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Breast Reconstruction in Washington D.C.


Breast Reconstruction Techniques

There are many approaches to breast reconstruction, so women in Washington, DC; Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD; Arlington and Fairfax, VA; and surrounding areas who desire breast reconstruction are likely to be a candidate for at least one of these techniques. Many patients will benefit from a combination. As a candidate for reconstructive breast surgery, you will want to discuss all the appropriate options fully with your plastic surgeon.

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Center For Plastic Surgery

Before & After Photos

Before breast reconstruction, front view
After breast reconstruction, front view
25-year-old female underwent a breast reconstruction with 275cc implants following a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy.

Breast Reconstruction After Cancer

Having a mastectomy for breast cancer can be a traumatic experience. We want to make sure you are aware of all the options available for restoration of the breasts and to reassure you about the positive results and benefits of breast reconstruction.

Modern breast reconstruction began in the 1960s with the development of the silicone breast implant. Four decades of research have resulted in a variety of breast reconstruction techniques and surgical procedures that are safer and more reliable than ever. With the enactment of the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act in 1998, health insurance companies are now required by law to provide coverage for breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

Breast Reconstruction


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How Do I Know What Breast Reconstruction Technique Is Best For Me?

Most women who have had a mastectomy and are in otherwise good health are candidates for breast reconstruction. Your cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon will work together to choose the technique that will achieve the best results in terms of safety and aesthetics. Factors that influence the selection of a reconstruction technique include:

  • The type of mastectomy performed
  • Whether or not you have already had a mastectomy
  • The use of radiation and/or chemotherapy
  • Your age
  • Medical history
  • Location and quality of the surgical scar
  • Quality of the chest wall skin and muscle
  • The condition of any scars on the abdominal wall and back
  • Whether or not you need opposite breast surgery for symmetry

Selecting a Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy has been a major advancement in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. With today’s mastectomy and plastic surgery techniques, almost all mastectomy patients can have breast reconstruction and enjoy the physical and psychological benefits that usually accompany this restorative procedure.

It is strongly recommended that any patient considering breast reconstruction seek a plastic surgeon who has specialized training and significant experience in breast reconstruction for mastectomy patients. If you are considering an advanced breast reconstruction procedure such as DIEP flap, you will need to find a plastic surgeon with specific training and experience in microsurgery techniques.

A Reputation Built on Results

  • Dr Fleury is a great doctor. My wife just had breast cancer surgery with his help. Everything is perfect!

    Kevin Fan
  • I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Albino and his entire team. After going through cancer treatment and everything that comes with it, having a surgeon you can completely trust makes an enormous difference. Dr. Albino has been exceptional every step of the way. From placing my tissue expanders after cancer to preparing for my upcoming reconstruction, his attention to detail is truly beyond measure. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, meticulous, and clearly takes tremendous pride in his work. But what makes him truly stand out is the way he treats his patients. His bedside manner is exceptional—he is compassionate, patient, attentive, and genuinely listens. He takes the time to explain everything thoroughly, answer every question, and make sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. And his team is just as exceptional. Every member of his staff has been kind, caring, professional, responsive, and incredibly supportive. They consistently go above and beyond to make what can be an overwhelming and emotional experience feel easier and more manageable. You can tell that the compassion and excellence Dr. Albino brings to his patients is reflected throughout his entire team. During an experience that can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, Dr. Albino and his team have given me confidence and reassurance at every stage. I never feel rushed or like just another patient. I feel heard, cared for, and completely confident that I am in the best possible hands. His combination of surgical expertise, precision, professionalism, compassion, and an outstanding team is truly rare. I am incredibly grateful to have Dr. Albino as my surgeon and am looking forward to having him complete my reconstruction. I would recommend him and his team without hesitation to anyone looking for exceptional care. Dr. Albino and his team are, quite simply, exceptional beyond measure.

    Petra Horne
  • I saw Dr Fleury for a consultation for breast reconstruction and he was very kind, patient, supportive, and thorough in his explanations.

    Daphne Williams
  • I came to Dr. Albino from another local surgeon, hoping to get a more encouraging second opinion after a double mastectomy and breast cancer treatment. Not only did I get an encouraging second opinion, my results are far greater than anything I expected. My reconstruction journey started with expanders, and for months I heard "you won't love your results but you'll be ok with them one day," and this was hard to grasp. I couldn't imagine looking in the mirror and seeing the remnants of cancer for the rest of my life. Dr. Albino gave me so much hope and optimism that I could be happy with my results. I had an implant and fat grafting revision with Dr. Albino almost 3 weeks ago, and I am thrilled with everything! Not only am I ok, I love the way I look. I feel like me again. I have recommended him to everyone I know, and cannot sing his praises enough. He is meticulous and professional, but has amazing bedside manner and true compassion for this difficult journey. The office staff is pleasant, and Heather has responded to about 80 emails from me without a single complaint. I am so grateful for this practice that gave me my confidence and my body back. If you have the opportunity to work with Dr. Albino I highly recommend him!

    Lindsey Shaver
  • Center For Plastic Surgery has the most amazing, courteous staff and THE most amazing doctors. I love Dr. Albino. He always takes time to answer any questions. He is funny, kind and always upbeat..but most importantly, he is the best, especially for breast reconstruction surgery. I recommend him hands down.

    Lois Mei-Mei Watts Venners
  • Dr. Fleury and all his team at CPS are truly wonderful. He performed reconstruction after a double mastectomy due to breast cancer and he is an amazing micro surgeon keeping all the transplanted sections alive and healthy even though I have diabetes. He worked with my insurance and helped fight them when they canceled coverage for the nerve graft the night before surgery. Erin, Cameron, Nina and really the whole office have always been so kind, sympathetic and knowledgeable. I have a new lease on life thanks to Dr Fleury and CPS.

    Martha Forster
  • Choosing Dr. Christopher Fleury as my plastic surgeon was one of the best decisions I made after my breast cancer diagnosis. From the very first appointment, he made me feel comfortable, and honestly, that mattered more than I could have imagined given everything else I was dealing with. He listens. Really listens. He took the time to understand what I wanted my reconstruction to look like instead of assuming he knew what was best for me. I wanted a natural result that stayed close to my original size, and every decision along the way reflected those conversations. Although I'm still in the middle of reconstruction, I already feel completely confident in where we're headed together. None of that would matter if he weren't exceptionally gifted technically, but he is. He performed my reconstruction after my double mastectomy, including tissue expander placement, ADM placement, and a nerve allograft. One of the biggest surprises was learning he could perform the nerve allograft. I hadn't even known that preserving the possibility of sensation was an option, and he took the time to explain both the potential benefits and the limitations honestly. Knowing I have a real chance of regaining sensation down the road is something I'll always be grateful for. What stood out just as much was how well he understood the cancer side of this, not just the plastic surgery side. When I asked about direct-to-implant reconstruction, he walked me through why it wasn't the right fit for me and why he recommended the expander approach instead. Rather than giving me a one-size-fits-all answer, he explained the reasoning behind every recommendation. That told me he was thinking about my long-term outcome, not just what was easiest. He also worked seamlessly with my breast surgeon, Dr. Bonnie Sun, and I can't overstate how reassuring it was to know they approached my treatment as a team. When you're facing cancer, that kind of collaboration matters. What really sets Dr. Fleury apart, though, is who he is as a person. He's warm, approachable, and has a calm confidence that puts you at ease even when you're overwhelmed. He greets me at every appointment with genuine enthusiasm and makes me feel like we're tackling this together. Those may seem like small things, but during one of the most difficult times of your life, they're anything but. You'll feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. There are many talented plastic surgeons. What makes Dr. Fleury exceptional is the rare combination of elite surgical skill, cutting-edge expertise, deep understanding of breast cancer reconstruction, genuine respect for his patients' goals, and extraordinary compassion. Those qualities don't always exist in the same physician, but they do in him. If you're facing breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis, I cannot recommend Dr. Fleury highly enough. I am incredibly grateful he's part of my team.

    Tori
  • Dr. Fleury has the most amazing, down to-earth attitude and makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet him. He spent a great deal of time talking with me about my upcoming reconstruction and DIEP flap surgery following my double mastectomy, answering my questions and making sure I understood my options. Although I haven’t had my surgery yet, I would highly recommend Dr. Fleury based on the compassion, professionalism, and genuine care he has shown me throughout this process I am beyond grateful to have found a surgeon who combines exceptional professionalism with genuine compassion.

    Virginia Lee John
  • I would like to thank Dr. Albino and his team for the wonderful work they did and do after my breast cancer reconstructive surgery! From the first visit everyone was so nice, respectful, loving and very professional! After my visits Dr. Albino himself took time out to reach out to me to see how I was doing. I really appreciated it because that's something you don't see often. Thanks again!

    La'Tonya Copeland
  • I had a great experience working with Dr. Rao for my bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. From beginning to end Dr. Rao and his team were very honest, patient, and kind, and performed at the highest level. I’m really pleased with the outcome, and feel like myself again! I would definitely recommend him and his practice to other women going through the same journey.

    Tara D
  • I have worked for several plastic surgeons previously and I loved seeing Dr. Albino for a consultation for my breast reconstruction. He has excellent bedside manner, explained things in a way that made sense to both my husband and myself. His office is modern and comfortable. I also really appreciated that his recommendations took into account the age of my two children. Highly recommend him. His surgical results are 👌 for breast reconstruction.

    emily taylor
  • Making the difficult decision of having a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy was one of the toughest decisions of my life. The idea of a mastectomy felt like a loss but one of my first-degree relatives was diagnosed with breast cancer and family history research revealed my risk was high so I knew I had to move quickly. However, the uncertainty of what I would look like after the surgery was extremely stressful. I consider myself a strong woman so it was difficult to admit to myself that no matter how strong I thought I could be, the results of a reconstruction had the potential to affect my self-esteem & self-confidence for the rest of my life. I had a fantastic breast surgeon but was concerned about who to use for the breast reconstruction. My breast surgeon referred me to Dr. Albino, a plastic surgeon that specializes in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Dr. Albino and his team created a calm and confident space. During the initial consultation, he explained all of my reconstruction options. Each question was answered and I never felt rushed to make any decision. I was shown before-and-after photos so I had an idea of what to expect. The approach felt like collaboration, with my emotional well-being and desired outcome at the forefront. The results were life-changing for me. I consider Dr. Albino’s work to be artistic. The new breasts are beautifully shaped and symmetrical. They also feel natural. The scars from the mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries are well-hidden. The compassionate care made a difference. The staff was kind, attentive, and reassuring. This surgery was about regaining confidence and feeling whole again. Dr. Albino gave me a new beginning. His brilliance, talent, and compassionate heart are appreciated. I highly recommended Dr. Albino to anyone facing this journey.

    Vanessa B
  • Excellent doctor and staff who provided me with the best care for a breast cancer related treatment. I highly recommend this practice!

    Quenton Burner
  • I’ve been a reconstruction patient of Dr Rao’s for three years and I cannot say enough about the level of care, concern, and attention I have received from the beginning. From the helpful front office staff, nurses who balance compassion with knowledge and professionalism, and always have a warm smile and uplifting spirit, to his PA and even on call partner providers, to Dr Rao himself. All top notch and the only team I’d trust with my reconstruction care.

    Cortni Herod
  • Dr. Albino is Amazing and I am so grateful to have met him 3 years ago when deciding the route to take after breast cancer. He explained everything and did an exceptional job!! He and his team are Awesome 🤩

    Pmb Braud
  • Following a breast cancer diagnosis, I was looking for a good plastic surgeon to take care of the breast reconstruction after my double mastectomy. Dr. Fleury came highly recommended. On my initial meeting with Dr. Fleury and his team, I immediately felt at ease. Dr. Fleury answered all my questions with precision and took the time to describe, in detail, all the steps that were ahead of us. He and his staff behaved in a professional manner, were encouraging and showed compassion. I am now awaiting my breast reconstruction, which will take place in a couple of months. I am confident in Dr. Fleury’s skills and good quality care.

    Nadia Protzuk
  • I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Kanuri for my breast reconstruction after my mastectomy. He was very thoughtful and thorough with all the procedures. His staff was also staff was also very informative and knowledgeable. They provided guidance every step of the way. I’m very thankful for him and the staff.

    Cristina Sylvia
  • What started as a possible breast reduction surgical procedure to help with chronic back pain sadly became more complicated. I learned that I carry an unknown genetic mutation increasing my risk for breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. I went from interviewing doctors to hiring one. After multiple consultations around the DC & Northern VA areas, I felt certain in my choice. For anyone facing a similarly complex and emotional decision, I would strongly recommend considering Dr. Frank Albino. What ultimately helped me make a decision was speaking with a few recently retired operating room nurses I knew that worked where my consultants practiced. Although they had not worked directly with my choices, they remained connected to colleagues who had. When asked who they would see for a reconstruction post-mastectomy, the response was 100% consistent and immediate: Dr. Albino. He was described as respectful, exceptionally skilled, highly educated, efficient, and—most notably—deeply kind. After meeting him myself, I found those descriptions to be entirely accurate. Dr. Albino is transparent, supportive, reassuring, and empathetic. He has a remarkable ability to take complex, fragmented information and synthesize it into a clear and thoughtful plan. His approach is both analytical and compassionate. In comparison to other offices, his stood out for its responsiveness. Calls were returned promptly, and communication was reliable. I’m indebted to Heather, Niya, Cameron, and many others for their continued guidance and compassion. The office was in constant communication through the entire process to make sure nothing was missed, especially with all my many questions and concerns. The act of scheduling the plastic surgeon, oncology surgeon, hospital, operating room, handling the insurance company, paperwork, pre-op & post-op exams and more went very smoothly on my end BECAUSE of them. I am so very grateful. Lastly, after meeting with the oncology surgeon, she was very happy to know that she would be working alongside Dr Albino. That approval solidified my heart and mind even more, if possible. Thank you, Dr Albino and THE Center for Plastic Surgery.

    G Bishop
  • I’ve had issues with my radiated breast from breast cancer for years (capsule contraction) and several surgeries later, I may have finally found a doctor that knows what he’s doing. I just had a tissue expander put in 2 weeks ago and everything went great! I will be getting a diep flap in a couple of months and judging from the pictures on his site, I have nothing to worry about

    shirley grant
  • I was scared and vulnerable before I met Dr. Fleury but he became a true light in my life. He didn’t just operate on me; he cared for me as a whole person, with patience, gentleness, and genuine compassion. He takes time to explain every step, answer every question, and he never makes me feel rushed or alone in this process. His staff is outstanding—warm, supportive, and always going out of their way to make me feel comfortable the moment I walk in. I am deeply grateful to have him and his team walking beside me through this chapter. I would recommend Dr. Fleury to anyone facing breast surgery reconstruction; he is an outstanding surgeon and one of the most amazing people I have ever met.

    Sharmila Rasanayagam-Osuri
  • I met Dr. Fleury after having a complete mastectomy due to an aggressive form of cancer. I had a consult for reconstruction that I was still unsure I wanted. Dr. Fleury was very thorough in explaining all of my options. I eventually decided on the type of reconstruction I would have and again Dr. Fleury told me if I decided I didn't want to do it I could cancel the night before. I felt no pressure to have the reconstruction which in a way was incredibly helpful because I knew I had an out if needed. I had my reconstruction in August. Dr. Fleury was incredibly kind and understanding about all of my concerns and addressed them fully. The first surgery was successful. He gave me back what cancer took from me. I had a revision in March to clean up the area a bit, which is pretty normal after the first surgery is done to see how things look. Again Dr. Fleury was amazing. He asked what I wanted to fix and added what his thoughts were on some issues I hadn't thought of. Dr. Fleury gave me back my life in many ways.I feel like I am whole again. No more surgeries. I no longer feel embarrassed about how I look and see that I look pretty normal again. I look good in my clothes again and am not isolating and trying to hide what I look like. It is with deep and heartfelt thanks I give to Dr. Fleury who has been there for my entire reconstructive journey. Cancer doesn't just stop after you are declared cancer free and Dr. Fleury understood that. My husband and I thank him from the bottom of our hearts for putting me back together.

    Deb Pinard
  • Dr Rao & his staff were absolutely wonderful throughout my whole ordeal of having to have a double mastectomy and a total reconstruction of both breast! I highly recommend his office!! If I ever want to get anything else nipped or tucked he’s my man!!

    Bernadette Lund
  • This review is for Dr. Fleury, who played an important part in my mastectomies (and upcoming reconstructive surgery). I personally don’t like to leave any internet footprints, but am more than happy to leave a review for him. Dr. Fleury is the doctor you want to have when going through difficult time with the diagnosis of breast cancer. He knows how it is as a family member of breast cancer survivor. He still has so much passion, energy, and knowledge to give, other than providing surgery. The surgery outcome is great, but more importantly - the perspective toward this illness is also great under his care. He is truly special. He gives his cell phone number to patients, and hospital nurses who take care of his patients. He welcomes communication, and he is just soooo nice ! As a nurse myself, I see why other medical staff just love him and respect him so much - because he cares about people, and loves what he does. I feel very blessed that I was referred to him.

    yachuan huang
  • Dr. Fleury is truly one of the most compassionate and skilled physicians I have ever met. From the very first visit, he made me feel safe, heard, and genuinely cared for during one of the most vulnerable times in my life. As someone facing breast cancer and reconstruction, trust is everything—and I trust him completely. Knowing that this work is personal to him, as his own wife has gone through breast cancer, makes his level of empathy and dedication even more meaningful. You can feel that this is not just his profession—it’s his purpose. His expertise speaks for itself. His background in hand surgery translates into an incredible level of precision, which gave me so much confidence moving forward with my DIEP flap reconstruction. What truly sets him apart is his bedside manner. He is kind, patient, and always takes the time to explain everything clearly. The fact that he is accessible—even responding to messages—shows how deeply he cares about his patients. His entire team is just as amazing. Every single person in the office made me feel comfortable, supported, and valued. He helped me feel comfortable in my own body again during a time I never thought I would. I never imagined I could feel this at peace going through cancer, surgery, and reconstruction—but Dr. Fleury made that possible. I am beyond grateful for him and his team. He is truly a blessing.

    Angela Fernandez

Our Breast Reconstruction Specialists at CPS

We are proud to have two breast reconstruction specialists on our surgical team at Center for Plastic Surgery. Dr. Samir Rao is experienced in multiple breast reconstruction techniques, including advanced prosthetic breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants, microsurgical breast reconstruction using the body’s own tissue, and oncoplastic surgery. Before joining Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rao trained alongside internationally renowned breast reconstruction surgeons at Georgetown University Hospital and completed additional training in microsurgery at the Curtis National Hand Center.

Dr. Frank Albino specializes in natural tissue breast reconstruction using microsurgical techniques, including DIEP Flap, muscle-sparing TRAM Flap, thigh flaps (TUG, PAP), SIEA Flap, and fat-grafting, as well as prosthetic breast reconstruction using implant/tissue expander and direct-to-implant techniques. A graduate of the highly prestigious Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program at Georgetown University Hospital, Dr. Albino completed an additional year of intensive Fellowship training in reconstructive microsurgery for the breast and body at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also authored numerous peer-reviewed publications incorporating his research on advancements in autologous breast reconstruction.

Dr. Christopher Fleury specializes in advanced breast reconstruction, with particular expertise in microsurgical techniques. His practice includes natural tissue (autologous) breast reconstruction using procedures such as DIEP flap, muscle-sparing TRAM flap, and other perforator-based flaps, as well as implant-based reconstruction including tissue expander and direct-to-implant approaches. He also incorporates fat grafting techniques to optimize contour, symmetry, and overall aesthetic outcomes. A graduate of the highly competitive integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Dr. Fleury completed additional advanced fellowship training at the University of Washington, where he refined his expertise in complex microsurgical reconstruction.


Breast Reconstruction: The Process

For most patients, breast reconstruction will require two to three surgical procedures. The first and most involved procedure is the primary reconstruction of the breast mound or breast shape, which may be done in any of several ways. The second procedure usually consists of additional work on the breast shape or the placement of the implant. Any procedures needed to make the opposite breast more similar to the affected breast also would be done at this time. The final step usually is the nipple/areolar reconstruction. Location of the nipple/areolar area is critical to breast appearance and is usually done after all other reconstructive stages are completed.

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What Is the Timeline for Reconstruction?

Whether you undergo breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, or as a separate procedure, depends on the nature of your breast cancer, your overall health, and the recommendation of your cancer surgeon. It is important, therefore, to choose a plastic surgeon who will communicate effectively and work closely with the cancer surgeon to determine the best course of treatment to achieve optimal results while prioritizing your safety and health.

Immediate Reconstruction

Patients who are aware, prior to their surgery, of the possibility of breast reconstruction often elect to have the procedure started at the time of the mastectomy, with approval from the surgeon and oncologist. About three-fourths of our patients elect to begin breast reconstruction when the mastectomy is performed. Since the general surgeon must perform a complete mastectomy and also leave sufficient remaining healthy tissue to be used in the reconstruction, your plastic surgeon and general surgeon must work closely together.

The most obvious advantage of immediate reconstruction is that it allows you to avoid an additional hospital admission. Psychologically, mastectomy patients who have immediate breast reconstruction also experience less post-mastectomy depression, because their positive body image is retained. They also have the opportunity to balance the diagnosis of breast cancer against information about the positive aspects of breast reconstruction. Mastectomy patients who begin immediate reconstruction, however, sometimes have unrealistically high expectations about the results because they cannot see what the post-mastectomy results would be without reconstruction.

Delayed Reconstruction

While patients who already have had a mastectomy cannot choose to have immediate reconstruction, they still are candidates for many of the same reconstructive techniques later on. Waiting has its own advantages. Not only is the mastectomy completely healed with delayed reconstruction, but the patient has had time to accomplish the following:

  • Adjust psychologically
  • Complete any chemo or radiation therapy
  • Explore all the appropriate reconstruction options available
  • Schedule reconstructive surgery at a convenient time

Considerations with Radiation and Chemotherapy

Both radiation therapy and chemotherapy can influence the type and timing of breast reconstruction. Radiation therapy affects the quality of the skin and may rule out or lend itself more easily to certain reconstructive procedures. Patients who are having chemotherapy may have to postpone the start or completion of reconstructive surgery until the chemotherapy is completed.

What to Expect with Results

Expectations for results in breast reconstruction will vary with each patient. Our goal is to create a soft breast that has good shape and is reasonably symmetrical with the opposite breast. This is easier to achieve for some patients than others. The results depend upon the way the individual patient heals, the type of mastectomy, the reconstruction technique chosen and the patient’s existing tissue and opposite breast. All mastectomy patients should expect to lose some sensation over the chest wall, underarm and inner arm areas. While reconstruction will not improve sensation in these areas, it should not lessen it. Most patients can expect a breast volume that approximately matches the opposite breast, although there are some limitations on the size of a reconstructed breast.

Symmetry is a primary goal in breast reconstruction, but can only be obtained in some patients by altering the opposite breast. About 30 to 40% of mastectomy patients will choose opposite-breast surgery in order to match the shape and volume of the reconstructed breast. This improves appearance and sense of balance and makes the fitting of clothes and dressing easier. Some patients also find that a slight degree of asymmetry is acceptable and will choose not to alter the opposite breast. Some elect not to follow through with nipple/areolar reconstruction.

Opposite Breast Surgery

Approximately 30 percent of breast reconstruction patients have surgery on the opposite breast in order to maximize symmetry. When there is a significant difference between the size of the reconstructed and the opposite breast, many women choose to have the opposite breast reduced. Opposite-Breast Reduction is done in exactly the same way as ordinary breast reduction. The primary disadvantage of opposite-breast reduction is the additional surgical procedure and the resulting scars on the reduced breast. Fortunately, breast reduction can be combined with second-stage reconstruction or nipple/areolar reconstruction.

  • Opposite-Breast Mastopexy: In this breast-lifting procedure, the breast volume is not altered, but the breast ptosis, or droop, is corrected by lifting the breast to give it a more youthful shape and higher position on the chest wall. This procedure is particularly helpful for mastectomy patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or who have had multiple pregnancies.
  • Opposite-Breast Augmentation: Some mastectomy patients, especially younger ones who are small-breasted, elect to have opposite-breast augmentation to achieve a slightly fuller breast volume that can match the reconstructed breast.

All three of these procedures – opposite-breast reduction, mastopexy, and augmentation – will be discussed with you in detail prior to breast reconstruction. However, final decisions about one or more of these procedures may be delayed until the first stage of breast reconstruction has been completed, so you and your physicians can better evaluate how much asymmetry may exist.

Complicated Reconstructions

Almost any mastectomy patient can pursue breast reconstruction. This includes patients who have had prior radiation therapy, some other breast surgery complication or a congenital breast deformity. Each of these situations presents its own special complications, but most have solutions.

The choices of reconstruction techniques are narrowed for patients who have had prior irradiation of the skin. In these cases, a flap technique usually provides optimal results.

Patients who have non-malignant breast disease with a resulting nipple-sparing mastectomy present one of the greatest challenges for breast reconstruction, even though neither the skin nor the nipple/areolar area has been removed. An implant or a tissue expander technique often provide the best results when a nipple-sparing mastectomy has been performed.

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Fees and Insurance

It is required by law for health insurance policies to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy; however, this coverage varies depending on the policy. Coverage usually includes all phases of breast reconstruction including the nipple/areolar reconstruction, as well as surgery on the opposite breast for symmetry. Coverage and pre-approval vary with each insurance company or HMO and for different policies – even from the same company. It is important that you call your insurance provider beforehand for information on your individual insurance coverage for breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

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Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

We hope we have answered many of your questions about the options for breast reconstruction and we encourage you to talk to us about these procedures. We will do everything we can to help you make an informed decision about the ideal breast reconstruction approach for you. Please call (703) 560-2850 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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