomfort from overly large breasts. The weight of excess breast tissue can lead to physical issues, such as back problems and neck pain. From reducing back pain to enhancing everyday mobility and confidence, breast reduction can be a life-changing step toward feeling more comfortable in your body. ✨
Posted with permission.
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Check out this incredible transformation! 💪 This patient wanted to improve the contour and aesthetics of his lower face, jawline, and neck—especially on his profile view. His primary concerns were a poorly defined jawline and excess skin around the neck.
After undergoing neck liposuction and a sliding genioplasty, the results speak for themselves! The neck muscles were tightened, excess fat removed, and the overall balance of his face was greatly enhanced. Now, in the post-operative photos, his jawline and neck contour are more defined, and his overall appearance has a more youthful, refreshed look. Posted with permission. ✨
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Fall and Winter 🤝 The Best Seasons for Plastic Surgery
Why are Fall and Winter the best times to get plastic surgery?
1. Less Sun Exposure
— Reduced sunlight is favorable for minimizing hyperpigmentation and promoting scar healing.
2. Loose-Fitting Clothes
— Wearing layers of loose clothing in the colder months allows for more protection of surgical areas and easier concealment of bandages and compression garments, making the recovery process less noticeable.
3. Reduced Swelling
— Cooler temperatures help to minimize swelling after surgery and speed up the recovery process.
4. Holiday Time Off
— The holiday season usually provides extended time off from work or school, which is beneficial for post-operative recovery
At our clinic, patient care is our top priority, and choosing the right time for your procedure is part of that commitment. Thus, we optimally recommend the fall and winter time to plan, undergo, and recover from plastic surgery. 🍂❄️
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