DEVELOP A PERSONALIZED BREAST RECONSTRUCTION PLAN WITH DR. CHRISTINE FISHER AND DR. TOSAN EHANIRE  IN AUSTIN, TX.

A PERSONALIZED PLAN

The decision to reconstruct a breast that has been lost due to breast cancer, to the BRCA gene for breast cancer, or to a congenital breast disorder (Poland's Syndrome, Pectus Excavatum) is personal. Nearly all patients are candidates for some form of breast reconstruction. If you choose to undergo reconstructive breast surgery in Austin, TX, your surgeon will work with you, your oncologist, and your breast cancer surgeon to develop a safe treatment plan that fits your personal goals, your body type, and your lifestyle.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT RECONSTRUCTIVE BREAST SURGERY

Reconstructive breast surgery options are shaped by the cause of breast loss, the prior size and shape of your breasts, your aesthetic goals for your new breasts, your health, expected future treatments, and more. Our surgeons work to ensure that each breast reconstruction patient they consult with understands the details related to her cancer, surgery steps, and possible outcomes before any final decisions are made. Knowledge of the process can decrease stress and improve healing and patient satisfaction, which is why Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire prioritize breast health education. Contact our office to discuss and receive educational resources on the following topics: breast cancer, genetic breast cancer risk, the reconstructive timeline, preparing for surgery, and frequently asked questions.

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IMPLANT-BASED BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Our surgeons also offer several implant-based reconstructive breast surgery options, including “staged” breast reconstruction, a two-step reconstruction with initial tissue expander placement followed by exchange for silicone breast implant placement; "direct-to-implant" breast reconstruction, a single-step procedure that introduces a silicone breast implant at the time of the mastectomy; latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with silicone breast implant; and tissue expander breast reconstruction.

Discover the options for reconstructive breast surgery from Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PERSONAL TOUCH

While patient education is crucial, no woman who comes to Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery for breast reconstruction should feel like she has to know all of the technical details available on this site in order to make an informed decision. Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire use every consultation as an opportunity to not just learn more about each patient as an individual, but also to answer their patients' unique questions to better meet their specific needs and wants.

This two-way exchange of information allows them as surgeons and you as the patient to build trust and a relationship vital to a successful breast reconstruction surgery outcome.

Women considering breast reconstruction understandably have many questions about the process. Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire are happy to answer all of them at your consultation or subsequent appointments, but these are answers to some of the most common questions we hear in our office:

FAQS ABOUT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR MY PROCEDURE?

That is entirely up to you. Some women choose to begin the breast reconstruction process at the time of their mastectomy. With an immediate reconstruction a woman wakes up with tissue expanders, implants or a completed living tissue breast reconstruction, such as a DIEP flap reconstruction. Others are not emotionally or medically ready to undergo breast reconstruction until a point after that procedure. Our surgeons will help you determine the best course of action for you.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE STAGED PROCEDURES?

A staged procedure is performed in steps, which means you will undergo more than one surgery to complete the reconstructive process. In most cases, this applies to breast reconstruction surgeries where implants are involved; however, living tissue reconstruction can also be staged. One procedure will be needed to place a tissue expander, which is often done at the same time as the mastectomy. The expander will gradually be filled with saline over the course of a few months to expand and mold the breast pocket for the final implant. At the second surgery, the expander will be removed and either the final silicone implant or living tissue will be placed in the pocket.

WHAT IF I NEED MORE CANCER TREATMENT?

Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire will work with your oncologist and the breast cancer surgeon to determine the safest way to handle your reconstruction process, and keep you informed of all of your available reconstructive options, as well as their pros and potential risks. Rest assured that nearly all women are candidates for reconstruction, due to the many options available today and the breadth of our surgeons’ experience.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?

That will depend on how your reconstruction is performed and whether a portion of it is done at the same time as your mastectomy. In most cases, women are back to the majority of their activities within four weeks. Strenuous exercise can generally be resumed after six to eight weeks.

WHAT IF I NEED NIPPLE RECONSTRUCTION?

If you are not a candidate for a nipple-sparing mastectomy, nipple reconstruction can help you achieve a more natural appearance. This procedure is done using skin from the surrounding area to create a small nipple centered on the breast in a natural position. Nipple reconstruction can usually be done about three months after your initial breast reconstruction surgery. Some patients prefer a nipple that does not protrude as a bump. For a smooth breast we recommend 3-D nipple-areolar tattooing for a natural result. Nipple-areolar tattooing gives a natural pigment and texture to the reconstructed nipple, and can be done a few months after the last reconstructive procedure.

The loss of one or both breasts due to cancer surgery, a congenital breast disorder or a heightened risk of breast cancer can be a stressful experience. For some, the breasts are seen as a sign of femininity, and when a woman loses this feature, it can impact her psychologically as well as physically. Breast reconstruction can be a vital step in the healing process for many women, allowing them to feel confident and regain a natural proportionate shape and a healthy look after breast cancer treatment.

© 2020 Austin Plastic & Reconstructive. All rights reserved.

2905 San Gabriel St #100, Austin, TX 78705, USA

512-815-0123

Dr. Christine Fisher and Dr. Tosan Ehanire specialize in reconstructive breast surgery, and are adept at both traditional implant techniques and advanced breast reconstruction techniques that use a woman's own living tissue to restore the breast. Dr. Fisher and Dr. Tosan Ehanire will listen to your goals and concerns and help guide you in your journey from breast cancer patient to breast cancer survivor.

Their skills in both traditional implants and innovative flap techniques allow them to tailor your procedure to address your unique situation based on a variety of factors. Our team will listen to your concerns and goals and guide you on your journey from breast cancer patient to breast cancer survivor.

With compassionate, personalized attention and expert care, Dr. Fisher, Dr. Ehanire and the Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery team will guide you through the reconstruction process.