What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast Reconstruction Is a Choice
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Best Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
Embarking on a
life-changing journey
The diagnosis of breast cancer is overwhelming. The wave of information and slew of doctor’s appointments can feel like a whirlwind. Dr. Gill understands that each woman in need of breast reconstruction has a unique journey. In support of yours, Dr. Gill will offer you her expertise and guidance through every stage of the reconstructive process. Dr. Gill performs among the best breast reconstruction Naples, FL and the surrounding region has to offer.
Angie Martin Testimonial | Breast Reconstruction by Dr Kiran Gill
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Dr. Gill’s breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the breasts after mastectomy. It is performed by Dr. Gill either at the time of mastectomy (immediate breast reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction).
Reconstruction of the breasts can be performed with breast implants, your own body tissues (flap surgery), or a combination of both. Having a plastic surgeon with breast reconstruction experience on your team is an important part of the process.
Dr. Kiran Gill’s advanced breast reconstruction techniques utilize the latest technology and techniques to provide long lasting aesthetically beautiful breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction Is a Choice
Not all women who undergo mastectomy choose to have reconstruction. Many feel they want to tackle their cancer diagnosis before considering reconstruction of the breast. However, more women are choosing reconstruction than ever before. This is a testament to advancements in reconstructive techniques.
Dr. Gill is on the forefront of breast reconstruction, offering direct to implant breast reconstruction, “pre-pec” breast reconstruction and one of the only surgeons in the country to utilize the PhotonVue imaging system. This imaging system gives Dr. Gill the ability to assess real time mastectomy flap perfusion, allowing her to perform more aggressive reconstructive techniques in the safest way possible.
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Gill’s breast reconstruction can be performed using breast implants. The traditional technique utilizes a two-staged approach using a tissue expander at the first stage and a breast implant at the second stage.
In this technique, Dr. Gill places a tissue expander to fill the space created by the mastectomy. This expander is typically placed under the pectoralis muscle, but now using more advanced pre pectoral reconstruction process, it can be placed above the muscle.
Dr. Gill also uses biologic mesh, which acts as a tissue scaffold to create a precise pocket for the tissue expander. Once in place, the expander is filled with saline over time to recreate the breast.
After a few weeks of expansion, the tissue expander is fully expanded to the desired volume. The second stage is then removing the tissue expander and placing a breast implant.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can also be performed using one’s own body tissues. The most common procedure is called the TRAM flap, or more advanced, the DIEP flap.
Both of these flaps utilize abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast. There are several other flap techniques that can be used which Dr. Gill will explain during your consultation.
Ultimately the goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate naturally looking breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Gill, she will explain each technique and recommend the best reconstructive plan for you.
Best Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
It’s important to have very realistic expectations about the outcome of your procedure, especially if you have recently undergone a mastectomy. Dr. Gill will do everything she can to restore your breasts to the same size and appearance but there may be some slight variances. We will discuss different techniques and what to expect during your consultation.
You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you:
- Are not a smoker
- Are not extremely overweight
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand the risks of surgery
- Are in good health, both physically and emotionally
- Are free from any major medical conditions that might interfere with your surgery
- Are willing to follow Dr. Gill’s instructions both before and after the surgery
Undergoing Breast Reconstruction Surgery with Dr. Gill
During your breast reconstruction consultation, Dr. Gill will thoughtfully explain each reconstructive option, which will depend on several factors including your skin quality, the need for radiation and desired reconstructive outcome, and together with your breast oncology surgeon, she will design a reconstructive treatment that is best for you.
Dr. Gill has helped many women restore their breasts after mastectomy and helped them feel confident about their bodies again after breast cancer. Schedule your breast reconstruction consultation with Dr. Gill by calling (239) 596-8000 today.
The Doctors at Naples Aesthetic Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.