If you are interested in learning more about reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, contact our office in the San Jose area. Let reconstructive surgery improve your life, as it has for countless women already.
The Cosmetic Institute
Phone (408) 866-5433
555 Knowles Drive
Suite 100
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Many women diagnosed with breast cancer survive through the painful and grueling experience, but may have to lose their breasts. Women who have undergone a mastectomy can choose to have breast reconstruction. Reconstructive surgery at the Cosmetic Institute near San Jose recreates the size and shape of the patient's natural breast and can renew a woman's sense of wholeness, beauty, and femininity.
The most common breast reconstruction procedure involves gradually expanding the skin until it is able to accommodate an implant. A balloon expander is inserted under the chest muscle, and over a period of weeks, is expanded by injecting a saline solution through a tiny valve. Once the skin has stretched sufficiently, the doctor removes the expander and replaces it with a permanent implant. A separate operation reconstructs the nipple and areola. In some cases, no tissue expansion is required and the permanent implant can be inserted during the initial reconstructive surgery. Each of these variations on the breast reconstruction procedure is practiced at our San Jose area institute, and Dr. Sutkin can help you determine the best approach depending on your specific case.
Breast reconstruction can also be accomplished through a technique called flap reconstruction. This alternative reconstructive surgery method involves creating a flap of skin using tissue taken from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or back. The flap is affixed to the chest area, creating a pocket for an implant. In some cases the flap, which can consist of skin and tissue still attached to its blood supply, is used to build up an actual breast mound. Breast reconstruction generally involves multiple procedures, and is almost always performed under general anesthesia. The initial reconstructive surgery is performed in a local San Jose area hospital, while follow up procedures are often outpatient based.
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Following the surgery, breast reconstruction patients will experience some fatigue and soreness for several weeks. Medication can relieve post-reconstructive surgery conditions such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Patients can expect to leave our San Jose area facility and return home in two to five days.
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When undergoing breast reconstruction or any type of reconstructive surgery, complications are rare, but can include implant leaks, infection, fluid loss or gain, bleeding, and a reaction to the anesthesia. Fortunately, our San Jose facility is equipped to prevent breast reconstruction complications. For example, in the rare instance of a leak, our new saline implants will not cause a dangerous reaction, as only the water solution is escaping. The most common complication is capsular contracture, which is a tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant. Should this happen, the surgeon will remove the scar tissue, or take out the implant and replace it. If you are a smoker, it is important that you quit two weeks prior to your breast reconstruction. To maximize the success of your reconstructive surgery and to minimize the risk of complication, our San Jose area doctors will give you specific instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.
If you are interested in learning more about reconstructive surgery and the breast reconstruction techniques used by Dr. Sutkin, contact our office in Los Gatos, near San Jose and Palo Alto. We are grateful for the chance to be a part of your healing.
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