Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Most breast reconstruction uses implants to replace breast shape and volume after mastectomy. (Breast reconstruction is not the same as breast augmentation, which uses an implant to add more volume to natural breast tissue). Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match individual body types. Some implants are round, while others are contoured. Some have a smooth surface, while others are textured.
All breast implants have an outer silicone shell. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled and closely mimic the feel of natural tissue. Saline implants are placed empty in the chest, then gradually filled with a saltwater solution. A breast reconstructed with saline implants tends to feel much firmer than silicone.
Traditional breast reconstruction with implants requires two distinct stages. Because the tissue and skin remaining after mastectomy are usually not sufficient to immediately accommodate an implant, a pocket of sufficient size must be formed. To do this, during the initial reconstructive surgery, a temporary implant called an expander is placed under the chest muscle and a small amount of saline is added, creating a small breast mound. During several office visits in a period of 3-6 months, the plastic surgeon inflates the expander by injecting more saline solution through a tiny valve under the skin. This gradually stretches the skin and increases the space under the muscle. When this pocket is of sufficient size, a second, shorter surgery is performed to replace the expander with an implant of the desired size and rebuild the nipple. Our One-Stage Breast Reconstruction completely eliminates the expansion process for most women.
