Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is the importance of Federal Legislation in 1998 for women's health regarding breast reconstruction?
All insurance companies must cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy. They also have to cover procedures on the opposite breast to obtain symmetry, including reduction, augmentation and mastopexy. Recently, situations have risen where coverage for opposite-breast surgery after lumpectomy may be denied by insurance companies.  The Manhattan Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has over a decade of experience in supporting this legislation.

Is immediate or delayed breast reconstruction surgery best for me?
According to the Manhattan Plastic Surgeon, most women are candidates for some type of immediate breast reconstruction. Since reconstruction is an additional major surgery, women should be carefully evaluated to understand all the risks and benefits. Multiple studies have shown tremendous psychological benefits to women who have immediate breast reconstruction.

What surgical options are available for breast reconstruction?
Women who desire to use their own tissue generally prefer the tram flap (abdomen) or a lat. dorsi flap (back) as a secondary choice. Using tissue expanders to stretch the skin for implant use is a simple option; however, implants do get firmer and harder with time. The Manhattan Board Certified Plastic Surgwon will discuss all your options with you.

What is a tram flap?
A Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap involves using skin and fat from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast. The muscle is used to carry blood supply to skin and fatty tissue so volume can be replaced to match what is removed. The abdominal closure tightens the abdominal wall similar to a tummy tuck.

Are silicone breast implants safe?
Yes, silicone breast implants are safe and Dr. Senderoff, who is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon - with offices in Manhattan and Westchester, New York, is a clinical investigator involved with the Inamed trials - he is one of a select few plastic surgeons in Manhattan who can offer you the option of silicon breast implants or saline breast implants . Saline breast implants are extremely safe with very low infection or leakage rates. Soft tissue coverage over the implant is very important, so the implant is placed behind the chest muscle.

Does immediate breast reconstruction delay additional treatment for breast cancer?
No. The vast majority of the Manhattan Plastic Surgeon's patients who have immediate breast reconstruction can start chemotherapy within a month of the surgery. This time frame is not significantly different to women who only have a mastectomy. There is tremendous amount of plastic surgery literature that documents their benefits as well as the feeling of "wholeness" and improved psychological benefits.

If you have any questions about Breast Reconstruction please feel free to contact the Plastic Surgeon at his Manhattan or Westchester, New York office.  Please feel free to schedule a complimentary breast reconstruction consultation with the Manhattan Plastic Surgeon.