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Breast Reconstruction: Implant vs Flap

Whether you’ve had a botched breast augmentation, a mastectomy, or just need to give your breasts a new look, breast reconstruction surgery aims to deliver the optimal surgical treatment strategy to help you look and feel great. What’s more, you have a couple of great options to choose from with your breast reconstruction: implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction.

Implant Reconstruction  

Implant reconstruction is a popular technique that utilizes a new implant to rebuild the breast. The implant is filled with either a saltwater (saline) solution, silicone gel, or a combination of the two. Many surgeons recommend silicone because it’s softer and feels more like natural breasts.

With implant reconstruction, the process is typically easier for both patients and doctors. Everything is simpler: from the initial consultation and understanding the process, to surgery and recovery.

Implant surgery often involves a two-step process. The first step is expanding the breast tissue to make room for the implant. An expander is used and is filled with saline solution over the course of 6 – 8 weeks. The expander is removed once the tissue is stretched and the final implant is placed. What most people may not realize is that implants are prone to problems such as movement, popping, leaking, and infection. This could require correctional procedures in the future.

Flap Reconstruction  

Autologous or “flap” reconstruction uses tissue from your own body, such as from your stomach, thigh, or back, and transplants it to the breasts. This transfer can include skin, fat and even muscle. Your doctor may also recommend that you include an implant during your autologous reconstruction.

Flap reconstruction surgeries are more difficult to perform, may require more time and involve a longer recovery period. Many surgeons will transfer tissue from the lower abdominal area, especially if muscles are needed. Other common locations are the thigh and buttocks. The benefits of using your own tissue is that it provides a more natural feel to your breasts. Flap reconstruction surgery has also been known to perform better over time. If a flap reconstruction is completed properly, a patient should not need to return to the office for additional attention or procedures, and the desired look will last a relatively long time.

Breast reconstruction surgery can help you regain confidence, help you look and feel younger, and provide some relief from a breast-related issue. If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, come in and speak to one of our experienced, skilled, caring plastic surgeons at MAXiM Breast Surgery. Our experts offer incredible service, trustworthy advice and have a wealth of experience performing breast surgeries. Call us today at (646) 475-2099 to schedule a consultation and find out what we can do for you or fill out our simple online appointment request form to schedule a day to come in for a consultation. We are ready to help you look and feel your best.

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  • MAXiM Breast Surgery

In the U.S., The Breast Surgery Center operates as a management services, marketing and consulting entity for plastic surgeons that match as any inquiries on this website with affiliated plastic surgeons who offer breast surgery procedures and related services. The Breast Surgery Center is not in the business of providing patient care, offering medical services, or rendering medical advice or opinion. All consultative, pre-op, surgical and post-op care is delivered by affiliated plastic surgeons and their ancillary medical staff in their respective medical practices. These surgeons are responsible for all medical/surgical procedures and related services performed as well as outcomes and complications, if any. All fees for procedures performed and services rendered are paid by the customer directly to the surgeon who determines his/her own fee schedules.

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MAXiM Breast Surgery in New York, NY uniquely specializes in breast surgery. The surgeons at The Breast Surgery Center offer procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Fat Transfer to the Breast, Breast Reduction including Gynecomastia, and Breast Reconstruction.