DVA Plastic Surgery | Restore Your Form

Breast Reconstruction

Restorative Surgery in Bellaire & River Oaks, TX

Restoring Balance & Symmetry

Breast reconstruction is performed on women who have lost one or both breasts to mastectomy, or who lack breasts due to congenital or developmental abnormalities. The goal is to create a breast and nipple that resemble the natural breast as closely as possible in shape, size and position.

As long as a woman is healthy, age is not a factor in candidacy. However, women with health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, or those who smoke, are often advised to wait to ensure optimal healing results.

The Approach: Reconstruction is performed in several steps. Which type is used depends on whether there is enough tissue on the wall of the chest to cover and hold an implant effectively.

Types of Reconstruction

There are two primary types of breast reconstruction, each tailored to the specific needs and available tissue of the patient.

Implant/Expansion
Involves inserting an expander beneath the skin and muscle to stretch the tissue over weeks or months, followed by placing a permanent saline or silicone gel implant.
Autologous-Tissue (Flap)
Used if there is not enough tissue or if a patient prefers no implants. A breast is created using skin, fat, and sometimes muscle (a “flap”) from the abdomen, back, buttocks, or thighs.
Nipple & Areola Reconstruction
The final step in the restorative journey involves a separate procedure to reconstruct the areola and nipple for a more natural appearance.
Symmetry Procedures
To achieve harmony, the remaining natural breast may also be operated on (lifted, reduced, or enlarged) to match the reconstructed breast.

Recovery & Results

Recovery varies widely based upon the procedure used and whether reconstruction immediately follows mastectomy. Hospital stays generally range from 1 to 6 days.

Patients are typically sore for 1 to 2 weeks, with a full recovery timeline of 3 to 6 weeks. Compression garments and surgical drains are often utilized during the initial healing phase.

What to Expect

Appearance
A reconstructed breast will not look identical to the original, but we aim for a close match in size and shape.
Sensation
Reconstructed breasts typically have little sensation, though autologous tissue may retain more than implants.
Stitch Removal
Stitches are usually removed within 1 week to 10 days following the procedure.

Expertise you can trust

Dare V. Ajibade, MD, Ph.D., MPH

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Dare V. Ajibade is an aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks, Lipo 360, and breast surgery, all of which are central to a Mommy Makeover. He completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Temple University Hospital and an aesthetic fellowship at North Texas Plastic Surgery.

His extensive background in general surgery, plastic surgery, and clinical research informs every personalized treatment plan. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ajibade follows the highest standards in patient care.

More about Dr. Ajibade

Understanding the Risks

In addition to surgical and anesthesia risks, implant-related risks include infection, implant leaks or ruptures, and potential deflation or shifting of the implant over time.

Risks related to flap techniques include fat necrosis, abdominal weakness, hernia, or a mismatch between the donor tissue and the chest tissue.

Restore Your Confidence

Schedule your breast reconstruction consultation today and take the first step towards a natural, restorative transformation.