Restore breast shape and contour after mastectomy with delayed breast reconstruction performed months or years after your mastectomy. At Addora Plastic Surgery, fellowship-trained microsurgeon Dr. Kamal Addagatla provides advanced reconstructive care in Westchester.
Complete your reconstruction when the time is right for you
Delayed breast reconstruction is performed after a mastectomy rather than during the same operation. It may take place months or years later, allowing you to complete cancer treatment, recover from surgery, or take more time to consider your options.
Depending on your anatomy, treatment history, and goals, delayed breast reconstruction may use breast implants, your own tissue through techniques such as DIEP flap reconstruction, or a combination of approaches to recreate the breast’s shape and contour.
When Delayed Breast Reconstruction May Help:
- You need to complete chemotherapy or radiation therapy before reconstruction.
- You want more time to recover physically from your mastectomy.
- You need time to consider your reconstructive options without making an immediate decision.
- Previous radiation or surgery has affected the quality or flexibility of your chest tissue.
- Your health needs to improve or stabilize before another operation.
- You decide to pursue reconstruction months or years after your mastectomy.
- You previously chose to remain flat after mastectomy and are now interested in reconstruction.
Components of Delayed Breast Reconstruction With Dr. Addagatla
Your reconstruction can involve several surgical techniques, depending on your previous cancer treatment, available tissue, anatomy, and goals. Dr. Addagatla draws on his fellowship training in microsurgery to develop an individualized approach tailored to your reconstructive needs. Your reconstruction may include one or more of the following components:
Tissue Expanders
A tissue expander is a temporary device used to create space for a future breast implant. Dr. Addagatla places the expander beneath the remaining breast skin, either above or below your chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and treatment history. During subsequent office visits, the expander is filled with saline, gently stretching the tissues until sufficient space has been created for your implant.
Breast Implants
Implant-based reconstruction restores breast volume and contour using a silicone or saline implant. Once your tissues are prepared, Dr. Addagatla creates a pocket and carefully positions the implant above or beneath the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and treatment history. He then adjusts the implant position to create balanced, proportionate contours.
Autologous Tissue Transfers
Autologous reconstruction rebuilds your breast using tissue taken from another area of your body. With microsurgical techniques such as DIEP flap reconstruction, Dr. Addagatla transfers skin and fat, typically from your lower abdomen, to your chest. He then reconnects tiny blood vessels to establish circulation before shaping the transferred tissue into a new breast mound.
Aesthetic Finishes
Additional procedures can refine your reconstructed breast after the primary reconstruction has healed. Dr. Addagatla may use fat grafting to address contour irregularities, revise scars, reconstruct the nipple, or perform procedures on the opposite breast when appropriate to improve symmetry. These procedures are typically performed as later stages, allowing him to refine breast shape, symmetry, projection, and other details once your tissues have settled.
Advantages of Delayed Breast Reconstruction:
- Allows you to focus on your mastectomy recovery and other cancer treatment when needed before reconstruction
- Gives you more time to understand and compare your reconstruction options
- Allows reconstruction to be planned after the effects of radiation therapy can be evaluated
- Provides time for your overall health and tissues to recover before another surgery
- Allows implant-based and autologous options to be considered in the context of your prior treatment, anatomy, and tissue quality
- Makes reconstruction possible months or even years after mastectomy
- Allows your surgical plan to be tailored to your anatomy, tissue quality, treatment history, and goals
Why Choose Dr. Kamal Addagatla for Delayed Breast Reconstruction?
Dr. Kamal Addagatla is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced fellowship training in microsurgery and experience as an Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine. At Addora Plastic Surgery, he brings this level of subspecialty expertise to a more personal setting, giving you the time and attention needed to understand your options and make informed decisions.
Dr. Addagatla works closely with you to develop a plan around your anatomy, treatment history, and goals while providing attentive care throughout the reconstructive process. Located in Rye Brook and serving patients throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties, Addora Plastic Surgery offers advanced reconstructive care close to home. Schedule your consultation for delayed breast reconstruction in Westchester today.
