Breast Reconstruction

Learn more about Atlanta breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Franklyn Elliott with Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. who has offices at Northside & Alpharetta, GA.

February 28, 2022

Breast Reconstruction: What Should I Expect From The Process?

Blog, Breast Reconstruction breast reconstruction, consultations, educational, plastic surgery, reconstructive procedures

Any kind of surgery comes with questions and some degree of uncertainty for the patient. Even in the cases of routine procedures that I know are very low risk, I often find myself needing to reassure my patients during their plastic surgery consultation appointments in my office. This is why I always take the time to thoroughly explain each procedure I perform, to both demystify the process and help the patient understand that they are in good hands when they enter my office and my operating room. Today, I wanted to discuss the details of breast reconstruction surgery and what patients can expect from this process.

For anyone unaware, breast reconstruction involves surgically restoring a breast (or breasts) following a breast cancer surgery like a mastectomy, removal of one or both breasts or lumpectomy, removal of a lump. Depending on each patient’s specific circumstance, the procedure can be performed together with the breast cancer surgery or at a later date referred to as delayed breast reconstruction. The process then depends on if the reconstruction will be done with a TRAM flap, using the patient’s own tissue, or with a breast implant and tissue expander. Both options can provide outstanding, long-lasting results. We will discuss all surgical options, expected post-surgery recovery time, and other factors to consider during the breast reconstruction consultation.

In the following video, I go into detail on what my patients can expect once they have decided to undergo breast reconstruction surgery:

I understand that choosing to have breast reconstruction is a big decision that cannot be made lightly. However, I have been performing these procedures for many years and am always happy to see just how powerful the results can be. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and much more.

November 3, 2021

Should You Choose Autologous Breast Reconstruction? Top Pros and Cons

Breast Augmentation, Breast Reconstruction blog, breast, implants, plastic surgery, reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction If you find yourself facing a single or double mastectomy, you have several options for your reconstruction. The procedures fall into two categories: implant reconstruction or autologous reconstruction. In implant reconstruction, I use a breast implant to reconstruct your breast, while in autologous reconstruction, I use tissue from your own body to rebuild the breast.

Every patient has different circumstances that may make them a better fit for one choice or another. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, to help you understand your potential options, I’m laying out the top pros and cons of autologous breast reconstruction.

Pro: More Natural-Looking Result

Autologous breast reconstruction often looks, feels, and acts as your natural breast because it’s using your own tissue – tissue that is extremely similar to that in your original breast. In most of these procedures, I use a flap of muscle, fat, blood vessels, and skin from your abdomen, and these same tissues make up a large portion of your natural breast too.

While implants have changed over the years to offer more natural shapes, they often have a slightly more rounded and lifted shape. Some patients prefer this, but particularly if you only had a single mastectomy, it tends to be more noticeable than your natural breast and reconstructed breast do not match.

Con: Longer Surgery

Understandably, autologous breast reconstruction is a more complex surgery compared to reconstruction with implants. After all, I operate on your breast as well as your abdomen, your back, or any other area where I take the tissue for your new breast. As a result, it takes more time to complete this surgery, which means that you will spend more time under anesthesia. While the risks are still low for this surgery, the extended time does mean that patients with some medical conditions may not be candidates for autologous breast reconstruction.

Pro: Tummy Tuck-Like Side Benefits

As I mentioned above, in most autologous breast reconstructions, I use tissue from your abdomen, back, or other areas. If I use tissue from your abdomen this reduces the size of your abdomen, and better yet, when I suture your abdominal muscles to close the area where I took muscle for your breast, it cinches your waist to a degree. You won’t see as much of a difference to your abdomen as you would from a true tummy tuck, but you will see some slimming and shaping.

Con: More Extensive Recovery

Autologous breast reconstruction is a significant surgery because, essentially, I am performing surgery on both your breast and your abdomen, back, or other areas. Because more areas of your body need to heal, the surgery tends to have a more extensive recovery compared to breast reconstruction with a breast implant.

Keep in mind, though, that every patient’s surgery and recovery is unique and customized to their specific needs, so the recovery time and experience will vary even among women who have a similar type of procedure.

Pro: No Need for Implant Monitoring

Breast implants have highly innovative and advanced designs that make them very safe and low-risk. However, there is always some risk of future complications, and because of this, women with breast implants need to have scans every so often to monitor their implants and look for potential ruptures. Implants also need to be replaced eventually. It often takes about 20 years (and sometimes longer) before that is necessary, but it is still an additional surgery to keep in mind. With autologous reconstruction, though, you don’t need this extra monitoring or eventual replacement.

Every woman who has a mastectomy deserves to have the reconstruction that best aligns with her goals, her body, and her needs. I am dedicated to making that happen. Schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to determine if autologous or implant reconstruction is the best choice for you. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter as well for more plastic surgery insights.

March 25, 2021

Dr. Franklyn Elliott Presents Breast Reconstruction Testimonials

Blog, Breast Reconstruction breast reconstruction, breast surgery, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, tummy tuck

pink-ribbon Breast reconstruction after undergoing surgery for breast cancer is not mandatory, but it can be an excellent way for women to create a fresh start. In my many years of experience performing reconstructive procedures, I have seen firsthand the palpable impact that restoring the breasts can have on a woman’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall wellness. Whether you have undergone a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can be extremely helpful. To help illustrate how breast reconstruction can help, I am happy to present firsthand testimonials from previous breast reconstructions that I have performed.

Dr. Elliott, Patti, and everyone else at the office are an amazing team! Everyone was flawless in their work and very compassionate with their patients. I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and TRAM flap. I also had the nipple reconstruction and Areola/Nipple tattooing. My experiences with these guys have been nothing but positive and my breasts look amazing! I have recommended Dr. Elliott to two other people already and will continue to do so.

• NS

Dr. Elliott performed breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap repair for me after I underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy. After three months of recovery, my results are great. The shape of my breasts are exactly what I wanted. They look very natural. The results of the “mini” tummy tuck that was done as part of the TRAM flap removal also exceeded my expectations. My stomach has never looked so flat in my whole life, including before I had kids.

• JC

Excellent results for a difficult procedure. I had a prophylactic double mastectomy and Dr. Elliott did the reconstruction with a free TRAM flap. The results are beyond what I expected for both the breast reconstruction and the added benefit of the tummy tuck which is done when removing the TRAM flap. My stomach looks better than it ever has and my breasts are exactly what I desired. Dr. Elliott and his office did an excellent job describing the procedure, risks, options and recovery process. Dr. Elliott, along with his nurses and staff, have been so supportive through this process and I would highly recommend him to any family or friends.

• KT

It’s always so nice and humbling to hear back from my patients, especially when they have such kind words to share. It is always the goal of me and my staff to provide every breast reconstruction patient that we see with the highest level of care, discretion, and professionalism. For more information on breast reconstruction surgery, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today. Don’t forget that you can also follow me on Facebook for additional testimonials, tips, news, and more.

«‹ 3 4 5 6 ›»