Implant Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction vs. Breast Augmentation What's the Difference?
Breast augmentation is a type of cosmetic breast surgery that some women elect to improve the shape, size, and overall symmetry of their natural breasts. Women undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation still have their natural breast tissue in place. Unlike breast augmentation patients, women who have undergone a mastectomy have had that tissue removed, so the implant must be placed under the pectoralis muscle after the use of a tissue expander has created a space for the implant.
What to Expect
When Undergoing Implant Breast Reconstruction
The first operation is performed at the same time as the mastectomy.
Get the Results You Want With Breast Implant Revision
If you're no longer satisfied with the results your breast implants provide, Dr. Oren Lerman can help. He offers multiple surgical options, including replacement with newer, higher-quality implants and a lift, as well as natural restoration with fat grafting. Our goal is to create an outcome that you'll be able to love for the long term.
The Women of New York City Trust Us With Their Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Denise Nales
2021
Dr. Lerman performed 3 surgeries on me as I had a bilateral mastectomy. He is just such an amazing physician, who cares about his patients. Dr. Lerman is warm, caring and attentive to every detail. I am beyond satisfied with the results of my surgeries.
View On GoogleNicole Sofia
2020
Dr. Oren Lerman is the only doctor you should be considering for cosmetic surgery and breast reconstruction surgery. Prior to seeing Dr. Lerman, I had a Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction. I had several complications and it was a terrible experience. When I found Dr. Lerman, it was an incredible blessing...
View On GoogleExperienced & Dependable
Dr. Lerman is a recognized leader in breast reconstruction and cosmetic procedures of the face, breast, and body. He is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care, as well as the Microvascular and Cosmetic Breast Fellowship, where he oversees the training of the next generation of DIEP flap breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgeons.
Through his experience and continued training, Dr. Lerman can reconstruct your breasts to get them back to looking and feeling natural. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and need a mastectomy, send us a message or call our Manhattan, NY, office to request your breast implant reconstruction consultation.
(212) 434-6980
Types of Breast Implants
Both saline and silicone implants are safe. Your unique health condition and aesthetic goals can help us determine which type of implant is best for you.
Saline Breast Implants
These implants are filled with sterile saltwater. They are placed in the chest while empty then filled once implanted. This is beneficial in that your plastic surgeon can control the amount of saline going into each implant to make sure they are symmetrical and your previously agreed upon size.
Silicone Breast Implants
These implants are pre-filled with a silicone gel that mimics the look and feel of natural breasts. Silicone is safe to be implanted into the body, and if a rupture or leak does occur, it is not an emergency. Most patients prefer the look and feel of silicone implants over saline.
Gummy Bear Implants
The latest generation of silicone breast implants is called form stable, also known as "gummy bear" implants because of their consistency and feel. They are anatomically shaped implants with a natural teardrop shape and a firmer consistency, helping to achieve a more natural-looking reconstruction.
Am I a Good Candidate for Implant Reconstruction?
If you are a cancer survivor, are choosing to have a preventative mastectomy, or if you have suffered an injury that left your breasts disfigured, you are a good candidate for an implant breast reconstruction. For those having a mastectomy, preventative or otherwise, the reconstruction process will begin at the same time as that surgery. However, for some breast cancer patients who will still require further medical treatment like radiation, the implant process will begin once they are cleared by your oncologist. Patients who have suffered a severe injury will need to be cleared by your doctor to ensure you are in good enough health to undergo the implant surgery.
Potential Risks Of Implant Breast Reconstruction
While implant breast reconstruction is a common and generally safe breast surgery, there is always the potential for risks and side effects.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is the most common side effect for women who have undergone implant breast reconstruction surgery. This is where the scar tissue around the implant (capsule) hardens, which can deform the breast implant and cause pain for the patient.
Possible Rupture
With the current generation of implants, the likelihood of rupture is extremely low but not impossible. If you have a saline implant, your body will absorb the sterile solution with no health risk to you, but your implant will deflate and need to be replaced. If you have a silicone implant, you may not even realize when the rupture happens as the silicone gel tends to stay in place. This is referred to as a "silent rupture." However, after time, your breast could change its shape, and you could notice an increase in pain, firmness, and swelling around your implant. It is important to have your implant replaced as soon as you notice a rupture has happened to eliminate those side effects.
Rippling or Folding
This is when you can see the edges, folds, or wrinkles of your implant, typically noticed between the cleavage or around the edges of your breasts. This is seen more often in saline implants, but there is potential for it to happen with silicone implants, as well.
Changes in Nipple Sensation
If you have had a nipple-sparing mastectomy, your nipple sensation may be dulled due to all the underlying tissue being removed. It is also common for women to experience a change in nipple sensation after implant breast surgery. Some report an increased sensation or tingling, while others have reported a dullness. These symptoms should resolve themselves within a few months.
In or Around Manhattan, NY? Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Surviving breast cancer and going through the difficult process of a mastectomy is something to be proud of. But if you find yourself to be self-conscious about life after your surgery, don't wait to take the next step. Our experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Lerman can give you your confidence back after having a mastectomy. He can help you choose which implant or reconstruction breast surgery best suits you and your needs. If you live near New York City, reach out to our Manhattan, NY, office to request your consultation.
(212) 434-6980
Quality Care That Patient in New York City Rate 5-Stars
Cynthia Shechter
2020
Dr. Oren Lerman is not only a phenomenal surgeon with amazing outcomes, he is also a wonderful human being who cares about and listens to every single patient...
View On GoogleCecily Schwimmer
2020
Excellent service from front desk to surgeon. Appointments and surgery day were as pleasant as could be :). Results are amazing!!!...
View On GoogleBenefits of Implant Breast Reconstruction
Shorter Surgery and Hospitalization
With implant breast reconstruction, the first surgery typically occurs during your mastectomy, and the only other surgery you need is short with minimal hospitalization time.
New-Generation Implants Maintain Their Shape
The new-generation implants are filled with a highly cohesive gel that maintains its teardrop shape continuing to give your breasts a natural look and feel.
The Risks Are Low
Especially with new-generation implants, like form stable silicone implants, the rupture rate is much lower than that of previous generations, and the gel allows these implants to hold their shape without rippling or folding.
Corrective Breast Surgeries
While they can last over a decade, implants will eventually need to be replaced or corrected. Many patients think their only option is to get new implants, but that is not the case. Dr. Lerman has several corrective solutions for women who are unhappy with their results or experiencing problems with their current implants.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction utilizes the patient’s own tissue to create a breast mound. Rather than replacing the implants, Dr. Lerman can remove them and use the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Since the reconstructed breast is composed of the patient’s own tissue, this technique eliminates the risks associated with saline and silicone breast implants. Similar to AlloDerm, this advanced procedure is typically performed at the time of the mastectomy but can also be used as corrective breast surgery.
Breast Lift
Over time, the thin skin left from the mastectomy can begin to sag. A breast lift can add support and correct malpositioning. The AlloDerm® method is a single-stage direct-to-implant breast reconstruction that uses a biological mesh or dermal graft that acts as an internal bra to support the implant rather than placing it behind the muscle. By using AlloDerm® or another form of biologic mesh, Dr. Lerman can reinforce your implant and remove any excess skin that is not aesthetically pleasing. Your breasts will look more youthful, and the new internal bra will help prevent future sagging. Typically, this innovative biomaterial allows us to place the final breast implant and reconstruct the breast at the same time as the mastectomy in one single stage without the need for any tissue expansion or second stage surgery; however, many patients choose to use it as a corrective surgery after their original implants.
Lumpectomy Revision
A lumpectomy occurs when only a small area needs to be removed due to cancer rather than all of the breast tissue. While the surgeon does try to preserve the appearance, it can often leave the breasts asymmetrical and with abnormal dents and contours that are aesthetically displeasing to the patient. Depending on the amount of tissue removed will determine the type of corrective surgery Dr. Lerman will use. For asymmetry, a breast reduction to one breast can sometimes be all that is needed to correct the issue. For breasts that need severe contour or disfigurement correction, a DIEP flap reconstruction may be suggested.
Revision Breast Surgery
A great revision breast surgery requires the expertise of an experienced and exceptional surgeon such as Dr. Lerman. Breast revision surgery might be necessary for breast implant patients whose body has changed since receiving their implants. This procedure is also for women who are unhappy with their previous breast surgery results.
From Breast Reduction to Implant Reconstruction You're in Good Hands With Dr. Lerman
Melodie Mane
2020
Dr Oren Lerman is the best at what he does and gets incredible results. Bonus he has a pleasant personality, he is a true professional ,and is trustworthy...
View On GoogleLizbeth Maxwell
2021
Dr. Lerman and his staff are amazing! I couldn’t be more satisfied with my results.
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