A mastectomy can bring several reconstruction decisions at a time when there is already a great deal to process. At NorthShore Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sisco helps patients consider breast reconstruction in Northbrook, Illinois in light of their cancer treatment, health history, anatomy, and preferences. His background includes fellowship training in reconstructive breast surgery and microsurgery, as well as published research involving breast reconstruction and nipple-sparing mastectomy.
How Implant Reconstruction Works
Implant-based surgery uses an implant to recreate the shape of the breast. Some patients can have a permanent implant placed during the mastectomy, an approach known as direct-to-implant reconstruction. Others begin with a tissue expander that gradually creates space before the permanent implant is placed during a later procedure.
Since this approach does not take tissue from another area, there is no abdominal donor site to heal. That can make the initial recovery less involved than tissue-based surgery for some patients. However, an implant is a medical device, so ongoing monitoring and the possibility of future revision should be part of the conversation. Our implant-based breast reconstruction results include both direct-to-implant and staged cases.
How DIEP Flap Surgery Uses Your Own Tissue
DIEP flap surgery uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to form the breast mound while preserving the abdominal muscle. Microsurgery connects the transferred tissue to blood vessels in the chest.
This method avoids the use of a breast implant, but it requires surgery and healing in both the chest and abdomen. Prior abdominal procedures, the amount of available tissue, and your general health can affect whether you are a candidate. Our DIEP flap reconstruction results illustrate how abdominal tissue can be incorporated into different surgical plans.
How Recovery and Staging Compare
Implant reconstruction can sometimes be completed during one operation, although many patients need a tissue expander first. DIEP flap surgery often involves one major reconstructive procedure, followed by optional refinements to improve symmetry, contour, scars, or the appearance of the nipple and areola.
The healing process also differs. Implant surgery centers recovery on the chest, while a DIEP flap requires the abdomen to recover as well. Our breast reconstruction recovery timeline gives patients a broader look at what recovery can involve.
Factors That Shape Your Reconstruction Plan
Neither approach is automatically the better choice. The recommendation can depend on:
- Whether radiation is part of your cancer treatment
- Previous chest or abdominal surgery
- The amount of available abdominal tissue
- Your overall health and healing risks
- How you feel about implants and future monitoring
- The recovery you are comfortable taking on
- Your preferences for breast size, shape, and feel
Some patients want to avoid an implant. Others would rather not add abdominal surgery and scarring to the process. A consultation gives you time to weigh those priorities alongside the medical considerations.
Explore Breast Reconstruction in Northbrook
A clear explanation of the options can help you feel more prepared for the decisions ahead. To discuss implant-based or DIEP flap surgery with Dr. Mark Sisco at NorthShore Plastic Surgery, contact us or call our Northbrook, IL, office at 847-504-2333.
