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Breast Reconstruction FAQs

Learn More About Our Beverly Hills Breast Reconstruction

As one of the leading breast surgery centers in the country*, Simply Breasts is focused on providing the resources needed for men and women who may be considering breast reconstruction. We make sure that you get the chance to talk about any concerns you may have with your surgeon during your consultation. To give you a head start, we have included a list of the most common questions most of our patients frequently ask prior to their procedure on this page.

Navigate to any of the questions below:

If you want to take the next step after reading our literature, please feel free to schedule a free consultation at (310) 278-0000 to get started with your procedure.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a combination of surgeries designed to rebuild the breast deformities acquired from surgical procedures in breast cancer or trauma patients or congenital breast deformities, which some people are born with.

What Type of Conditions are Treated with Breast Reconstruction?

  • We can discuss the following Beverly Hills breast surgery procedures we provide:
  • Deformities resulting from breast cancer surgery such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy
  • Skin changes on the breast resulting from radiation therapy
  • Deformities resulting from trauma or burns to breasts
  • Deformities from removing firm, ruptured or unwanted breast implants
  • Congenital breast deformities such as uneven breasts and abnormally shaped breasts, such as tubular breasts or constricted breasts

Is It True That My Health Insurance Covers Breast Reconstruction?

Yes. Health insurance companies are required to cover breast reconstruction for any woman who has suffered a breast deformity from mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer. Insurance companies commonly cover congenital breast deformities or those resulting from trauma as well. Cosmetic procedures performed to your existing breast to ensure symmetry with the reconstructed breast will also be covered by your insurance. We encourage you to contact our Beverly Hills breast surgery center so we can check your insurance coverage for breast reconstruction procedures.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

If you have had a single or double mastectomy, a significant lumpectomy or other trauma that has caused the loss of one or both breasts, you may be a candidate for breast reconstruction. Other candidates for breast reconstruction include men or women who have congenital breast deformities, such as a misshaped breast or uneven breasts. The ideal candidates will be in good health both physically and mentally, and maintain realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

Do I Have to Get Breast Reconstruction?

Our Beverly Hills breast reconstruction surgery is not a requirement. Some women choose not to reconstruct their breasts following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It is a very personal decision and you are the only person who can decide whether breast reconstruction is right for you personally.

Will My Breast be Reconstructed at the Same Time as My Mastectomy?

Some women may choose to begin the breast reconstruction process by having temporary tissue expanders inserted at the time of their mastectomy, which will later be replaced by your final implants. Other women choose to wait awhile following their mastectomy before pursuing reconstruction procedures. Your doctor may have medical reasons why it is better to wait before reconstruction as well, so it is important to discuss your preferences before your mastectomy.

I Only Had a Single Mastectomy. Can I Still Have Breast Reconstruction?

Yes, a breast reconstruction can be performed to match your new and existing breast in size and shape as closely as possible. This can include additional procedures like a breast reduction or breast lift on your natural breast to ensure greater symmetry.

Do I Need Breast Reconstruction Following a Lumpectomy?

In the vast majority of cases, a lumpectomy removes such a small amount of tissue that no further surgery is needed. However, in some women, a lumpectomy can cause a visible shape difference in the affected breast. There are several reconstruction procedures that may be used to resolve this issue.

What Should I Expect during Surgery?

First, you can expect that more than one surgery is usually needed to completely reconstruct the breast, so the process will be conducted in stages.

Your surgery will vary depending on which type of surgical technique is used:

  • Reconstruction using breast implants begins with tissue expanders, which are later replaced by saline or silicone implants.
  • Breast reconstruction using donor tissue involves surgery at the donor site (usually the tummy, thighs or back) to remove the tissue, as well as the surgery to reshape the breast.
  • Breast reconstruction that includes a combination of these two procedures will incorporate elements of both techniques.

What Can I Expect during Recovery?

Most of our Beverly Hills breast reconstruction patients feel sore at first, accompanied by swelling. You can expect to be in discomfort for the first few days, although this may vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed, as well as the level of correction needed. The majority of our are patients are able to return to work after a week or two.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

After your surgery, your reconstructed breast should look similar to your natural breast, with results that are flattering and proportionate to your frame.* Since the nipples are usually included later on, you may be surprised that your breasts are completely smooth at first. Although you will notice a difference in your appearance right away, your final results will be initially disguised by some swelling, but this will dissipate in the weeks after your surgery.

Should I Worry About Scarring?

Our surgeons try to use any existing scar placement for making new incisions whenever possible. This helps minimize additional scarring after your initial mastectomy. Most of our patients, however, feel that the beautiful final results outweigh any concerns over visible scars.*

Are My Results Permanent?

Our Beverly Hills breast reconstruction is a permanent procedure. However, the aging process may affect your natural breast and reconstructed breast differently, requiring a second procedure later on to ensure continued symmetry.* Whether natural or reconstructed, your breasts will continue to be affected by aging and gravity even after your surgery and some of our patients choose to undergo further procedures later on in order to minimize these effects.

If you don’t see your questions on this page, we can address all your concerns as soon as you schedule a free initial consultation at (310) 278-0000!

*Results from surgical or non-surgical procedures will vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed.

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If you need assistance and don't see the resources you need on our site, please do not hesitate to call us at (310) 278-0000.

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