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What Is Breast Reconstruction?

There are a number of advancements in breast reconstruction that allow women who have undergone a mastectomy to retain their original silhouette. For many patients, the appearance and shape of the breasts are deeply connected to self-image, security, and femininity. Breast reconstruction surgery can help to rebuild confidence and address traumas caused by cancer treatment and surgery.

What Breast Reconstruction Can Achieve

For women who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or as a preventive practice, the loss of breast tissue can be an unwanted reminder of trauma or it may lead to discomfort with one’s appearance or femininity. Breast reconstruction in New Jersey is a highly individual choice that can repair one’s self-image and elevate quality of life. 

The procedure is designed to restore the silhouette and appearance of the breasts with natural, balanced results. It is suitable for women who have undergone a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. Dr. Parakh is committed to working together with your breast surgeon and other medical professionals after treatment.

Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation

Before your breast reconstruction, you will undergo a consultation with Dr. Parakh at her Englewood, NJ office to discuss the procedure and your goals for improvement.

Dr. Parakh can provide detailed, clear computer images that demonstrate today's advanced breast reconstruction techniques.

Based on your personal photographs and unique dimensions and shape, Dr. Parakh will make recommendations for the ideal approach best suited to your physical condition, treatment history, and desired outcome. 

You may have a number of questions about this surgery and its effects on your body, and Dr. Parakh will provide answers, as well as an overview of the recovery period, surgical procedure, and risks involved.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

There are two major types of breast reconstruction: implant-based or autologous (using your body tissue). While purely implant-based techniques are not recommended for women who have had radiation therapy, these can be a good choice for other patients. A tissue expander is used under the pectoral muscle to create space for a permanent implant, with the device placed immediately following mastectomy.

Some women may opt for a combination of implants and autologous tissue in which a nearby muscle is swung forward while connected with its blood supply to give the breast more volume alongside the implant.

Autologous breast enhancement involves the transfer of your own tissue from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast. The most commonly used tissue and fat are from the lower abdomen, but tissue can be harvested from other areas as well, such as the back or thighs.

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What Are The Differences In Reconstruction For A Unilateral Or Bilateral Mastectomy?

For women who have had a bilateral mastectomy, the basis for reconstruction is often identical — and so exactly the same procedures will be performed on each breast, on both sides of the body. For women who have had a unilateral mastectomy, reconstruction is only necessary for one breast.

However, to maximize the appearance of symmetry and natural breast similarity, women may choose to have procedures performed on the remaining breast (including a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation).

What About Nipple Reconstruction?

Many women have had what is called “nipple-sparing mastectomy.” In these cases, the tissue and appearance of the nipple are preserved during surgery. The decision to perform a nipple-sparing mastectomy or not is based on a woman’s cancer diagnosis and necessary treatment. For women whose nipples have been removed as part of a mastectomy, nipple reconstruction is an option to restore a natural breast appearance. Breast reconstruction is typically performed in several stages, and the final stage includes creation of the nipple flap and micropigmentation to reconstruct the color of the nipple.

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Dr. Parakh is professionally affiliated with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood, NJ, and HUMC Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, NJ, for the convenience of her patients. She holds private consultations at Parakh Plastic Surgery daily for her patients from across the United States and around the world.

If you’re in the Englewood, NJ area or anywhere else in New Jersey or beyond and you’re interested in breast reconstruction with Dr. Parakh, we invite you to trust your appearance to a team that truly cares. Contact our office today to get started and set up your consultation.

Patient Testimonials

If you're looking for a surgeon to snap your body back, Dr. Parakh is definitely the one.

My review is long overdue but I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Parakh in February. I drove from Maryland to New Jersey and stayed there for a week to recover before ...

Dennaia Carter

Phenomenal surgeon, her work is amazing.

Phenomenal surgeon, her work is amazing. I had made a consult appointment with her in July of 21, because i saw a ticktock video from another patient an I love...

Michele Rivera

Dr. Parakh and her staff were incredibly helpful and comforting during my visit.

Dr. Parakh and her staff were incredibly helpful and comforting during my visit. There was constant checkup and my procedure was amazing and perfect. 3 years ag...

Nicole Grace

Her hands are freaking magic!

I flew in from Florida because I genuinely think Dr. Parakh is one of the top surgeons in the U.S. Her hands are freaking magic! It’s been 5 months since I’ve h...

Angelica Ayra-Soto

I'm so happy with the results after 4 C sections.

I recently had a mommy make over with Dr. Parakah. I'm so happy with the results after 4 C sections. I did my research with many surgeons, even with the best d...

Maria Abreu
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Why Choose Dr. Parakh?

Because breast reconstruction surgery often comes after significant trauma, it’s important to choose a plastic surgeon who understands the emotional element of this procedure. Dr. Shwetambara Parakh is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who is also a breast specialist. With empathetic and compassionate listening, she focuses on personalized care in an environment where you can feel comfortable and well taken care of. Parakh Plastic Surgery offers you the dedication and experience needed to create the inspiring, uplifting results you deserve.

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Breast Reconstruction FAQs:

Will my reconstructed breasts look and feel natural?

Can I choose the size and shape of my reconstructed breast?

Will I have visible scars after breast reconstruction?

Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?

Will my reconstructed breasts look and feel natural?

With advancements in surgical techniques and materials, many women achieve natural-looking and feeling results after breast reconstruction.

Can I choose the size and shape of my reconstructed breast?

The size and shape of your reconstructed breast can be discussed with your surgeon, but there may be some limitations based on your body and available tissue.

Will I have visible scars after breast reconstruction?

Scarring is a part of any surgery, but plastic surgeons aim to minimize scarring and place incisions strategically to minimize visibility.

Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?

In the United States, breast reconstruction is often covered by insurance, thanks to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). However, specific coverage may vary, so it's essential to check with your insurer.

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