Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Serving Denver, Lone Tree, Colorado & Nationwide
Minor procedures are almost always necessary after breast reconstruction surgery to achieve the most natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing result. These secondary surgeries and techniques are a normal part of the overall breast reconstruction process here at The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons also use many of these same methods to improve an unsatisfactory reconstruction performed elsewhere.
Pursuing revision procedures and techniques doesn’t mean that something has gone wrong with your reconstruction. Rather, these are optional adjustments done to provide the best-possible breast shape, contour, volume, and appearance. Our surgeons are committed to achieving your goals for reconstruction through revision.
To learn more about breast revision and shaping procedures, call 303-706-1100 to schedule a consultation. We serve patients from Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado, and across the country.
Breast Shaping Surgeries
The term breast shaping refers to procedures and techniques that help achieve ideal breast shape and size after reconstruction. Our surgeons can use these methods to adjust one or both reconstructed breasts, as well as the non-cancer breast in women who choose to undergo a unilateral (one-sided) breast reconstruction.
Breast shaping adjustments commonly include:
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting
- Placing a breast implant
Fat Grafting
Dr. Jeremy Williams and Dr. Christopher Williams often use fat grafting to provide optimal reconstructive results. With this method, fat from elsewhere on your body is used to shape your breast contours and enhance breast symmetry. Fat grafting can help soften the edges around the implant, if needed, and can also fill contour defects that may appear during the settling process.
When fat grafting is used for breast shaping surgeries, the patient’s own fat is harvested by liposuction techniques from donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Fat grafting is usually an outpatient procedure and often takes place at our state-licensed, The Joint Commission-accredited facility Park Meadows Outpatient Surgery.
Nipple Reconstruction
For the increasing number of women who receive a nipple-sparing mastectomy, nipple reconstruction won’t be a concern. However, you may have undergone a mastectomy that involved removing the nipple. In that case, reconstructing it is a relatively simple process that can help you feel complete and improve your satisfaction with your results.
Nipple reconstruction often follows implant-based or autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction. One of the main techniques involves using your own tissue to create a mound that looks like a nipple.
Oftentimes, this tissue comes from the reconstructed breast itself. The nipple will not have sensitivity like your nipples did before, but many women feel better about their final breast reconstruction results when they have a visible nipple.Â
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is ideal for increasing the size and improving the shape of the reconstructed breast. Using implants or fat transfer, our surgeons can add volume and achieve a more natural look. This procedure is particularly beneficial for women who feel their reconstructed breasts are smaller than desired or lack fullness.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. After breast reconstruction, some women may notice that their breasts are not as perky as they would like. A breast lift can enhance the breast's contour, providing a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be performed with fat grafting or on its own to refine the contours of the reconstructed breast. It helps remove excess fat deposits that may cause asymmetry or unevenness, ensuring a smoother and more balanced appearance.
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"Simply the best! I left my consultation feeling confident, and I left my surgery feeling more comfortable in my body than ever! My recovery was a breeze, and the team is AMAZING!!! I can’t say enough kind things!"
Areola Pigmentation
Areola pigmentation, sometimes called "nipple tattooing," is often the final step of the breast reconstruction process. It involves carefully and methodically recreating the appearance of the nipple-areola complex by placing medical-grade pigments under the skin with tattooing instruments.
Nipple tattooing is completed no sooner than three months after nipple reconstruction to allow the latest incisions to heal properly. Our physicians and nurses have specialized training for this tattooing procedure. We offer a wide spectrum of shades and colors to create the result you desire.
Areola pigmentation is done under local anesthesia, meaning you can drive yourself to and from our practice for your appointment. As with any tattoo, the pigments will tend to fade with time, and acquiring the precise shade may require more than one pigmentation (tattoo) procedure.
This final phase of reconstruction often serves to transform the reconstruction into a breast that is truly your breast. This enables many survivors to lay their cancer burden down and move forward in life with restored femininity.
Why Choose The Breast Center - Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery?
Breast reconstruction is a journey many women undertake following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. While the primary goal is to restore the breast's shape and volume, many women seek additional procedures to enhance the cosmetic outcome of their reconstruction. Choosing the right surgical team is crucial for achieving the best possible results. At The Breast Center - Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, we are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Our experienced surgeons use state-of-the-art techniques and have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in breast reconstruction and enhancement.
Located in Denver and Lone Tree, CO, our practice is committed to supporting you throughout your reconstruction journey. From the initial consultation to the final follow-up, we strive to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your results.
For more information on breast shaping after reconstruction, please visit the following resources:
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reduction Surgery
- Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
At The Breast Center - Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, your satisfaction and well-being are our top priorities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your desired breast reconstruction results.
Call Dr. Williams For Breast Shaping In Park Meadows!
Find out which of these procedures and techniques may be right for you by scheduling a consultation at 303-706-1100. You can also request an appointment by submitting an online contact form, and we’ll get back to you at our earliest convenience. The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery serves patients from Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado, and across the country.
FAQs About Improving Breast Reconstruction Outcomes
Q: Are secondary procedures necessary?
A: Secondary procedures are additional surgeries performed after the initial breast reconstruction to refine the breast's shape, symmetry, and overall appearance. These procedures are patient-focused and designed to address specific concerns that may arise after the initial reconstruction.
Q: How long after my initial reconstruction can I have secondary procedures?
A: The timing of secondary procedures varies depending on individual healing and the type of initial reconstruction. Generally, it's best to wait until your body has fully healed, which can take several months to a year.
Q: Are secondary procedures covered by insurance?
A: Insurance coverage for secondary procedures varies. Some insurance plans may cover breast reconstruction and related procedures, but it's important to check with your provider to understand your specific coverage.
Q: Will secondary procedures leave additional scars?
A: While any surgical procedure can result in scarring, our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring and ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome. Scars from secondary procedures are often less noticeable and can be strategically placed to blend with existing scars.
Can I combine breast implants with fat grafting?
Yes, you can combine breast implants with fat grafting in breast shaping procedures.Â
Fat grafting can add volume, improve symmetry, or smooth out contour irregularities around implants. This combination allows for a more tailored, natural look by filling specific areas that might need extra volume.Â
Fat grafting can also help refine the results after breast reconstruction or implant-based surgeries. It creates a smoother, softer appearance and achieves more balanced results.Â
Consult with your surgeon to explore how these techniques can work together for your desired outcome.
Will a breast lift or reduction affect my implant?
Yes, a breast lift or reduction can impact your breast implants. These procedures adjust the breast's shape and volume. They can also alter the position or appearance of implants.Â
During a lift, for example, tissue is tightened and repositioned. This can shift implant placement or affect its look.
A reduction removes excess tissue. This might lead to added contouring around the implants.Â
Work with your surgeon to ensure adjustments complement your implants and help you achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.
How can I improve breast symmetry after reconstruction?
Improving breast symmetry after reconstruction can involve several options:
- Fat grafting can enhance volume in specific areas or adjust implant placement for a more balanced look.
- Implant sizes can be modified to match natural contours.
- A breast lift can help patients achieve a more symmetrical appearance.
Personalized approaches ensure the best possible results. Discuss these techniques with your surgeon to refine the outcome to meet your aesthetic goals.
Does secondary surgery impact the longevity of breast implants?
Yes, secondary breast surgery can impact the longevity of implants. It depends on the procedure performed, though.Â
Surgical adjustments, such as repositioning or replacing implants during revision, may alter their durability or change how they interact with surrounding tissue. In some cases, the original implants may need replacement. This is more likely if the goal is to correct issues like capsular contracture or improve aesthetics.
Consult with your surgeon to ensure your implants' longevity aligns with your secondary procedure goals.
What is the recovery time for secondary breast surgery?
The recovery time for secondary breast surgery generally ranges from a few days to several weeks. It depends on the type and extent of the procedure.
Patients can expect initial discomfort, swelling, and bruising to subside within a week or two. However, full recovery and returning to normal activities might take 4 to 6 weeks.Â
Every recovery experience is unique. Follow your surgeon's personalized guidelines and attend post-operative appointments for optimal healing and results.
How do surgeons reduce scarring during secondary procedures?
To reduce scarring during secondary breast procedures, surgeons often use techniques like:
- Placing smaller incisions in discreet areas or along previous scars to reduce visibility.
- Using advanced suturing methods to promote healing.
- Sharing post-operative care recommendations, such as avoiding activities that could strain incisions.
- Recommending scar treatments post-surgery, like silicone sheets or laser therapy.
Schedule a Consultation in Denver
Do you want to learn more about breast shaping surgery options? If so, get in touch with our team at The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery.
Call 303-706-1100 or text 303-622-5587 to schedule a consultation. You can also contact us through our website.
