Patient Education is Key in Understanding Breast Reconstruction Options

If you are considering undergoing mastectomy as part of your breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction may be an important part of your recovery process. However, it is important to have some understanding of the various options for breast reconstruction and the major advantages and potential disadvantages of each, before deciding whether breast reconstruction is right for you. Breast reconstruction often begins at the time of the mastectomy.  Therefore, it is important to consult with Dr. Orringer prior to undergoing mastectomy.

The two basic categories of breast reconstruction include the use of some form of implant and the use of your own tissue usually transferred from the abdomen, back, or buttock.  Implant reconstructions tend to be simpler procedures typically involving a shorter hospital stay and shorter recuperative period.  However, implants usually require maintenance over the course of a patient’s life.  Use of your own tissue in breast reconstruction tends to produce a more natural long-term result.  However, using your own tissue to make a breast involves a scar and may involve some weakness at the site from which the tissue is taken.  Recuperation with these more extensive procedures is often longer.

Dr. Jay Orringer believes that patient education is a very important aspect of the breast reconstruction process.  During your initial breast reconstruction consultation, he'll discuss a variety of options in great detail and will try to help you arrive at a decision regarding which option you feel is best suited for you. In order to make a more informed and comfortable decision, Dr. Orringer encourages you to ask any questions you may have at that time.

If you are considering breast reconstruction, please contact Dr. Jay Orringer at The Renaissance Medical Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Inc. using the form on this page or call 310-273-1663 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, California, nationally and internationally.