Breast Reconstruction in Houston, Texas (TX)
The loss of one or both of your breasts from cancer-related mastectomy can be devastating, but reconstruction surgery is available to restore the appearance of your breasts and nipples. Breast reconstruction can involve a combination of implants, transplanted tissue, and medical tattooing to achieve physically and aesthetically pleasing results.
How breast reconstruction is performed
There are two types of breast reconstruction—implant reconstruction that uses silicone or saline implants placed under your chest muscle, and autologous/flap reconstruction that uses transplanted tissue from other areas of your body to recreate your breasts.Breast reconstruction surgery can involve one or both of these techniques, and can be done during your mastectomy or in later surgeries. Your health team will help you decide which options are best for you.
Breast implant reconstruction can be a shorter and less complex surgery, and may be a better option if you want to avoid the extra incisions and scarring from flap reconstruction. It may be difficult matching your implant with your natural breast, and implants can sometimes cause future complications. It’s not unusual to require some type of revision or implant replacement surgery after ten years or so.
Autologous/flap reconstruction can produce a more natural feeling breast, and most women won’t need any future surgeries. Flap reconstruction surgery is more involved though; it requires tissue to be transplanted from areas such as your abdomen or buttocks to your chest. This can mean more scarring and a longer recovery.
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Nipple and areola reconstruction is performed by making small incisions at the site of your nipple and building up the tissue with careful stitching. Your areolas, (the darker circular areas around your nipples), can be recreated with medical tattooing for a very convincing appearance.Recovery after surgery
Recovery after breast reconstruction may be a significant determining factor in your decision, especially after the difficulty of undergoing breast cancer treatment and mastectomy. Breast implant reconstruction typically has a shorter recovery time compared to autologous/flap reconstruction, but your pain, discomfort, and down-time can vary. Your surgeon can help you with recovery expectations.Costs
Breast reconstruction is usually covered by health insurance. Factors such as your area, surgeon, and any related anesthesia or facility fees may affect costs. You can speak with your health insurance provider and surgeon to learn what is covered and what your best options are.About Dr. Christian Arroyo
West Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Christian Arroyo is considered by his peers to be a rising star in cosmetic plastic surgery. His amazing bedside manner, calm demeanor, rather impressive attention to detail, and meticulous surgical technique make him not only loved by his patients but also into one of Houston’s top plastic surgeons.
He has undergone rigorous training not only as a general surgeon at Mayo Clinic and the University of Connecticut but also as a plastic surgeon at Houston Methodist and St Joseph’s Hospitals with some of the best nationally recognized plastic surgeons in the country.
It is also where most of the top board certified plastic surgeons in Texas have been trained due to an excellence in plastic surgery which dates all the way back to the giants in plastic surgery attributed to the invention of the breast implant and to the first breast augmentation, which took place at our very own St Joseph’s Hospital in 1962.
Dr. Arroyo considers it an honor to be a part of this legacy. Dr. Arroyo understands that in order to be the best plastic surgeon to his patients, the surgeon must be able to help his patients achieve beautiful results as natural or as drastic as his patients may please.
In order to help his patients achieve their goals, it all starts with taking the time to understand the patients true desires in their consultation and making recommendations where necessary so they may experience true confidence after their treatment is complete.
Featured Specialist for Breast Reconstruction in Houston, TX
Arroyo Plastic Surgery at West Houston
Call Now: (713) 393-7444 915 Gessner Rd. Suite 825AHouston, TX 77024
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