Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction normally involves several surgeries over a period of months. Frequently, if Dr. Fox is contacted and engaged before the mastectomy is performed Dr. Fox can begin certain steps in the breast reconstruction procedure at the same time that the mastectomy procedure is performed, which may reduce the number of surgeries and shorten the recovery time.

In the initial step in the reconstruction surgery Dr. Fox inserts a tissue expander, a temporary implant, beneath a pocket under the pectoral muscle of the chest wall. If appropriate Dr. Fox may release the pectoral muscles to allow a larger, more supple pocket for the expander.
In a process that can take weeks to months, saline solution is injected to progressively expand the overlaying tissue. Once the implant has been expanded to an acceptable size, Dr. Fox may remove the implant and replace it with a permanent implant. Dr. Fox will reconstruct the areola and nipple in a separate operation after the skin has stretched to its final size.

For more information on Breast Reconstruction, including the options that are right for you, please call Dr. Fox and schedule a private consultation. During your consultation Dr. Fox will describe how he will approach your procedure, the steps that will be required, the types of implants that he will use, the approximate time frame to complete the reconstruction and answer your questions.