Plastic Surgery
at our Santa Clara Medical Center:
- Largest plastic surgery Department within Kaiser Permanente Northern California;
- Offers the full spectrum of Plastic Surgery and Plastic Surgery subspecialty services;
- These services include microvascular approaches to reconstruction, especially for cancers of the breast and head and neck region, among other locations;
- We have seven board-certified plastic surgeons on our staff.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction is the process of recreating the shape of a woman's breast after a mastectomy.
- Although breast reconstruction is able to mimic the shape and feel of a normal breast, it is not able to restore the natural sensations of a normal breast;
- Most women who undergo breast reconstruction are pleased with the choice they made;
- Having a breast reconstructed may help you feel less self-conscious about how you look and help to restore the confidence in your sexuality.
Timing:
- Breast reconstruction can be done immediately after a mastectomy (called immediate reconstruction);
- It can also be done months to years after a mastectomy (called delayed reconstruction);
- The timing of reconstruction depends on the type of treatment you may need for your breast cancer as well as other factors;
- When radiation is needed after a mastectomy it may also impact the timing and appearance of the reconstruction.
Types of Breast Reconstruction:
- Breast reconstruction can be done using artificial implants (filled with saline or silicone);
- Or a tissue that includes skin, fat and muscle from your own body;
- A plastic surgeon forms a breast mound by using an implant or tissues from the belly, back or buttocks of your own body;
- The choice of breast reconstruction recommended for you will depend on your body type, age and cancer treatment.
Breast Reconstruction usually takes multiple steps to complete. Both immediate and delayed reconstructions require a hospital stay for the first procedure. However, follow-up procedures may be done on an outpatient basis. Often, certain extra steps may be needed to accomplish:
- Adding a nipple with areola tattoo.
- Changing the shape or size of the reconstructed breast.
- Operating on the opposite breast for a better match.
Smoking increases the risk of complications for all types of breast reconstructive surgery.
Contact Information for Department of Plastic Surgery at Santa Clara Kaiser Permanente.
