Breast Reconstruction
in Rockford, IL
Breast cancer affects about one out of every eight women in the United States at some point in their lifetime, leading to over 100,000 mastectomy procedures being performed each year. Fortunately, women who would like to recreate their breast profile following mastectomy have options. Women can use breast implants or their own tissue (fat and skin) to enhance their chest.
Elite plastic surgeon Dr. Pedro Rodriguez performs breast reconstruction on patients who want to feel more like their former selves after undergoing breast cancer treatment. He finds it fulfilling to work with breast cancer survivors and use his advanced surgical skills to improve their lives. Patients who are contemplating breast reconstruction surgery but want the perspective of a plastic surgeon are invited to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez to learn more.
The Pedro Rodriguez Difference
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez is an elite plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in breast, body and face procedures. Merging advanced techniques with his keen eye, he produces transformative results for his patients that are both attractive and natural-looking.
Patients in Rockford choose Dr. Rodriguez because of his outstanding surgical skills and attentive care. Through decades of experience, he understands precisely how to rejuvenate the face and achieve appealing breast and body contours. He takes pleasure in helping his patients build confidence by reaching their aesthetic goals.
Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Most breast reconstruction patients who choose to use breast implants will require a tissue expander prior to receiving their implants. The expander can be inserted at the time of the mastectomy or at a later point. Dr. Rodriguez places the expander (which resembles a balloon) in the chest to stretch the skin and tissue, thus creating space for a breast implant. About once every two weeks, Dr. Rodriguez will add saline through a valve that reaches the expander to stretch it further.
Once a cavity is created large enough to correspond with the patient’s desired implant size, Dr. Rodriguez surgically removes the expander and replaces it with an implant. Patients may choose either a silicone or a saline implant; Dr. Rodriguez can advise patients on the advantages of each type.
DIEP Flap and SGAP Flap
Reconstructive flap surgery uses the patient’s own tissue to augment the breast following mastectomy. Dr. Rodriguez removes tissue from another part of the body with surplus fat and skin and inserts this tissue in the chest. Some women prefer this approach because it feels more natural to use their own tissue rather than to use an implant.
The difference between DIEP flap and SGAP flap is the donor site of the tissue. The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) approach harvests tissue from the abdomen, while the SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator) borrows tissue from the mid- to upper buttocks. Patients may sometimes choose the area from which they would like to remove tissue, but in many cases, this is determined by where fat deposits are most plentiful.
Making Choices
Dr. Rodriguez believes that women who have had a mastectomy should feel no pressure to undergo breast reconstruction. This is a personal decision for women to make — on her own timeline. Some women decide to begin the reconstruction process at the same time as their mastectomy, while others may choose to have the surgery months or years later and others still opt to never have it at all.
What breast cancer patients should understand is that breast reconstruction may take multiple procedures to get breasts looking their best. It is a process, but a worthwhile one for those who feel incomplete without their breasts. Although most women have just one breast removed with a mastectomy, Dr. Rodriguez may suggest performing surgery on the other breast (be it a breast augmentation, breast reduction or breast lift) so that it better corresponds with the reconstructed breast.
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
What is the best time to undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
The timing of breast reconstruction depends on multiple factors, including the patient’s cancer treatment plan, general health, and personal goals. Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or delayed until after additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Immediate reconstruction may reduce the number of surgeries and preserve more of the breast skin, while delayed reconstruction allows for more flexibility in cancer treatment and healing. Dr. Rodriguez collaborates with the patient and her oncology team to determine an appropriate timeline.
What are the differences between implant-based and flap reconstruction?
Implant-based reconstruction involves inserting a breast implant, typically filled with saline or silicone, to recreate breast volume. This method may require a tissue expander before permanent implant placement.
Flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue, commonly from the abdomen or buttocks, to reconstruct the breast. Flap procedures tend to involve longer surgery and recovery times but do not rely on synthetic implants. The appropriateness of each approach depend on the patient’s anatomy, health, desired outcome, and surgical considerations.
How long does the breast reconstruction process take?
The overall timeline for breast reconstruction varies based on the type of reconstruction, whether it is immediate or delayed, and whether additional treatments are required. Implant-based reconstruction may involve a multi-stage process over several months, beginning with tissue expansion and ending with implant placement. Flap reconstruction is typically completed in fewer stages but may involve a longer initial recovery. Secondary revision procedures, such as nipple reconstruction or symmetry adjustments, may be performed later.
Will insurance cover breast reconstruction surgery?
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998, most group health insurance plans that cover mastectomy are also required to cover breast reconstruction. This includes reconstruction of the affected breast, surgery on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry, prostheses, and treatment of complications. Patients are encouraged to confirm the specific terms of their insurance policy. Dr. Rodriguez’s office can assist with documentation and preauthorization if necessary.
What can I expect from the recovery process after breast reconstruction?
Recovery varies depending on the technique used. Patients who undergo implant-based reconstruction typically return to non-strenuous activities within a few weeks, while flap-based procedures may require a longer recovery period due to additional incisions and tissue healing. Swelling, bruising, and temporary limitations in arm movement are common during early recovery. Dr. Rodriguez will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, follow-up appointments, and recommendations to support safe healing in a controlled setting.
Is breast reconstruction a single procedure or a staged process?
Breast reconstruction is often staged. For implant-based procedures, the first step may involve placing a tissue expander beneath the chest muscle, followed by gradual expansion over time. The expander is later replaced with a permanent implant. Flap reconstruction may be completed in one stage, though revision procedures are sometimes performed to refine contour or create a nipple-areola complex. Dr. Rodriguez discusses the expected number of stages during the consultation process.
Does breast reconstruction restore sensation in the breast area?
Sensation in the reconstructed breast is typically reduced compared to the natural breast. In most cases, nerves cut during mastectomy do not fully regenerate, although some sensory return may occur over time, especially with certain flap procedures. Depending on the patient’s surgical plan, efforts to enhance nerve regeneration, such as nerve coaptation techniques, may be discussed.
Schedule a Consultation
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rodriguez is available to speak to women who have had or are planning to have a mastectomy. The good news is that breast reconstruction is covered by nearly all insurance plans. To learn more about this procedure from an expert breast specialist, please arrange an appointment at your convenience.
