Some patients may have to undergo a mastectomy or breast removal surgery following breast cancer. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Koltz performs breast reconstruction surgery in Toledo, OH to restore the breast appearance in these cases.
The procedure will renew the patient’s self-image and sense of femininity when a natural looking breast appearance is restored after a breast reconstruction. Most patients report physical, emotional, and psychological benefits, which make breast reconstruction completely worth it for the right candidates.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Koltz will look for the following characteristics in a patient to determine her candidacy for breast reconstruction surgery:
- Has undergone a mastectomy
- Wants to restore a natural looking breast appearance
- Has been cleared by a physician as a cancer-free patient
- Is physically and emotionally ready to cope with the surgery
- Is prepared to commit time to all stages of a breast reconstruction
- Is willing to quit smoking for a certain minimum time period
- Has clear aesthetic goals and realistic expectations
Before & After Gallery
Benefits of a Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is a more permanent solution that will enable you to feel more like your original self, prior to breast removal. The physical and emotional benefits may include:
- Restoration of natural, aesthetically appealing curves
- Enhanced size and shape of the breasts
- Improved symmetry between the breasts
- Reconstruction of a realistic looking nipple
- Corrected physical balance and body alignment
- Freedom to wear swimsuits and body hugging clothes
- Renewed self-esteem and a sense of femininity
Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Dr. Koltz may recommend breast implant reconstruction surgery for older women or those who have had a bilateral mastectomy. Two stages may be involved in this surgery. In the first stage, your surgeon will place a balloon expander under the skin and pectoral muscle to stretch the treatment area.
Once sufficient stretching has occurred to accommodate the breast implant, a breast reconstruction will be performed. In some cases, a permanent skin expander may be placed, which also serves the role of a breast implant. This will avoid the need for a two-stage surgery. Dr. Koltz will determine the appropriate surgery plan after a thorough evaluation of your case.
Breast Reconstruction with Flap Surgery
Flap reconstruction surgery will create more natural looking results, but it is relatively more invasive than an implant reconstruction. In this surgery, Dr. Koltz will remove excess tissue, fat and muscle from a donor site in your body, such as the abdomen, back or buttocks, and place it in the chest to create a realistic looking breast mound.
The transplanted living tissue blood vessels will join the new ones in the recipient site in your chest. Flap reconstruction may be performed using techniques, such as DIEP flap, TRAM flap, gluteal flap, or latissimus dorsi flap. This type of breast reconstruction is more commonly used on younger patients and those who have had only one breast removed.
Recovery Time
Recovery time involved in a flap reconstruction is usually longer than an implant reconstruction surgery. In general, you may require about two weeks at home before you can return to your workplace. Full recovery will occur in about six to eight weeks, but individual results may vary.
Contact Us
Dr. Koltz is a double fellowship trained ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon and performs a range of breast enhancement procedures in Toledo OH, Maumee, Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan.
For breast reconstruction surgery, turn to pēkomd® to enhance your upper body contours. To learn more about our breast surgery procedures, book a private consultation with Dr. Koltz at our Toledo, OH office.
