Healing Takes Many Forms

Lafayette Breast Reconstruction at McGee Plastic Surgery

Recovery after a mastectomy or lumpectomy can take many different forms, and you have options in defining what it means to move forward. For some women, this means pursuing reconstructive surgery to restore the breasts’ shape and appearance. Others choose not to undergo breast reconstruction; this is a personal choice that can be influenced by many factors. Dr. Catherine McGee, MD, FACS is a double board-certified Lafayette plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive procedures and has helped countless patients explore their options and achieve their goals with highly skilled and experienced care.

Breast Reconstruction Lafayette, LA Lafayette

You Have Options

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery describes any procedure focused on restoring the appearance, size, and shape of a woman's breast(s) following a mastectomy or lumpectomy to treat breast cancer or another medical condition such as congenital defects or after trauma. The primary goal of breast reconstruction is to help individuals regain their sense of wholeness and self-esteem by recreating a natural-looking breast.

There are various methods for breast reconstruction, such as implant-based reconstruction, where saline or silicone implants are used, and autologous tissue reconstruction, which involves using a woman's own tissue from another part of her body, as in the case of flap surgery. Fat transfer (fat grafting) can be used to provide a more modest volume increase than implants to sculpt the final results delivered by another reconstruction method. The choice of method depends on various factors, such as the patient's preferences, body type, and medical history. Breast reconstruction can be done either immediately after mastectomy or at a later time, and it may involve multiple surgeries to achieve the desired results. The decision to pursue breast reconstruction is a personal one that not everyone pursues. We will help you understand your options to make an informed choice.

Shape Your Future

What are the benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction offers numerous physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to women who have undergone mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. It may help restore a sense of wholeness and body confidence, alleviating the emotional distress associated with breast loss. Women often experience improved self-esteem and mental well-being, allowing them to move forward after the challenging journey of breast cancer.

With breast reconstruction Lafayette plastic surgeon, Dr. McGee, aims to recreate a natural breast shape and symmetry, enhancing overall body image and clothing options. For those who choose reconstruction, it can contribute to an improved quality of life by addressing not only the physical aspect but also the emotional and psychological aspects of breast cancer recovery, allowing women to regain control over their bodies and lives.

Leading Reconstructive Care

Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation

Dr. McGee’s depth of experience and commitment to delivering empowering, patient-centered care ensures that each patient’s unique needs and goals are addressed at every stage of their reconstructive journey. At your consultation, she will learn about your needs and educate you about the most suitable surgical techniques to help you meet your goals. Schedule your Lafayette breast reconstruction consultation with Dr. Catherine McGee, MD, FACS to learn about your options for reclaiming your body and redefining your future.

Expertise Driven by Compassion

Your Breast Reconstruction Procedure

Breast reconstruction is typically performed under general anesthesia, which ensures that you are completely unconscious and pain-free during the surgery. The duration of surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the chosen technique and whether breast reconstruction surgery is done immediately after mastectomy or in stages. Generally, it can take from two to six hours or more. Dr. McGee will educate you about the specific surgical approach recommended for your needs and goals, the expected duration of the surgery, the type of anesthesia to be used, and the details of the recovery process to ensure you are well-informed and empowered to achieve an outcome that aligns beautifully with your goals.

The Best Care by Your Side

Breast Reconstruction Recovery and Aftercare

We will provide you with the information, tools, and ongoing support to make a healthy recovery following breast reconstruction. Make sure to follow the provided aftercare instructions, attend your follow-up appointments, and contact us any time you have questions or concerns. You may need to wear a specialized bra to support healing. In some cases, a drainage tube is used for a short time and then removed at a follow-up appointment. Discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal side effects and are managed with medication. The length of your recovery will depend on the details of your procedure and other individual factors. We will instruct you on the appropriate time frame for returning to various activities, such as going back to work or resuming participation in sports or exercise routines.

Be Proudly You

Breast Reconstruction Results

Your results will reflect the goals you and Dr. McGee define together. For some women, this means restoring a more proportionate appearance resembling the physique they had before breast cancer surgery. Others may elect to revise the size or shape of their breasts during reconstructive surgery as their individual cases allow. It may take a number of months for the breasts to settle into their final position. Some scarring is inevitable, but incisions are carefully placed by Dr. McGee to minimize their visibility, and with proper aftercare, scars will grow more faint over time. By restoring a more proportionate physique, reconstruction can contribute to increased confidence and help individuals feel more healed and whole.

Breast Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?

If you have undergone a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery that has left you dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts and you wish to restore their shape and symmetry, you may be a candidate. Good overall health is generally a prerequisite, as you need to be physically prepared for surgery and recovery. It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that reconstructed breasts may not feel or appear exactly like natural breasts. Equally important is emotional readiness, as breast reconstruction can be a complex journey with psychological aspects. To assess your candidacy definitively, it is essential to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. McGee, who specializes in Lafayette breast reconstruction. She will evaluate your unique situation, discuss available techniques, and provide guidance to help you make an informed decision tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Will I need additional surgeries?

The need for additional surgeries after breast reconstruction can vary depending on the chosen reconstruction method, your individual healing process, and your goals for the final outcome. Some patients may require additional surgeries for various reasons, such as:

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction: If nipple-sparing mastectomy was not performed or if you choose to have nipple reconstruction, additional surgeries may be necessary to create and refine the nipple and areola.

Revision for Symmetry and Aesthetics: Achieving perfect symmetry and desired aesthetics may require further adjustments or revisions to the reconstructed breast(s).

Implant Maintenance: For patients who opt for implant-based reconstruction, it's possible that implants may need to be replaced or adjusted over time due to wear and tear.

Fat Grafting: Some individuals choose fat grafting procedures to fine-tune the shape and volume of reconstructed breasts, which may involve additional surgeries.

Scar Revision: Scar revision procedures can be performed to improve the appearance of surgical scars.

It's essential to have a candid discussion with Dr. McGee about your expectations. Dr. McGee can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and goals and the potential need for additional surgeries, helping you make informed decisions about your reconstruction journey.

Meet Your Most Confident Self

Schedule your Lafayette Plastic Surgery consultation with Catherine McGee, MD, FACS. We are passionate about providing life-changing results through carefully customized treatment. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Catherine McGee, MD, FACS for an exceptionally empathetic, precise, and fulfilling treatment experience in Lafayette.

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Breast Reconstruction Lafayette, LA