Breast Reconstruction
in Scottsdale, AZ
At Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we provide cutting-edge breast reconstruction procedures that aim to assist women in recovering both physically and emotionally following the loss of a breast. For many women, their breasts are tied closely to their sense of femininity and sense of self. So, when a breast cancer diagnosis or any other traumatic experience causes women to lose one or both of their breasts, it can have a tremendous impact on their self-esteem and emotional health. Breast reconstruction is a procedure that allows Scottsdale and Phoenix board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Joseph Berardi to recreate the breasts, restoring a woman's feminine figure and helping her to heal. Breast reconstruction offers an opportunity to restore self-confidence and improve emotional health. Dr. Berardi is sensitive to the unique needs of breast reconstruction patients and is proud to offer the advanced treatments they need to start feeling whole again.
What Is a Breast
Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at re-creating the size, appearance, and body contour of one or two breasts following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or trauma. In this procedure, Dr. Berardi utilizes breast implants or the patient’s healthy tissue for reconstructing the breast mound and establishing symmetry. When necessary, reconstruction of the areola and nipple helps complete its natural look. The primary goal is to help women feel whole again—both physically and emotionally—after breast loss.
This surgery does not lift or augment current breast tissue but instead re-creates one that has been lost. Reconstruction can be done concurrently with a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or several months or even a couple of years following a mastectomy (delayed reconstruction). Dr. Berardi closely collaborates with every patient’s oncology team. This way, he coordinates timing and method with a patient’s overall well-being as well as healing.
The Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed in a number of ways based on your specific preferences and Dr. Berardi’s recommendations. During the first consultation, Dr. Berardi will take a complete assessment, examine a patient’s medical history, and define their goals in detail. He will consult with their oncology team, as well as other providers, so that timing, method, and approach are medically safe and consistent with a patient’s treatment plan. Then, our breast surgeon will take photographs for planning and provide an estimate of the quote.
At Berardi Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, we offer breast reconstruction with tissue expanders or breast implants and breast reconstruction with your own tissue (flap reconstruction). Each of these breast reconstruction procedures can be performed at the same time as mastectomy if you are undergoing breast cancer treatment, or they may be completed after you have healed from breast cancer surgery.
Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders
Breast reconstruction with tissue expanders is a very popular form of implant-based reconstruction. During this procedure, Dr. Berardi will utilize the incisions made by the general surgeon to insert a tissue expander, a device used to stretch the skin and soft tissue left after mastectomy to assist with reconstruction. After the breast reconstruction surgery, the tissue is gently expanded during the post-operative period in the office. Once the desired breast volume is reached, the tissue expander is exchanged for a breast implant to complete the reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction with a Patient's Own Tissue (Autologous Reconstruction)
Breast reconstruction utilizing autologous tissue flaps uses your own body tissue, usually taken from the stomach, back, thighs, or buttocks, to reconstruct the breast. This is ideal for patients who are apprehensive about reconstruction of the breast using implants in their body or who have undergone radiation of the breast; however, it is a more in-depth procedure than reconstruction with implants because it creates two distinct surgical sites. During autologous tissue flap breast reconstruction, Dr. Berardi will harvest skin, fat, and tissue from a designated area of the body and move it to the chest to create a new breast mound.
Fat Transfer Breast Reconstruction
Fat transfer breast reconstruction is the latest treatment available to breast reconstruction patients. This breast reconstruction method is used to revise or reshape your breast after lumpectomy or implant reconstruction. During this reconstruction procedure, Dr. Berardi will extract fat from another area of the body — such as the hips, buttocks, thighs, or abdomen, using a liposuction technique. He will then purify the fat before injecting it around your breast. Using his aesthetic skill, he is able to complete the reconstruction to create full, natural-looking breasts. This reconstruction treatment method carries very little risk of infection and complications because it uses your own body tissue to reshape the breast.
Oncoplastic Surgery
Oncoplastic surgery is the combination of procedures that a breast cancer surgeon and your plastic surgeon perform at the time of your lumpectomy or partial mastectomy surgery. In the past, a lumpectomy, also called partial mastectomy, was performed as a standalone procedure. This would leave a void or space within the breast tissue. Being that all of these surgeries typically need radiation after the procedure to complete the treatment for cancer, a woman’s breast is usually deformed due to the contracture or shrinking of the breast tissue around this void from the radiation.
By performing the lumpectomy, along with common plastic surgery procedures such as a breast lift or breast reduction, the void left behind by the lumpectomy is filled with your own breast tissue, which prevents deformity after radiation.
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction recovery varies from patient to patient based on their individual health and the reconstructive method that is used. Scottsdale/Phoenix breast reconstruction surgeon Dr. Berardi will provide you with thorough post-operative instructions to ensure a safe, fast, and comfortable recovery period following your breast surgery.
Because breast reconstruction surgery is so comprehensive, you may require an overnight stay after your surgery. During this time, as your body recovers from the reconstruction procedure, you will experience breast swelling and mild discomfort, both of which will be controlled by muscle relaxers and pain medications prescribed by Dr. Berardi.
When Can I Return To Normal Activity After Breast Reconstruction?
You should avoid exercise and strenuous activity until released by Dr. Berardi in the time following the breast reconstruction surgery. You will be able to return to work after approximately two weeks following the reconstruction procedure or when advised by our surgeon. Dr. Berardi and his staff are dedicated to providing the support you need throughout the entire reconstruction process and are always on hand to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a transformative surgery intended for women who’ve had one or both breasts removed as a result of an illness or an injury. The best candidates are those who have:
Loss Due to Trauma or Medical Conditions
Women who have lost one or both breasts due to physical trauma or conditions such as breast cancer may consider this reconstructive breast surgery to restore their figure and sense of wholeness.
Completion of Breast Cancer Evaluation
If you are considering breast reconstruction, it’s essential that you have already completed a full breast cancer evaluation with your general surgeon before moving forward with reconstruction.
Good Overall Health
It is also important that you are in general good health and that you have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the reconstructive breast procedure. Dr. Berardi will perform a thorough evaluation during your consultation and will work closely with your other surgeons and physicians to determine your candidacy for the breast reconstruction procedure as well as the best treatment options for you.
Have Clear Goals and Realistic Expectations
There are a couple of different breast reconstruction procedures that Dr. Berardi specializes in. And understanding your goals to help determine the right reconstruction procedure for you. It’s important to have a clear and realistic understanding of what breast reconstruction can and cannot achieve. Dr. Berardi will help set expectations during your consultation.
Dr. Berardi and the team understand that the decision to look into a breast reconstruction is a personal one, and addressing your concerns and questions regarding the reconstruction procedure is vital to your comfort and confidence. They have been able to help hundreds of women looking to regain their figure and confidence with the reconstruction procedure, and they are eager to help you.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
- Enhanced Breast Look
Following mastectomy or injury, this surgery rebuilds a breast’s original shape, curve, and volume. This helps restore femininity and body symmetry, making many women feel better about themselves overall.
- Better Fit for Clothes
Women with new breasts usually have an easier time finding bras, swimsuits, and clothes that fit well without needing external breast forms. This can make getting dressed easier and more comfortable—which may boost self-confidence at work, when traveling, or in other daily activities.
- Emotional Recovery
Losing a breast is an emotionally charged event. Reconstructive surgery is able to contribute significantly to psychological convalescence by enabling women to once again feel complete and regain authority over their bodies following either cancer or injury.
- Better Symmetry
Suppose the patient had just one breast has been removed. Having a reconstructed breast so that it matches the other one can help restore a symmetrical appearance. It generally improves overall proportions as well as confidence levels in social settings and close relationships .
- Various Options for Personalization
Patients have the option to customize their breast reconstruction, selecting either natural tissue or implants – whichever best matches their lifestyle and body. Additionally, they can choose to undergo nipple reconstruction with tattooing for a fully natural appearance.
Cost of a Breast Reconstruction in Scottsdale, AZ
The cost of breast reconstruction in Scottsdale, AZ, typically ranges from $8,000 to $20,000. The price varies depending on the surgical approach, whether single or double breast reconstruction is involved, and whether other procedures (such as nipple reconstruction, symmetry corrections, or breast augmentation ) are required. The cost covers the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating facility, and follow-up treatment. Patients are welcome to meet with Dr. Berardi for a consultation with a tailored treatment plan as well as an estimate.
Schedule Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation Today
Dr. Berardi and his staff understand that the road to breast reconstruction is an emotional one, and the decision to undergo surgery is not one that can be made in haste. They will provide you with all of the information, support, and some of the best breast reconstruction Scottsdale has to offer. To learn more about your options for Scottsdale, AZ, breast reconstruction surgery, please contact our office at 480.397.0711 to schedule a comprehensive consultation.
