One of the decisions you will need to make when considering your breast reconstruction options is whether you want breast implants or a natural tissue reconstruction. Each option has benefits and risks to consider. In consultation with one of our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, you can fully explore your options to make an informed decision that is right for you and your body.
Autologous Tissue Reconstruction
Reconstruction using your own body’s tissue is the right choice for many women. It can help you achieve more natural, long-lasting results. However, you will have surgical scarring on the donor area of your body, usually the abdomen, and there is a small risk (1-3% of surgeries) that the transferred tissue will fail to reestablish.
With tissue reconstruction, you will undergo one longer surgery that can last from three to eight hours depending on the technique used. You will likely have a hospital stay of a few days and recovery will take about six to eight weeks.
Breast Implant Reconstruction
Choosing breast implants gives you a variety of options for size, style, and texture, and recent developments in breast implant technology allow implants to look and feel more like natural breasts. Implants do come with risks, such as capsular contracture (the hardening of tissue around the implant) and implant wrinkling, that are not associated with tissue reconstruction.
With implant reconstruction, you will undergo two separate but shorter surgeries of about two hours and may have an overnight hospital stay. Recovery is generally shorter than tissue reconstruction.
Are you ready to talk to an experienced breast reconstruction surgeon? We are happy to answer your questions about the risks and benefits for all of your options. Call Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery at ( 303) -706-1100 to schedule your consultation.
