When you choose breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy to treat or prevent breast cancer, you have many options to consider. Breast reconstruction with implants, also called mammoplasty, is one way to restore the size and appearance of your breasts.
As the nation's most active breast reconstruction center, Penn Plastic Surgery offers all types of breast reconstruction surgery. Our board-certified surgeons discuss available options with you so you can make the right choice for you.
Breast Implant Reconstruction: The Penn Medicine Difference
If you and your surgeon decide that breast reconstruction using implants is best, you can trust Penn for:
- All types of breast implant options: As the highest-volume breast reconstruction program in the nation, we have access to the latest advancements and techniques in breast implant reconstruction surgery.
- Expert reconstructive plastic surgeons: Our board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeons are well-known experts in breast implant reconstruction.
- Leaders in prepectoral breast reconstruction: Penn surgeons were among the first to offer a procedure that inserts the breast implant above the pectoral muscle. This procedure can result in less pain and a better appearance.
- Thorough education: We educate you about the types of breast implants and the advantages and disadvantages of each, to ensure you make the right choice for you. You can also talk with other patients who have had breast reconstruction as part of our Peer-to-Peer Telephone Program.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Using Implants
With breast implant reconstruction after mastectomy, your surgeon inserts silicone shells filled with silicone gel or saline (sterilized salt water) where the breast mounds were before. Silicone gel and saline have been used for decades and are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Breast implants vary by:
- Size
- Shape
- Filling type
- Surface texture
- “Profile” or how it projects beyond the chest wall
Together with your surgeon, you’ll determine which type of implant is right for your body type and preferences. As part of that discussion, your surgeon recommends one of two types of breast reconstruction procedures:
Two-Stage Implant Reconstruction
This breast implant method requires two surgeries, and the process can span three to six months. Immediately after your mastectomy, a surgeon places a balloon-like device called a tissue expander under the skin and muscles of the chest wall (also called subpectoral placement). Your surgeon may place the temporary expander over the muscle, called a prepectoral placement.
Over the course of several months, you come to our office periodically so we can fill the expander with saline. This process stretches the skin and muscle to the appropriate size for the implant. Once the expanders are the right size, you come in for a second surgery. At this time, your surgeon removes the expanders and replaces them with implants.
Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction
Also called a single-stage breast implant reconstruction, your surgeon inserts the breast implants directly after your mastectomy. This method does not use expanders and surgeons complete your reconstruction in one surgery.
Advantages of Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Using implants for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy offers several advantages, including:
- Breast implants come in many sizes and shapes, so you can choose how your breast will look after reconstruction
- Fewer incisions and scars than free-flap breast reconstruction, since your surgeon is not removing tissue from another area of your body
- Surgery and recovery times are shorter than that of free-flap breast reconstruction
Disadvantages of Breast Reconstruction with Implants
Disadvantages of implant breast reconstruction could include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Reconstruction
Why do you need to use tissue expanders during two-stage implant reconstruction?
After a mastectomy, your breast surgeon needs to make sure that all breast tissue is removed. The thin layer of breast skin that remains is not stretchy and strong enough to accommodate an implant. Therefore, we slowly and gently stretch the skin with an expander until it can safely hold an implant.
I may need chemotherapy. Can I still have implants?
Individuals who need chemotherapy for breast cancer after a mastectomy can get implants, but healing from surgery may take longer. Your surgeon and oncologist work together to schedule your second-stage surgery (to remove the tissue expanders and place the implants) when it is safe to proceed.
I may need (or have already had) radiation to my breast area. Can I still have implants?
Radiation for breast cancer may increase your risk for multiple complications from breast reconstruction, including infection and delayed incision healing. You and your surgeon will discuss your options, risks and benefits so you can decide what is best for you.
Request an Appointment
Call 215-662-7300 or request an appointment online.