Celebrate Healing
For women who have had breast cancer, breast reconstruction can be a significant moment in the recovery process. Restoring the appearance of the breasts helps individuals regain a sense of empowerment and a more positive self-image that aligns with how they feel on the inside. For breast reconstruction Brooklyn surgeon, Nathan Molina MD, brings a depth of expertise and an authentic commitment to enhancing patients’ quality of life with skilled and highly personalized care.
Chart Your Future
Breast reconstruction surgery aims to restore the appearance of the breasts after a mastectomy is performed to treat breast cancer. Methods like breast implants and autologous tissue transfer from another part of the body may be used to restore the volume and contours of the breasts. Reconstruction is sometimes performed in the same procedure as the mastectomy or at a later point in time. Should you decide to work with Dr. Molina for your breast reconstruction, he will become a valuable addition to your existing care team, providing knowledgeable guidance and helping coordinate the reconstruction timing to meet the needs of your individual treatment.
Empower Your Recovery
Breast reconstruction can be a profound step for individuals who have undergone a mastectomy because it offers physical restoration and emotional and psychological healing. Beyond the physical loss of a breast, mastectomy can impact a person's self-esteem, body image, and overall sense of wholeness. Breast reconstruction provides an opportunity to reclaim your body and self-confidence, helping you feel complete again. By restoring the natural appearance of the breasts, breast reconstruction can be a vital component of the healing process, helping you embrace life after cancer with greater confidence and a sense of normalcy.
Expertise & Understanding
As you navigate your breast reconstruction journey, we provide attentive guidance to help you navigate your options with a renewed sense of possibility. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide you with expert care during this time. Every procedure begins with a conversation, during which Dr. Molina will learn about your journey and your goals moving forward. By educating you thoroughly about your reconstruction options, we encourage you to make empowered and informed choices for entirely personalized treatment.
Your Goals. Your Results.
Breast reconstruction can be performed using various techniques, depending on the patient's individual circumstances and preferences. The most common methods include implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction.
In implant-based reconstruction, a silicone or saline implant is placed beneath the chest muscle or skin to recreate breast volume. This can be done either immediately after a mastectomy or in a staged approach with a tissue expander placed first and later replaced with an implant. Autologous tissue reconstruction involves using the patient's own tissue, often taken from the abdomen (DIEP flap), or thigh (PAP or TUG flap). The tissue is transferred to the chest to create a natural-looking breast mound. Nipple and areola reconstruction can follow these procedures to complete the aesthetic appearance. The choice of reconstruction method depends on factors like the patient's health, body type, and personal preferences. The surgical process is highly individualized and will be determined by thorough consultation with Dr. Molina and the other members of your care team.
Your Care Team
We will provide detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support as you recover following breast reconstruction. In the days immediately following breast reconstruction Brooklyn patients can expect soreness, swelling, and bruising in the chest area.
Pain medication is often prescribed to manage discomfort. For implant-based reconstruction, recovery tends to be quicker, with many patients resuming light activities within a few weeks. However, full recovery may take several months. Autologous tissue reconstruction typically involves a longer initial recovery period due to the additional surgical site.
Patients may need more time before resuming normal activities. Regardless of the technique, it's essential to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including limiting physical exertion, avoiding heavy lifting, and wearing compression garments as recommended. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing progress. We are here to answer any questions and guide you through your personalized recovery plan for the best possible outcome.
Feel Whole. Feel Beautiful.
Breast reconstruction is designed to recreate a natural-looking breast mound, providing a balanced and symmetrical appearance to the chest. Many patients experience a significant improvement in body image and self-esteem after breast reconstruction, as it helps them feel more whole and confident.
Reconstructed breasts can allow for better clothing fit, making it easier to wear a wide range of clothing styles without the need for prosthetics or special undergarments. It can positively impact emotional well-being, helping individuals feel more like themselves and regain a sense of normalcy after mastectomy. Additional procedures can be performed to create realistic nipples and areolas, further enhancing the breasts’ appearance. Some patients find improved physical comfort, as breast reconstruction can help distribute the weight more evenly and alleviate discomfort associated with a missing breast. It's important to have realistic expectations and understand that reconstructed breasts may not be identical to natural breasts in terms of sensation or appearance. The results can vary from person to person, but the ultimate goal is to provide a satisfying outcome that helps you regain confidence and emotional well-being after breast cancer treatment.
Yes, health insurance typically covers breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy as mandated by federal law. The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 requires that group health insurance plans and individual health insurance policies that provide coverage for mastectomy must also cover reconstructive surgery and related procedures. This includes procedures on the opposite breast for symmetry, as well as any complications arising from the mastectomy or reconstruction.
However, it's important to note that coverage can vary depending on the specific insurance plan, so individuals should check their policy details and consult with their insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage, deductibles, co-pays, and any pre-authorization requirements.
Breast reconstruction, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. It's important for individuals considering breast reconstruction to be aware of these risks and discuss them with their healthcare team. Common risks and complications may include infection, hematoma, seroma, wound healing issues, implant complications, tissue flap complications, and anesthesia risks. Working with a highly qualified plastic surgeon helps to reduce these risks.
Ready to learn more about your Brooklyn plastic surgery options? Get started by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Nathan Molina. He will spend time getting to know you, listening to your goals, and formulating recommendations individualized to you. From the moment you step into our beautiful practice, you will know that you have entered a welcoming space where you will be respected and supported with expert care throughout your journey of transformation.