BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY SOUTH BAY
THE PREFERRED BREAST RECONSTRUCTION &
REVISION SPECIALIST OF SOUTH BAY
WHY CHOOSE DR. GOLDBERG AS YOUR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGEON?
Dr. Goldberg is a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon whose mission is to help women reclaim their confidence by providing them with the most cutting-edge breast reconstruction techniques currently on the market. She is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in South Bay, and she makes use of the most recent microsurgical techniques to achieve natural results and restore your breast shape to how it was before you had a mastectomy. No matter where you are in your journey or what kind of reconstruction you want in South Bay, Santa Monica, or Los Angeles area, Dr. Goldberg is looking forward to enhancing both your physical and mental well-being so that you can feel beautiful and confident.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
Potential candidates for breast reconstruction surgery in Santa Monica, South Bay, and the greater Los Angeles area might have the following:
- Have been treated for breast cancer with either a mastectomy or a lumpectomy
- Have had a preventative mastectomy because of an inherited genetic mutation (in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene) that puts them at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Breast deformities that were present at birth that they would like to have corrected
- Breast reconstruction following explantation for Breast Implant Illnesses or BII
Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is the most common type of breast reconstruction surgery; however, transgender patients may also be ideal candidates for breast reconstruction surgery. They may be able to better express their true selves as a result of this procedure, and have their look more closely align with who they are.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION PATIENTS SHOULD HAVE:
- A positive outlook on the possibility of restoring their breasts;
- A clear understanding of the limitations and capabilities of the procedure;
- There are no other preexisting medical conditions that could lead to complications during the procedure
- There is no requirement for additional cancer treatment prior to having this procedure done
A WOMAN IS GIVEN MORE STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT IN HER BATTLE AGAINST BREAST CANCER WHEN SHE IS AWARE OF THE VARIOUS OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTIONS.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A SOUTH BAY BREAST RECONSTRUCTION CONSULTATION?
During the first consultation for your South Bay plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Goldberg will talk to you about your concerns regarding the current condition of your breasts as well as the goals you have for the surgery. She will first assess your overall health and then examine both of your breasts before discussing the breast reconstruction options available to you. After that, she will provide you with some recommendations regarding your treatment plan and assist you in determining what is most beneficial for you.
It is possible that Dr. Goldberg will collaborate with your oncologist (or oncologists) to develop an oncologically sound surgical plan. Because of this, your breast reconstruction in the South Bay and greater Los Angeles area will not only be emotionally uplifting and aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be supportive of your overall health.
HOW IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY PERFORMED?
Dr. Goldberg offers a comprehensive range of breast reconstruction procedure options, all of which make use of the most cutting-edge microsurgical techniques. Women can feel motivated in their fight against breast cancer as well as other breast deformities if they have an accurate understanding of the various options for breast reconstruction that are available.
Breast reconstruction may be carried out in a single operation (surgery) at the same time as mastectomy, or it may be carried out in two or more stages, each of which requires multiple surgical procedures. Patients also have the option of delaying the reconstruction of their breasts until a later date, typically after they have completed all of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments for their cancer. This is known as delayed reconstruction.
*Individual Results May Vary
CASE STUDY
DESCRIPTION:
A woman aged 48 years old who has a history of cancer in her left breast. She had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment for cancer of the left breast.
The patient was unimpressed with the lumpectomy deformity, which caused significant breast asymmetry along with profound pain.
SURGERY:
- Reconstruction of the left breast lumpectomy defect using the DIEP flap, which takes tissue from the abdominal wall.
- Augmentation of the right breast to achieve symmetry.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING YOUR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
After your procedure, Dr. Goldberg and her staff will go over all of the post-operative care instructions with you in great detail. You can get in touch with the team directly at the contact information that they provide if you have any inquiries regarding the length of your recovery period.
Following the procedure, gauze or bandages will be applied to any incisions that were made. As you heal, this will help reduce swelling and provide additional support for your reconstructed breasts. During the healing process, a thin tube may be inserted under the skin to drain any excess fluid that has accumulated.
Depending on the reconstructive techniques used, the majority of patients will spend anywhere from one to three days in the hospital. Following breast reconstruction, the typical recovery time is four weeks before a patient can go back to work.
Patients who have undergone reconstructive procedures may find that the treated area continues to swell and cause them discomfort for several days after the procedure. Medication that treats pain can ease discomfort and also help patients better cope with swelling, irritation, and bruising.
Following surgery, Dr. Goldberg will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your breasts, how to take any prescribed medications, and how to identify any specific concerns. The process of recovering from breast reconstruction will continue for several weeks, during which time the swelling will diminish and the breasts’ shape and position will stabilize. Patients need to continue to attend follow-up appointments and carry out the recovery instructions that have been given to them.
SPECIFIC CARE
After your procedure, you are required to have an adult drive you back to your home from the facility. You are not permitted to operate a vehicle by yourself (this includes riding taxis and public transportation on your own). You must be accompanied by an adult for at least 24 hours after you leave the facility, as you cannot be left unsupervised.
- To assist your body in flushing out the anesthetics and medications that were administered during surgery, you will need to consume a lot of fluids.
- For the first one to three days after surgery, it is possible that your body will respond best to a diet consisting of foods that are unflavored and low in sodium. You need to eat more substantial meals than just crackers and juice. You can request a list of foods from Dr. Goldberg and her staff, and they will provide it to you.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least the first two weeks of treatment, and also while taking any pain medication.
- For your post-operative care, the only medications you should take are those that have been prescribed to you by Dr. Goldberg, and you should take them exactly as directed on the bottle.
DRESSINGS
- It is extremely important that dressings be kept clean and dry at all times. Dr. Goldberg will let you know when it is safe to remove them and advise you accordingly.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
- During the first 48 hours, you should limit your activity as much as possible so that your body can heal effectively.
- Lifting, pulling, or pushing should be limited for the next 10 days.
- If you have recently undergone facial surgery, you should avoid lowering your head below your waist.
- For the next 10 days, we ask that you remain in close proximity to the office—that is, within a reasonable driving distance.
- You are free to take a shower whenever you are given the all-clear.
- For the first four weeks after surgery, please refrain from using the bathtub or the hot tub.
- You are not allowed to smoke for the first three weeks after surgery because doing so will only slow the healing process.
- When all of the following conditions are met, you will be able to drive again: three days after the anesthesia; twenty-four hours after the last pain pill; and when you do not experience any pain when you are active (you need to be able to react quickly).
- After seven days have passed since your operation, you may return to cardiovascular exercises (like walking), but Dr. Goldberg will need to give you the all-clear before you do so.
SCARRING
- Scarring is an inevitable side effect of any surgical procedure, and it may take up to a year for the marks to fade.
- Protect the surrounding tissues by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 25 or higher.
- Once the wounds from the incisions have completely healed, scar gel can be applied to them.
TYPES OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Breast reconstruction may involve the use of a single technique or several different procedures. These options include the following:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants
- Reconstruction using autologous flaps (made from the patient’s own tissue)
- Reconstruction using hybrid techniques (tissue flap and implants)
1-STAGE IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION: DIRECT-TO-IMPLANT
Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, also known as DTI, is a relatively new surgical procedure that combines a mastectomy and breast reconstruction into a single procedure. In this method, breast tissue is removed during the mastectomy procedure by a breast cancer surgeon, and then immediately afterward, a silicone gel breast implant is placed in the patient’s breast by Dr. Golberg. The use of mesh products, also known as acellular dermal matrix, is a common practice for Dr. Goldberg in the process of assisting in the regeneration of tissue.
Those who are able to have mastectomies that do not involve removal of the nipple and those who are in the early stages of breast cancer are the best candidates for DTI breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction using DTI is especially beneficial for patients who want to return to their natural bodies more quickly – this is due to the simplicity of the procedure, which eliminates the need for multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery times.
2-STAGE IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION: TISSUE EXPANDER
Following a mastectomy, breasts can be reconstructed using the 2-stage breast reconstruction method, which involves two separate operations (stages). The removal of breast tissue is the initial step of the mastectomy procedure, which is performed by a surgeon. The new breast shape will be created when Dr. Goldberg inserts a tissue expander (a device that looks like a balloon) into the breast pocket during the same surgical procedure. A tissue expander rather than a permanent implant is inserted during the first stage of this procedure, which is otherwise very similar to the DTI reconstruction.
The tissue expander will be removed during the second stage of the procedure, and it will be replaced with permanent silicone breast implants.
It is not uncommon for patients to need supplementary procedures, such as:
- Capsule opening or Capsulotomy
- Capsule tightening or Capsulorrhaphy
- Fat grafting (fat injections)
- Excision of excess layers of skin
Patients who want breasts larger than their natural size and are candidates for breast reconstruction using the two-stage method should consider this approach. This is due to the fact that the tissue expander enables the breast skin to be stretched, which in turn enables the placement of larger implants in the final stage of the reconstruction.
PREPECTORAL IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE
It is possible to use the prepectoral breast reconstruction technique for either a one-stage or two-stage implant reconstruction of the breast. Implant reconstruction traditionally involves placing the implant or tissue expander entirely under the chest muscle (submuscular placement) or partly under the muscle and partly under an acellular dermal matrix. Alternatively, implant reconstruction may involve placing the implant or tissue expander partially under the muscle and completely under an acellular dermal matrix (dual-plane placement). This can result in a significant amount of pain following surgery as well as animation deformities.
Dr. Golberg places the implants under the skin flap that was removed during the mastectomy, but she positions them so that they are above the muscle. To support the implant, she uses an acellular dermal matrix mesh. This maintains the function of the pectoralis major muscle as well as the chest wall, which helps to reduce pain following surgery.
DIEP FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
During breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap technique, the patient’s own abdominal tissue is used. In order to reconstruct the breast, parts of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) artery in the lower abdomen, including skin, fat, and blood vessels (perforators), are transferred to the chest. The DIEP flap reconstruction procedure does not involve the cutting or removal of muscle, which shortens the recovery period and lowers the risk of a reduction in the patient’s abdominal muscle strength.
Because the results of a DIEP flap are comparable to those that can be achieved with a tummy tuck procedure, this type of flap is an excellent choice for female patients who wish to have a flatter and more toned abdominal region. Following the removal of the donor tissue, any remaining tissue is carefully smoothed over the abdominal region, and the navel is then reshaped. Even though a DIEP flap may leave a scar that runs horizontally across the hips, it is not difficult to conceal the scar below the bikini line.
PAP FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
One of the most innovative and cutting-edge approaches to breast reconstruction that is practiced in today’s world is called the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap. It utilizes the skin, fatty tissue, and blood vessel from your inner thigh as well as the profunda artery perforator. The breast can be reconstructed through the use of cutting-edge microsurgery by reattaching blood vessels and tissue from the thighs to the chest.
Patients who do not have sufficient abdominal fat to qualify for a DIEP flap are excellent candidates for the PAP flap. Patients who want to have completely natural breast reconstruction without the use of implants may also be good candidates for a PAP flap because this type of reconstruction does not use implants.
Dr. Goldberg is recognized as one of the most skilled surgeons in the field of reconstructive surgery. She was one of the first medical professionals in Los Angeles, California, to provide patients with the PAP flap. At this point, it has evolved into one of the breast reconstruction procedures that are in highest demand at her clinic.
EXTENDED ABDOMEN FLAP (LOVE HANDLE TISSUE) RECONSTRUCTION
The extended abdomen flap reconstruction technique might be the best option for your breast reconstruction if you have excess tissue in the form of love handles. Dr. Goldberg is able to achieve a natural-looking breast reconstruction using this method, which allows her to repurpose the tissues of the lower abdomen and love handles. Due to the fact that it is a hybrid of the DIEP flap and the DCIA (deep circumflex iliac artery) flap techniques, the extended abdomen flap provides an exceptional degree of adaptability.
SGAP FLAP (BUTTOCK TISSUE) RECONSTRUCTION
The breast is reconstructed with an SGAP flap by utilizing the superior gluteal artery perforator blood vessel, as well as the skin and fat from the patient’s upper buttocks and hips. Dr. Goldberg will use microsurgery to carefully reattach the blood vessels of the flap to the blood vessels in your chest in order to increase the likelihood that the skin and fat tissue will survive the procedure.
Because the skin and fat are removed in a manner that is analogous to how a buttock lift is performed, the SGAP flap method is an excellent choice for patients who want their buttocks to appear more lifted and toned. Women who do not have sufficient abdominal tissue for a TRAM, DIEP, or SIEA flap are excellent candidates for an SGAP flap. This type of flap is used to reconstruct the breast. The SGAP flap will leave a small scar close to the top of your buttocks. This scar is not noticeable and can be easily concealed by bathing suits or underwear.
HYBRID: DIEP FLAP AND IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION
When performing a hybrid breast reconstruction, a DIEP flap is combined with a breast implant in order to give your breasts their prior volume and shape. When compared to breast reconstruction techniques that are solely based on implants or tissue, this method has a number of advantages. The autologous DIEP flap covers the implant with soft tissue, which results in results that appear more natural and reduces the risk of the implant being visible through the skin. Because the implant can create amplified breast volume and projection, the newly created breast size is not restricted to the tissue volume produced from the donor site. Instead, the newly created breast size can be any size that the patient desires.
Candidates for hybrid breast reconstruction might have a little bit of extra abdominal tissue that can be supplemented with an implant. This allows for a more natural-looking result. Those who have had a mastectomy but still need radiation treatment can also benefit from this procedure because it uses healthy tissue from the abdomen that has not been exposed to radiation. Dr. Goldberg is one of the very few highly skilled reconstructive surgeons in the country who provides patients with the option to reconstruct their breasts in this manner.
DELAYED BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
It is possible to perform a one-stage, or immediate, breast reconstruction procedure at the same time as a mastectomy for certain patients. A delayed breast reconstruction, on the other hand, can be carried out weeks, months, or even years after the initial mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Patients might want to postpone their reconstruction if they have a preexisting medical condition, are in an advanced stage of breast cancer, or simply prefer to live a more natural lifestyle. Patients who delay breast reconstruction have the advantage of being able to receive additional cancer treatment without compromising the previously reconstructed breast (s).
It does not matter how long you wait before beginning to think about reconstructive care; it will never be too late to seek breast reconstruction. Dr. Goldberg is of the opinion that all women should be afforded the opportunity to undergo breast reconstruction in a manner that not only helps them achieve their aesthetic objectives but also promotes their emotional health.
TRANSGENDER PATIENT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
The purpose of the gender-affirming surgery known as transgender breast reconstruction is to provide patients who are struggling with gender dysphoria with some relief. The most common types of transgender breast procedures are known as male to female (MTF) top surgery and female to male (FTM) top surgery.
The feminization of the chest is accomplished through the use of breast reconstruction techniques during male to female breast reconstruction. On the other hand, breast augmentation in cisgender women is performed very differently than when breasts are constructed for transgender women. Dr. Goldberg is a specialist, so she is aware of the specific anatomical differences in the chest and uses individualized approaches to meet the aesthetic requirements of her patients.
THROUGH THE USE OF THE PATIENT’S OWN TISSUE, DR. GOLDBERG IS ABLE TO RESTORE THE BREAST BACK TO ITS FORM.
WHAT IS REVISION BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
Revision breast reconstruction is an option that is provided by Dr. Goldberg to patients who were unhappy with the results of their initial breast reconstruction procedure. Complications resulting from breast implant surgery or tissue flap reconstruction can leave patients with abnormalities in the shape, volume, or symmetry of their breasts.
A capsulectomy, the replacement of implants, and/or additional procedures may be required during revision breast reconstruction in order to resolve the complications that can arise from breast reconstruction. A revision breast reconstruction may produce results that are more appealing, satisfying, and beautiful than those obtained by your initial reconstruction.
*Individual Results May Vary
CASE STUDY
DESCRIPTION:
68-year-old woman who came to see Dr. Goldberg for a second opinion on her breast reconstruction.
The patient was dissatisfied with the lumpectomy deformity, which caused significant breast asymmetry along with pain.
SURGERY:
Surgical removal of the left breast implant. The major pectoral muscle was reattached to its original position on the chest. Dr. Goldberg used a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in order to provide new healthy tissue and to place a new implant in the patient. This procedure is known as hybrid reconstruction (latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap plus an implant).
RESULTS:
The patient is delighted, and she no longer experiences any pain.
SOUTH BAY BREAST RECONSTRUCTION & PLASTIC SURGERY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES BREAST RECONSTRUCTION COST IN SOUTH BAY?
The total cost of breast reconstruction surgery is determined by the extent of the reconstruction as well as the technique or techniques that are utilized. The cost of breast reconstruction will also include additional considerations, such as imaging services, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and the cost of prescription medications.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY IN SOUTH BAY?
As part of a woman’s breast cancer treatment, health insurance companies in the United States are required by federal law to pay for breast reconstruction procedures if the woman has breast cancer. If you live in Santa Monica, the South Bay, West Hollywood, or any other part of the greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Goldberg and her team will coordinate with your insurance provider to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care possible.
WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IN SOUTH BAY?
In order to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the entirety of the procedure, breast reconstruction plastic surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION IF I AM SCHEDULED TO UNDERGO CHEMOTHERAPY IN SOUTH BAY?
When a woman undergoes a mastectomy and breast reconstruction at the same time, the procedure is referred to as immediate reconstruction. Patients who are still undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments will not be good candidates for immediate breast reconstruction because these treatments may interfere with the healing of the reconstructed breast (s). Patients in South Bay and Los Angeles have the option of delaying their reconstruction until after they have completed their cancer treatment.
Your wellbeing and protection are of the utmost importance to Dr. Goldberg and her staff at the clinic. Before a patient can move forward with reconstructive surgery, they will need clearance from their oncologist.
WILL MY BREAST RECONSTRUCTION LOOK NATURAL?
The goal of breast reconstruction techniques is to create an appearance and feeling that are as close to natural as possible. Breast reconstruction can be accomplished through the use of breast implants, flap procedures, tissue expansion, or any combination of these three approaches. Flap procedures use healthy tissue from another part of your body as a donor, and breast implants can mimic the appearance of natural breast tissue.
During your consultation, Dr. Goldberg will go over all of the different options for a natural appearance that are available to you.
IF I ONLY NEED RECONSTRUCTION ON ONE BREAST, WILL I NEED ADDITIONAL PLASTIC SURGERY ON THE OTHER?
Patients who only require the reconstruction of one breast have the option of undergoing cosmetic surgery on the other breast at the same time. Patients have the option of undergoing
breast augmentation surgery,
breast lift surgery, or
breast reduction surgery on the breast opposite the breast that will be reconstructed. This will help patients achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
Dr. Goldberg will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of all potential risks and adverse effects associated with breast reconstruction surgery during your consultation in South Bay and meetings held prior to the procedure. Patients will be asked to sign consent forms indicating that they have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure as well as any potential complications.
The following are some of the potential dangers associated with breast reconstruction, but the list is not exhaustive:
- Poor incision healing
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Implant rupture
- Loss of sensation at the donor or reconstruction site
- Partial or complete loss of the flap
- Capsular contracture
DOES BREAST RECONSTRUCTION DECREASE MY CHANCES OF GETTING BREAST CANCER AGAIN? WILL IT MAKE CANCER DETECTION HARDER?
Plastic surgery for breast reconstruction does not reduce the risk of breast cancer returning or make it more difficult to spot a recurrence of the disease if it does occur. Your oncologist will conduct specialized tests to look for signs of a cancer coming back after treatment.
DOES DR. GOLDBERG HAVE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS?
During your consultation with Dr. Goldberg, she will be able to provide you with breast reconstruction before and after pictures to aid in providing you with a better idea of the potential outcomes of similar plastic surgery treatments. You can view some of Dr. Goldberg’s patient results, which include breast augmentation and double mastectomy breast reconstruction images, in our
breast reconstruction photo gallery.