A mastectomy may be a life-saving operation, but being left without one or both breasts can be a knock to your sense of self-identity and confidence. Breast reconstruction can give you back your natural figure.
There are many different methods of breast reconstructing. Some methods use implants only some use implants only, some use implants and natural tissue and some use only natural tissue borrowed from another parts of the body.
In our initial consultation, we will discuss your hopes and expectations and together other issues such as part medical history and body shape I will advise you on the suitable types of reconstructive breast surgery for you. It’s really important that we can arrive at a well informed consential decision as to the best way forward. I will endeavour to give you all the information to achieve this, answer all of your questions, show you images of previous patients.
Amongst the operations I regularly perform are the DIEP flap and the Latissimius Dorsi flap.
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
DIEP flap surgery involves making an incision along the bikini line. A section of skin, fat, and blood vessels are taken from the lower half of your belly in a similar manner to a “tummy tuck” operation. This skin and tissue is then positioned in the chest and formed into a breast shape. Blood vessels in the tissue from the tummy are attached to blood vessels in your chest and these will feed the new tissue, which is then shaped into a breast. I have performed over 500 of these operations.
Lat Dorsi Breast Reconstruction
The Latissimus Dorsi is a back muscle, positioned below your shoulder blade. This surgical procedure involves moving an oval of this muscle and surrounding fat from the back, to the chest. The movement occurs under the skin, with the blood vessels still attached and operational throughout. The incision scar is typically positioned where it would be hidden by a bra strap.
