Implant Reconstruction
in Middletown, NJ
Dr. John M. Taylor is a Red Bank, NJ, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in implant reconstruction, as well as other breast reconstruction, for patients who want to restore the natural look of the breasts after injury or a mastectomy.
What Is Implant Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction using prosthetic breast implants is a very common reconstruction option chosen by women after mastectomies. Breast implants are shaped pouches that are placed under a layer of chest muscle to create the shape of the breast. The outside shell of the implant is made of silicone rubber and is filled with either saline (sterile salt solution) or silicone gel. These products have been determined by the FDA to be safe and effective.
Benefits of Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction is one of the procedures for breast reconstruction and offers the following benefits:
- Less scarring on the breast
- More symmetrical look in clothing
- Ideal for patients having a double reconstruction
- Restores self-confidence
Patient Reviews
“I had an amazing dermaplaning and chemical peel service with Danielle K! There is definitely a reason they call this combined service her signature treatment! Also, I had an amazing massage with Danielle Fey. I can’t wait to come back for more. Everyone in the office is welcoming and professional!”
— Jackie E.
How Is Implant Reconstruction Performed?
The process of breast reconstruction using implants usually involves two stages. During the first surgery, usually at the time of mastectomy, a tissue expander is placed in a pocket beneath the pectoral muscle. Dr. Taylor also covers the expander with a layer of donor tissue to provide additional protection over the implant. This initial surgery takes approximately 2-3 hours. At the end of this surgery, the area of the chest undergoing reconstruction will still be flat. In addition, there are different types of mastectomies that can be performed that will affect the cosmetic results, including skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies.
Approximately two weeks after the placement of the tissue expanders, the process of tissue expansion will begin. During weekly or biweekly office visits, sterile saline will be injected into the tissue expander. These expansions stretch the overlying skin and enlarge the implant pocket to accommodate the size of the final implant. This process is quick and is not painful. Approximately two months after the desired volume is reached, the patient will undergo the second surgery. During this surgery, the expander is removed and a breast implant is inserted in its place. This outpatient surgery lasts about two hours. Dr. Taylor strictly adheres to sterile techniques as well as takes additional surgical precautions to avoid any chances of contamination. Patients are given prescribed oral medication for discomfort, oral muscle relaxants for muscle spasm, and antibiotics to prevent infection with each surgery.
Preparation for Implant Reconstruction
Once you and Dr. Taylor decide on implant reconstruction, you may be asked to do the following in preparation for the procedures:
- Undergo pre-operative testing
- See your physician for medical clearance
- Adjust or discontinue current medications
- Take certain medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements that may thin your blood.
- Make travel arrangements for someone to drive you to and from surgery
- Arrange for someone to stay with you the first night following surgery
Recovery from Implant Reconstruction
Muscle relaxers are prescribed to offer relief from discomfort after any of the procedures, as well as muscle spasms after each expansion. The length of time until completion of expansion depends on the patient’s tolerance and desired final breast size.
It is necessary for you to wear a support bra to help support and position the breasts. You may have drainage tubes for a few days to eliminate any fluid developed post-operatively. If the nipple was not conserved during the mastectomy then nipple reconstruction can be performed as an outpatient procedure six to eight weeks after the second surgery. The nipple-areola complex can be tattooed in the office soon thereafter. The final results restore natural-looking breasts and return a shapelier female silhouette.
Is Implant Reconstruction Right for Me?
Implants may be right for you if you desire to have both breasts reconstructed at the same time or if you want to have reconstruction immediately following a mastectomy. Additionally, if you require surgeries with shorter durations, this may be the best procedure for your reconstruction.
At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. John Taylor offers plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures as well as non-invasive advanced skin care treatments to patients in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up your consultation today.
