BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IN HOUSTON & WEBSTER, TX

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction has vastly improved with advances in medical technology over the last decade. Many breast reconstruction options help women rebuild the breast’s shape and look following a mastectomy or other breast cancer treatment. This may sometimes be staged in several procedures to give you the best possible outcome. Discussing your options with an experienced breast surgeon and reconstructive plastic surgeon is extremely important to determine the most suitable option for you.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Patrick Hsu, Dr. Kendall Roehl, and Dr. Vasileios Vasilakis, are among the top leading breast reconstruction surgeons in Houston, Texas. With over three decades of combined experience in the field, they have dedicated their careers to helping breast cancer survivors feel whole again.

Reasons to Have Breast Reconstruction

After having a mastectomy, many patients opt to have breast reconstruction to create a new breast shape in place of what was removed. Some benefits of the procedure include:

  • Permanently regaining breast shape.
  • Eliminating the use of external prosthesis inside your bra
  • Having a more balanced chest in and out of clothes
  • Feeling and looking better about their body.

When Is Breast Reconstruction Done?

Many factors are considered when deciding when to have breast reconstruction, including your overall health, current treatment, and personal preferences. Talk to your breast and plastic surgeons before having a mastectomy, so your treatment can be planned accordingly.

Breast reconstruction can either be done simultaneously as your mastectomy or at a later date, depending on your treatment plan.

  • Immediate Breast Reconstruction
    Immediate reconstruction is often the preferred choice when patients do not need breast irradiation. This helps patients better cope emotionally and physically after a mastectomy and also allows the surgeon to attain better aesthetic results.
  • Delayed Reconstruction (Mastectomy First, Reconstruction Later)
    Patients who cannot undergo an immediate reconstruction or prefer to have more time between their mastectomy and reconstructive surgery can opt for delayed breast reconstruction.

Dr. Patrick Hsu and Kristen Adams Interview on ABC 13

ABC 13 featured Memorial Plastic Surgery’s board-certified reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Patrick Hsu, and his former breast reconstruction patient, Kristen Adams.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Types of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction aims to reform or recreate a breast shape on one or both sides after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The type of mastectomy performed plays a crucial role in determining your breast reconstruction options and final results.

The types of mastectomy include:

  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy
    Removes the entire breast while keeping the nipple, areola, and skin completely intact.
  • Skin-sparing mastectomy
    Removes the entire breast, nipple, and areola while keeping the outer skin of the breast intact.
  • Partial mastectomy or lumpectomy
    Removes a portion of the affected breast tissue, along with a rim of surrounding normal tissue. The breast, nipple, areola, and skin all remain intact.

Following a mastectomy, the main types of breast reconstruction include:

  • Tissue Flap
    Recreates a natural breast mound using tissue, blood vessels, and fat from the abdomen.
  • Implant-Based
    Uses breast implants to reconstruct the breast mound. A tissue expander can be utilized to expand the size and shape of the breasts over time.
  • Latissimus Flap
    Combines implant-based and flap reconstruction into one surgical procedure that restores the breasts.
  • Lumpectomy Reconstruction
    Reshaping the remaining breast to a more desirable shape after breast tissue removal is affected by breast cancer.

After reconstructive surgery, some patients may also consider other procedures to help complete their breast reconstruction, including:

  • Fat grafting to the breast
  • Nipple reconstruction
  • Nipple and/or Areola tattooing
Reconstruction was very nice + caring. Everything was super good. Everyone was very caring. I would recommend this Dr. to all of my friend who need plastic surgery
I am very pleased with the artistic work done on me and the outcome of the surgery. I will refer anybody that needs this done in heartbeat. I love my breast now. Dr. Hsu is an excellent doctor &
Very professional staff. Answered all of my questions. Great results
Dr. Hsu is an excellent doctor, very professional and great "bedside manner." He makes you feel very comfortable from beginning to end. I will refer him to all
The best thing I can say is that when I look in the mirror I look normal - like I use to - and am not constantly reminded that I had cancer. Thank you

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost?

The Woman’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires all health insurance providers to cover breast reconstruction procedures. However, the total cost of the procedure will vary, depending on your insurance carrier and plan.

Memorial Plastic Surgery staff is highly trained and experienced working with major insurers to keep your out-of-pocket expenses to an absolute minimum.

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Recovery and Results

Your recovery period will vary, depending on the type of breast reconstruction you had. Most breast reconstruction surgeries require 2 – 4 days overnight stay before being discharged to go back home.

Below is a general timeline of what patients can expect during the recovery process, but it is important to follow the post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon as you heal.

POST-OP RECOVERY ESTIMATED TIME
Physical discomfort (swelling, soreness, & bruising) 2 – 3 weeks
Surgical Drains 2 weeks
Compression garment /

Supportive Bra

6 – 8 weeks
DAILY  ACTIVITIES POST – SURGERY
Showering 2 – 3 days
Light daily activities 3 – 4 weeks
Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities 6 – 8 weeks

It is important to understand the limitations of surgery and have realistic expectations. Your new reconstructed breast will not look like your original breast or be the same as one another.

The goal is to recreate a breast shape that looks as natural as possible while also considering the size, shape, and position of the other breast. If both breasts have been removed, the goal is to create two natural-looking breast mounds proportionate to your body.

Request Your ConsultationYou can request a consultation online or if you have any questions please call the office 713-633-4411.

Breast Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Will reconstruction interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy?
    Patients who need to complete radiation or chemotherapy will be instructed on the best time to have a delayed reconstruction.
  2. What kind of tissue flaps can be used for my breast reconstruction?
    Our board-certified surgeons specialize in many different tissue flap techniques, including DIEP flap, TUG flap, and latissimus dorsi flap.
  3. Can both breasts be reconstructed after a double mastectomy?
    Yes, both of your breasts can be reconstructed following your double mastectomy. You can discuss your options with our board-certified plastic surgeons during your initial consultation.

*The content and images on this page are provided with the sole intention of educating potential patients on the procedure discussed above. Results vary per individual and are dependent on our doctor’s consultation prior to the procedure. We strongly recommend undergoing a formal consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to scheduling and undergoing any surgical or non-surgical treatment.