Breast Reconstruction Surgery with Our Experienced Surgeon in San Antonio

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, breast tissue must sometimes be removed during a procedure called a mastectomy. Unfortunately, this physical change can have a profound psychological impact. Thankfully, modern cosmetic surgery techniques can help women who have undergone mastectomy restore their breasts and their self-esteem. Breast cancer survivors from San Antonio, Austin, and other communities throughout Texas frequently turn to our breast reconstruction surgeon who is available to help them regain their feminine contours. If you are seeking breast reconstruction, contact the San Antonio office of Dr. Sheryl Pilcher today.

In some cases, breast reconstruction may be performed in conjunction with mastectomy. While this is not a viable option for every woman, Dr. Pilcher will work closely with your breast cancer surgeon to determine whether it is possible in your case.

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

There are two basic techniques that can be used to restore lost breast tissue: the expander technique and flap techniques.

Expander Technique

The expander technique stretches the remaining skin in the breast area to make room for a saline or silicone breast implant. Our breast reconstruction surgeon is proud to help those from San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas benefit from this safe and effective procedure. This technique is frequently used when skin is tight against the breast after a mastectomy.

The expansion method of breast reconstruction involves the surgical placement of an expander device under the skin. Through a small valve, a salt water solution is injected into the device at pre-determined intervals for four-to-six weeks, which causes the skin to gradually stretch. Once the skin has been sufficiently expanded, another surgery is performed to replace the expander with a breast implant.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is another safe and effective breast restoration technique. This technique involves the placement of tissue removed from the abdominal area onto the chest to create a flap that can be used to reconstruct the breast.

When breast size needs to be enhanced more than is possible with the expander method, this flap can create sufficient space for the placement of a breast implant. Like the expander technique, flap surgery can also be performed at the time of mastectomy.

Learn More about Breast Reconstruction at Our San Antonio Practice

If you are preparing to undergo a mastectomy, and would like to learn more about breast reconstruction techniques, please contact our surgeon in San Antonio. She can help you understand your treatment options and provide you with support during a trying time.

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