Improve Your Confidence Following a Mastectomy

Board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon John F. Zavell considers breast reconstruction to be one of the most rewarding procedures that a surgeon can perform. For women who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer treatment, the surgery gives them the opportunity to restore physical and emotional wholeness to their lives without using a prosthetic. Dr. Zavell and his team understand that a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. We will explain your reconstruction options in a compassionate, caring manner during a consultation at our Toledo, OH, office. 

Reasons to Consider Breast Reconstruction

In more than 35 percent of breast cancer patients, a mastectomy is recommended as the most effective treatment option. However, the removal of one or both of your breasts can make you feel self-conscious or less feminine. While some patients who undergo a mastectomy choose to wear a breast prosthesis or go without treatment after their surgery, others choose breast reconstruction because the results can help restore symmetry to your figure and increase your self-confidence for good. 

We know that the decision to undergo reconstruction is a very personal one, and our mission is to provide all the information and support you need to move forward.

Most impressively, breast reconstructions following mastectomies have also been associated with an improved rate of survival. Undergoing a breast reconstruction during your mastectomy also eliminates the trauma of seeing yourself without a breast and can help promote your emotional wellness, potentially contributing to your vitality.

Types of Reconstruction Surgeries 

There are two types of breast reconstruction surgeries available to patients. 

Breast Implants 

Reconstruction with breast implants can often be performed immediately. In some cases, however, it is completed over various stages. First, Dr. Zavell will place a tissue expander under your remaining skin or muscles. This expander will stretch the tissue to prepare it for an implant. Each week, Dr. Zavell will inject saline into the tissue expander. When it reaches your ideal size, the expander is replaced with an implant. 

Flap Procedures

Using skin, fat, and in some cases, muscle from another part of your body, Dr. Zavell can transplant tissue to your chest and reconstruct the breast or breasts. This surgery is completed in one treatment lasting several hours.