Breast cancer and related breast trauma can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects. But, breast reconstruction surgery is an opportunity to restore your appearance and self-confidence. For a breast reconstruction procedure, board-certified Augusta plastic surgeon Dr. Billy Lynn will guide you, as you determine the surgical methods that can offer you the best outcome. Dr. Lynn will also help you select the type, style, and size of breast implants to meet your needs.
During your personal consultation with Dr. Lynn, he will also discuss how to prepare for surgery, the procedures to be used, and what to expect during your recovery. He will also help you determine if your breast reconstruction can take place during the same operation as the mastectomy.
The breast reconstruction techniques that Dr. Lynn performs are described below:
TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction: A TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap breast reconstruction procedure relies on using your own tissues, taken from your abdomen, to build a new breast following a mastectomy. If you undergo unilateral reconstruction with Dr. Lynn, the TRAM flap can potentially offer better symmetry than using an implant.
Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction: The latissimus dorsi flap method has been used for breast reconstruction for more than thirty years. Using skin from your body, this procedure is commonly combined with a tissue expander and a breast implant. The skin flap can give you a more natural-looking breast shape when compared to a breast restored through use of tissue expanders and breast implants alone.
Tissue Expanders and Breast Implants: If Dr. Lynn does use a tissue expander, he will place it on your chest wall deep in the muscle, as a temporary device. The expander creates a pocket to contain your permanent breast implant. Tissue expanders are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the size of implant you and Dr. Lynn choose.
For more information about breast reconstructions, or to schedule your own personalized consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Savannah River Plastic Surgery at 706-651-8400.