San Diego / La Jolla Breast Reconstruction Surgeon – Dr. Chasan

The four most common types of breast reconstruction are: immediate reconstruction with a silicone implant utilizing Alloderm, tissue expansion, latissimus dorsi flap and TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle). As a leading San Diego and La Jolla plastic surgeon, Dr. Chasan performs all of these breast reconstruction procedures. In the paragraphs below, he explains each technique and the results La Jolla / San Diego breast reconstruction patients can achieve through it.

Immediate Reconstruction with a Silicone Implant

The newest and most gratifying of the procedures is breast reconstruction with a silicone implant, often utilizing Alloderm. Alloderm is a natural skin substitute that is used as a sling to completely cover and protect the implant. This procedure has so many advantages because the mastectomy is performed utilizing a skin-sparing technique, which preserves the majority of the skin envelope and results in a minimal scar on the breast. Oftentimes, the nipple and areola can be preserved. No expansion is needed and, therefore, this is a one-stage procedure. Most San Diego / La Jolla breast reconstruction patients feel well within one week and are back to normal activities in two weeks.

 

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Tissue Expansion

This technique involves placing a temporary implant (expander) under the chest muscle and enlarging it weekly with saline injections. Once the expander is stretched enough, it is replaced with a permanent silicone implant. The nipple and the darker skin surrounding it, called the areola, are reconstructed in a subsequent procedure.

 

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Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction

This technique of breast reconstructing uses back muscle to cover a permanent silicone implant. The tissue is tunneled to the front of the chest wall to support the reconstructed breast. The nipple-areola complex is reconstructed at this time.

 

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The TRAM Flap

During TRAM flap procedure, Dr .Chasan uses a tissue flap that consists of the lower abdominal skin, fat and muscle with its blood supply. The flap is tunneled beneath the skin to the chest. A breast mound is created without the need for an implant.

 

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It is imperative that the general/oncologic surgeon performing the mastectomy works closely with the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The best results are achieved following a "skin sparing" mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Not all general/oncological surgeons perform a "skin sparing" mastectomy.
For most mastectomy patients, breast reconstruction in San Diego / La Jolla can dramatically improve the appearance and quality of life after surgery.