Why Choose Dr. Goldberg as Your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon?
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Goldberg is passionate about providing women with the most cutting-edge breast reconstruction procedures available. She uses the most up-to-date microsurgery methods as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Santa Monica to achieve natural results and fully restore your pre-mastectomy breast shape. Whatever stage of the process you are in or the kind of reconstruction you want in Torrance, Santa Monica, or the greater Los Angeles geographical area, Dr. Goldberg is looking forward to improving your mental and physical well-being so you can feel beautiful and confident.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Candidates in Torrance, Santa Monica, and the greater Los Angeles area for breast reconstruction surgery may have:
- Had a lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer
- Had a prophylactic mastectomy as a result of an inherited genetic mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene) that predisposes an individual to breast cancer.
- Breast reconstruction following breast explantation because of BII or Breast Implant Illnesses
Congenital breast deformities that they would like to correct
While mastectomy-related breast reconstruction is the most typical case, transgender patients can also be suitable candidates for the procedure. They may be able to affirm their true selves through this procedure, and their appearance will more closely reflect who they are.
Breast Reconstruction Patients Should Have:
- Have a positive outlook of restoring their breasts
- Know the capabilities and limitations of the procedure
- Be free of any additional illnesses that could complicate the procedure
- There is no requirement for additional cancer treatments prior to undergoing this procedure
A WOMAN IS STRONGLY MOTIVATED IN HER FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER BY KNOWING THAT SHE HAS OPTIONS FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTIONS.
What Happens at a Santa Monica Breast Reconstruction Consultation?
Your concerns about the condition of your breasts and your surgical objectives will be covered during your initial Santa Monica plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Goldberg. She will discuss your breast reconstruction options after assessing your health and looking at your breasts. She will then offer suggestions for your course of treatment and work with you to determine what is best for you.
To create a surgical plan that is oncologically sound, Dr. Goldberg might collaborate with your oncologist or oncologists. This guarantees that your breast reconstruction in Santa Monica and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles will not only be emotionally empowering and aesthetically pleasing, but will also be supportive of your general health.
How Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
Using the most up-to-date microsurgical methods, Dr. Goldberg offers a wide range of breast reconstruction procedure options. Women can be inspired to fight breast cancer and all other breast deformities by being knowledgeable of their breast reconstruction options.
Breast reconstruction can be carried out in one stage (surgery) concurrent with mastectomy or in two or more stages requiring multiple surgeries. Patients also have the choice of delayed reconstruction, which allows them to have treatment to restore their breasts at a later date, often after their cancer treatments are over.
*Individual Results May Vary
Case study
Description:
The 34-year-old patient above went in for a breast augmentation procedure and received 520 cc implants more than 10 years ago. Unfortunately, she was not satisfied with the result, particularly her breasts’ new size and shape.
Surgery: During the patient’s breast augmentation procedure, she first underwent a Bilateral Implant Removal and followed it with Bilateral Capsulectomy and Bilateral Mastopexy (also known as Breast Lift).
Surgery:
- DIEP flap reconstruction of left breast lumpectomy defect using abdominal tissue.
- Breast augmentation on the right breast to achieve symmetry
What To Expect Following Your Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Goldberg and her staff will give you thorough post-care instructions after your procedure. You can contact the team directly at the number provided if you have any questions about your recovery period.
Your incisions will be covered with gauze or bandages following the procedure. This will lessen swelling and add support to the breast(s) that were reconstructed during your healing process. As you recover, a tiny tube may be inserted under your skin to drain any extra fluid.
Depending on the reconstructive techniques used, the majority of patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. Patients can typically resume their jobs four weeks after a breast reconstruction.
After their reconstructive procedure, patients might experience pain and swelling in the treated area for a few days. Painkillers can reduce discomfort and make bruising, irritation, and swelling more tolerable.
Dr. Goldberg will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your breasts after surgery, take medications, and spot specific problems. The breast reconstruction recovery process will last several weeks as swelling subsides and the breast shape and position settle. Patients must continue to adhere to recovery guidelines and show up for follow-up appointments.
Specific Care
After your procedure, you must have someone to drive you from the facility to your home. You cannot drive a vehicle on your own (this includes riding a taxi or any public transportation). You cannot be left alone once you get home; an adult must stay with you for at least 24 hours after you are discharged from the facility.
Nutrition & Hydration & Medications
- You should consume a substantial amount of fluids to aid your body in flushing out the anesthetics used during surgery.
- For the first 1–3 days after surgery, your body might tolerate eating bland, low-sodium foods the best. You need to eat more than just crackers and juice. You can get a list of foods you are recommended to eat from Dr. Goldberg’s staff.
- Refrain from drinking any alcoholic drink for at least the first two weeks and while taking painkillers.
- Only take the medications that Dr. Goldberg has prescribed for your post-operative care, and make sure to read the label on the bottle carefully.
Dressings
- Dressings must be kept dry and clean. Dr. Goldberg will let you know when it is already safe to remove them.
Physical Activity
- Restricting your activity for the first 48 hours will help your body heal properly.
- For ten days, refrain from lifting, pulling, or pushing.
- If you have undergone facial surgery, avoid lowering your head below your waist.
- It is required that you stay within a reasonable driving distance of the office for about ten days.
- If given the all-clear, you may take a shower.
- Please wait four weeks after surgery before using the hot tub or bathtub.
- Avoid smoking for the first three weeks following surgery as it will only slow the healing process.
- Driving is permitted once the following requirements have been met: three days following anesthesia, 24 hours following the last painkiller, and when there is no pain when doing an activity (there is a need for you to be able to react quickly).
- Following surgery, you can resume cardio exercises (like walking) seven days later, but only after Dr. Goldberg gives the all-clear.
Scarring
- Scarring is a common side effect of surgery and can last up to a year before it fades.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 25 or higher to protect the tissues in the area.
- Scar gel can be applied after the incisions have healed completely.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
The breasts can be reconstructed using one or more techniques. These options consist of:
- Tissue expander and implant reconstruction
- Implant reconstruction
- Hybrid reconstruction (tissue flap and implants)
- Autologous flap reconstruction (using your own tissue)
1-Stage Implant Reconstruction: Direct-to-Implant
Modern breast reconstruction methods like direct-to-implant (DTI) combine mastectomy and reconstruction into a single procedure. In this procedure, Dr. Golberg places a silicone gel breast implant right after a breast cancer surgeon has removed the breast tissue with a mastectomy. Dr. Goldberg applies mesh products (acellular dermal matrix) to aid in the regenerative process of the tissue.
For those women who can have mastectomies without removing the nipple and those with early-stage breast cancer, DTI breast reconstruction is the best option. DTI breast reconstruction is extremely advantageous for attaining a faster return to a healthy body image. This is due to the simplicity of the procedure, which also avoids multiple surgeries and recovery times.
2-Stage Implant Reconstruction: Tissue Expander
The 2-stage breast reconstruction technique reconstructs breasts after a mastectomy using 2 surgeries (stages). First, the breast tissue is removed by the surgeon performing the mastectomy. Dr. Goldberg will reshape the breasts during the same surgical procedure by inserting a tissue expander (a balloon-like device) directly into the breast pocket. This is comparable to DTI reconstruction, with the exception that a tissue expander rather than a long-term implant is initially inserted.
The tissue expander will be taken out and replaced with long-lasting silicone breast implants during the second stage.
Patients usually opt for minor adjunct procedures, such as:
- Capsulotomy or opening of the capsule
- Capsulorrhaphy or tightening of the capsule);
- Fat grafting or fat injections
- Removal of extra skin
For patients who want larger breasts than their natural size, the 2-stage method of breast reconstruction is ideal. This is because, during the final stage of the reconstruction, the tissue expander enables stretching of the skin of the breast and the placement of larger implants.
Prepectoral Implant Reconstruction Technique
Prepectoral breast reconstruction can involve a single stage or two stages of implant placement. Traditionally, implant reconstruction involves submuscular placement, which involves placing the implant or tissue expander entirely beneath the chest muscle or partially beneath the muscle and an acellular dermal matrix (dual-plane placement). After surgery, this can cause excruciating pain and animation deformities.
Dr. Golberg will use an acellular dermal matrix mesh to fully support the implant and place it beneath the mastectomy skin flap but just above the muscle. This lessens postoperative pain by maintaining the pectoralis major muscle’s and chest wall’s functional integrity.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction
The DIEP flap technique uses the patient’s abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast. In order to rebuild the breast, skin, fat, and blood vessels (perforators) from the lower abdomen’s deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) artery are transferred to the chest. Since no muscle is cut or removed during DIEP flap reconstruction, recovery time and the chance of losing abdominal muscle strength are decreased.
Since the results are comparable to those of a tummy tuck, a DIEP flap is the best option for women who want to have a more flat and lean stomach area. The navel is reshaped and the remaining tissue is smoothened over the abdomen after the donor tissue has been removed. A horizontal scar across the hips may result from a DIEP flap, but it can be easily concealed by clothing below the bikini line.
PAP Flap Reconstruction
One of the most cutting-edge methods of breast reconstruction used today is the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap. It makes use of the profunda artery perforator blood vessel, inner thigh skin, and fat tissue. Modern microsurgery reconstructs the breast by rejoining the blood vessel and thigh tissue to the chest.
When a patient lacks sufficient abdominal fat for a DIEP flap, the PAP flap is the best option. A PAP flap is also a good option for patients who want to have an implant-free, entirely natural breast reconstruction.
One of the pioneers in introducing the PAP flap to patients in Los Angeles, California, was Dr. Goldberg (one of the leading reconstructive surgeons). As of late, it has risen to the top of her practice’s list of breast reconstruction procedures.
Extended Abdomen Flap (Love Handle Tissue) Reconstruction
The extended abdomen flap reconstruction technique could be the best option for your breast reconstruction if you have love handles made up of extra tissue. Using this technique, Dr. Goldberg can reconstruct the breasts in a way that looks completely natural by using the tissues from the lower abdomen and love handles. Due to the combination of the DIEP flap and DCIA (deep circumflex iliac artery) flap techniques, the extended abdomen flap provides a great deal of flexibility.
SGAP Flap (Buttock Tissue) Reconstruction
An SGAP flap reconstructs the breast using the superior gluteal artery perforator blood vessel, skin, and fat from the upper buttocks and hips. In order to ensure the survival of the skin and fat tissue, Dr. Goldberg carefully reattaches the blood vessels of the flap to blood vessels in your chest using microsurgery.
The SGAP flap method is ideal for patients who want a tighter, more lifted buttock because the skin and fat are removed in the same way with a buttock lift. Women who lack enough abdominal tissue for a DIEP TRAM, or SIEA flap are ideal candidates for an SGAP flap. The SGAP flap leaves a tiny scar near the top of your buttocks that is easily hidden by a swimsuit or underwear.
Hybrid: DIEP Flap and Implant Reconstruction
A breast implant and a DIEP flap are combined in a hybrid breast reconstruction to give your breasts the volume and shape they once had. Compared to a breast reconstruction that solely relies on implants or tissue, this technique has a number of benefits. The autologous DIEP flap covers the implant with soft tissue, resulting in results that look natural and lowering the possibility of implant undulating through the skin. Additionally, because the implant can provide enhanced breast volume and projection, the newly created breast size is not constrained to the tissue volume produced from the donor site.
It is possible for candidates for hybrid breast reconstruction to have a small amount of extra abdominal tissue that can be augmented by an implant. This procedure uses healthy, non-radiated tissue from the abdomen, making it advantageous for those who still need radiation after a mastectomy. One of the few highly skilled reconstructive surgeons in the country who provides this breast reconstruction option is Dr. Goldberg.
Delayed Breast Reconstruction
One-stage (immediate) breast reconstruction is carried out concurrently with mastectomy for some patients. But after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, a delayed breast reconstruction can be done weeks, months, or even years later.
Patients may want to postpone reconstruction due to a medical condition, their current stage of breast cancer, or a personal lifestyle preference. Delaying breast reconstruction allows patients to continue receiving cancer treatment without disrupting the already-reconstructed breast (s).
It is never too late to seek breast reconstruction, regardless of how long you put off thinking about it. According to Dr. Goldberg, every woman should have access to breast reconstruction that meets her aesthetic needs and promotes her emotional health.
Transgender Patient Breast Reconstruction
Patients suffering from gender dysphoria can start to feel better through gender-affirming surgery known as transgender breast reconstruction. The two main types of transgender breast procedures are top surgeries from male to female (MTF) and female to male (FTM).
Breast reconstruction technologies allow feminization of the chest in male to female breast reconstruction. Contrary to popular belief, breast augmentation in cisgender women is very dissimilar from breast construction for transgender women. Dr. Goldberg uses specialized techniques to meet your aesthetic needs because she is an expert who is aware of the distinctive variations in the chest anatomy.
Using your own tissue, Dr. Goldberg can reconstruct your breast to its original shape.
Dr. Goldberg can restore your breast
back to its form using your own tissue.
What Is Revision Breast Reconstruction?
Patients who are dissatisfied with the results of their initial breast reconstruction can get a revision procedure from Dr. Goldberg. Patients may find that breast implant or tissue flap complications have altered the volume, shape, or symmetry of their breasts.
A capsulectomy, an implant replacement, and/or any additional procedures may be used during revision breast reconstruction to address complications arising from the initial procedure. The results of your revision breast reconstruction may be more aesthetically pleasing, satisfying, and harmonious than those of your initial reconstruction.
*Individual Results May Vary
Case study
Description:
68-year-old woman came to see Dr. Goldberg for a revision of her breast reconstruction.
The patient was dissatisfied with the significant pain and asymmetrical breasts caused by the lumpectomy deformity.
Surgery:
Removing the left breast implant On the chest, the pectoralis major muscle was repositioned. To provide fresh, healthy tissue and to place a new implant for hybrid reconstruction (latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap plus an implant), Dr. Goldberg performed a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap .
Results:
The patient is happy and her pain is gone.
Santa Monica Breast Reconstruction & Plastic Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Also referred to as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery is an invasive procedure that is medically carried out in order to reduce the breast size of the patient, allowing her to move more freely as the weight on her upper back, chest, and shoulders will be reduced. The result will also address breast asymmetry for a more contoured, lifted appearance, thereby helping the patient feel more confident with the way she looks.
Breast reduction has helped women gain confidence about their appearance and overall being. Thanks to the procedure, these women no longer had to deal with the judgments and unnecessary stares from people for having an unbalanced or oversized pair of breasts.
WHY CHOOSE DR. GOLDBERG?
Dr. Mytien Goldberg is the most renowned female plastic surgeon in Santa Monica who aces in the field of breast reconstruction and breast reconstruction revision. She is known for her extreme attention to detail and dedication to achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. She has been serving as a microsurgeon in Santa Monica and nearby areas but besides that, she also works as a mentor/teacher under the Plastic Surgery Division at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and has even received a teacher-of-the-year award by UCLA’s chief residents because of her sincere mentorship. To date, Dr. Goldberg remains to be the most in-demand plastic surgeon specializing in breast revision, reconstruction, and other breast correction procedures in and around Santa Monica. Should you want to know more about her services, you can book a consultation with Dr. Goldberg here.
HOW IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY CARRIED OUT?
The patient shall be under general anesthesia throughout the breast reduction procedure. This is so that she won’t feel any discomfort or pain that may hinder the procedure from yielding the best results.
Once the anesthesia has been administered and set in, Dr. Goldberg will begin the procedure by making an incision in the patient’s breast. At the same time, she will be checking for areas where excess breast tissue and fat are present and if necessary, she will perform the removal of these via liposuction. This will target most likely the side of the chest and armpit areas where stubborn fats hide.
After the liposuction, the remaining breast tissue and fat will be reshaped to sculpt a natural-looking, beautiful breast appearance. During this stage, skin removal may also be performed to further remove skin excess. What’s left will be sculpted beautifully and the nipple and areola will be repositioned appropriately.
As soon as the target appearance has been realized, Dr. Goldberg will end the procedure by closing the incisions. However, for the patient to get the best post-operation support, she will also get to take home a GalaFLEX scaffolding made of mesh material for free. This will act as the patient’s temporary internal bra.
WHAT INCISIONS ARE USED FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Two types of incisions will be performed during the breast reduction surgery. The first one is the lollipop incision which begins around the areola and extends to the front of the breast, and to the bottom of the breast. The second one is the anchor incision which also makes use of a lollipop incision. However, the cut will be horizontally extending to the bottom crease of each breast or also known as their inframammary folds.
HOW LONG WILL THE SURGERY TAKE?
The entire breast reduction surgery can last between two to four hours on top of the time it will take to administer the anesthesia and wait for it to set in (pre-operation) and subside (post-operation).
HOW LONG DOES BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY TAKE?
The first few days after the breast reduction procedure will have you feeling sore but Dr. Goldberg will be prescribing meds for the soreness to be manageable. Besides that, some bruising and swelling will have a high chance of appearing in and around the surgical areas within the first two weeks but more often than not, these will disappear on their own.
As such side effects are expected, Dr. Goldberg will be instructing you with post-operative tips including having to take a rest within the first two weeks after the procedure and moving as normally as possible during the following weeks. The more you move around, the better and sooner your recovery will be.
Besides moving normally by the day, Dr. Goldberg will also advise you to wear compression garments and surgical bras instead of wearing bras with wire. Moreover, as scars will be hard to avoid as the procedure is highly invasive, it is best to topically apply a good scar removal cream regularly on the surgical areas to help them fade.
Overall, it may take six weeks for you to recover fully from the procedure.
WHAT RESULTS CAN BE EXPECTED FROM BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
A good breast reduction surgery should make your breasts feel lighter and look smaller, balanced, and more sculpted. As a result, you will finally get to wear your favorite clothing with confidence and comfort. The clothes you wished to wear before but could not, you can finally wear them now and get complimented for it.
IS FINANCING AVAILABLE?
Yes, thanks to CareCredit and Prosper-American Healthcare Lending. If you are more financially prepared for it, do know that we also accept cash, checks, and credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for payments.
CAN I COMBINE MY BREAST REDUCTION WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Many women suffering from having massive breasts would end up getting other breast-revision procedures on top of the breast reduction procedure to achieve the best result and that is totally okay. In fact, Dr. Goldberg is also open to that.
Some procedures Dr. Goldberg and team can perform along with the breast reduction procedure are arm lift surgery, chest liposuction, abdominoplasty, and liposuction surgery.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY IN SANTA MONICA?
Thinking of having a breast reduction surgery? Let us discuss it further. Call us at 310 928 1799 or fill out our online contact form for an appointment with us.
Dial it now to book a consultation/appointment with us.
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