Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
What is the Difference between Breast Augmentation and Breast Reconstruction? Whenever you consider plastic surgery, it is important to be well informed about the procedure. Many women are confused as to the difference between breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. This article seeks to explain the distinction and outline the procedures involved in each.
Main Distinction Breast
augmentation
mammoplasty
is
a
or
augmentation
procedure
that
is
performed to give a woman a fuller bustline. This enlargement surgery is also done to restore breasts that have lost volume following weight loss or pregnancy. Breast reconstruction, on the other hand, is an operation that is usually done following mastectomy to restore the breast to its normal size, shape and appearance. It is surgery to rebuild the breast that has been removed due to cancer and make it look natural.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Options This surgery involves placing an implant either underneath the muscle of the chest wall or underneath the breast tissue. This gives the breasts a fuller look. There are three ways the incisions can be placed: underneath the breast, around the areola, or through the armpit. Of these, the most
Breast Reconstruction
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
commonly used method is the first one where the incision is made under the breasts, and silicone or saline implants are placed through it.
Implant Choices •
Saline implants: In the case of saline implants, the saline is injected into the implant after it is placed through a small incision.
•
Silicone implants: These come pre-filled with silicone and would therefore require a large incision to place. They are safe and FDAapproved. They do not ripple and therefore have a more natural look and feel than saline implants. However, unlike saline implants, they could rupture. If they do, surgery is necessary to remove the damaged implant and replace it with a new one.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Options This procedure is usually performed following mastectomy or to create the breast form in patients with developmental abnormalities or congenital absence of the breast. There are two main categories: reconstruction with autologous tissue and reconstruction with implants. •
DIEP flap reconstruction: In the case of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP), the breast is reconstructed using the patient’s own tissue. This method makes use of spare abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction. Certain blood vessels, fat and skin are transferred from the abdomen to the chest and connected to the blood vessels in that area. This innovative surgical technique can correct congenital
Breast Reconstruction
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
breast abnormalities or loss of breast volume and breast asymmetry after a mastectomy. The technique works well for obese patients and offers the surgeon greater flexibility in designing the shape of the breasts with autologous tissues. The main benefits are as follows: -
a tummy tuck of sorts resulting in greater abdominal wall strength and contour with the removal of excessive tissue
-
minimal pain and discomfort
- shorter hospital stays -
minimal adverse impact on patient’s routine activities
-
less risk of hernia formation
- faster recovery compared with free TRAM flaps •
Reconstruction with saline or silicone implants is very popular for its simplicity. It does not involve much pain or prolonged hospitalization. Scarring is also minimal. The downside is that complications with the implant could lead to the need for further surgery.
Breast reconstruction can be done either along the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or after (delayed reconstruction). Whatever your needs, it is importance to educate yourself on the difference between breast augmentation and reconstruction. Choose your plastic surgeon with care. Make sure you understand everything you need to know about the procedure that is recommended for you, including downtime and recovery. Check with your insurance provider about insurance coverage.
Breast Reconstruction
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
Health insurance companies cover breast surgery procedures done out of medical necessity.
Contact Details Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery 6400 Fannin Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 Phone: 713-791-0700 URL: http://www.drseanboutros.com/
Breast Reconstruction