Is Breast Reconstruction painful?

Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia so that you do not feel pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. Following the surgery, you can expect pain and swelling for a few weeks or up to a month. Your surgeon will devise a pain management plan to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery.

How many appointments will I need?

Depending on your case and the techniques your surgeon has advised for your breast reconstruction, you may need up to 2 surgical appointments to complete the breast reconstruction surgery. Following the completion of your procedure, you will be required to check in with your surgeon a number of times so that she can determine the following: Healing progress When to remove the gauze and remove the fluid tube Monitoring your incision wound Your surgeon will map out your appointment schedule during your consultation based on the techniques being used during your surgery.

How long until I see results?

Once all swelling has subsided and the incision wound completely healed, you can begin to see the results of your breast reconstruction. Generally, patients begin to see results from 3-4 months following surgery. The final results of breast reconstruction following mastectomy can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of mastectomy. Over time, some breast skin sensations may return, and scar lines will improve, although they will never disappear completely. Most women feel a large improvement in their quality of life and the ability to look and feel whole after getting breast reconstruction surgery.

Can I combine Breast Reconstruction with other procedures?

Because breast reconstruction is a very specific type of surgery tailored to each individual, combining it with another procedure may only be possible in some cases. It is best to discuss your options with your surgeon during your consultation. If you are considering combining procedures such as a breast lift or liposuction , we can assess your options during your consultation and advise you on what will benefit you alongside your breast reconstruction.

What are the risks associated with Breast Reconstruction?

There are risks associated with every surgical procedure, and your surgeon will ensure you are aware of these by discussing them during your consultation. Some of the potential risks from a breast reconstruction can include: Breasts that don’t match each other in size or appearance (asymmetry) Breast pain Poor healing of incisions Changes in breast sensation Infection Bleeding The decision to pursue breast reconstruction does not change your risk of breast cancer recurrence, and we advise discussing this with your doctor. When you choose Himmarshee Plastic Surgery, we promise to give you the best medical advice with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Breast Reconstruction

In Fort Lauderdale

middle aged woman in bra grabbing her neck

What is a Breast Reconstruction
Who are the the best candidates?
What are the benefits?
What’s the first step?
What to expect?
Breast Reconstruction recovery
What’s the cost?
FAQ’s

Introduction

Breast Reconstruction

A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event and the decision to undergo a mastectomy is a crucial intervention that can potentially save a woman’s life. Post-mastectomy, numerous women opt for Breast Reconstruction surgery to restore a fundamental aspect of their anatomy, contributing to a sense of femininity and wholeness. The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore the shape and look of the breast.

If you are looking for a way to restore an essential part of your body and self-esteem, you should consider breast reconstruction surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery. Led by two renowned plastic surgeons Dr. Savannah Moon & Dr. Stephanie Scurci, call us today to learn how breast reconstruction surgery can benefit your health and well-being.

blonde woman in white blouse with arms crossed

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape of your breast after mastectomy, which is surgery that removes breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer. Breast reconstruction often involves multiple procedures performed in stages and can either begin at the time of mastectomy or be delayed until a later date. Breast reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. Implant-based reconstruction relies on breast implants to help form a new breast shape. Flap-based (or autologous) reconstruction uses the patient’s tissue from another part of the body to form a new breast. If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed.

Breast reconstruction won’t recreate the exact look and feel of your natural breast. However, the contour of your new breast may restore a silhouette similar to what you had before mastectomy.

Who are the best candidates for the Breast Reconstruction procedure?

You may be a good candidate for breast reconstruction if:

Have recently had a mastectomy or are scheduled to have the surgery
You do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing
You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your breast and body image

Additionally, it is important to consider the following factors before considering a breast reconstruction:

A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation or feel as the breast it replaces
Visible incision lines will always be present on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy
Certain surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site

*Our highly trained surgeons are ready to discuss breast reconstruction with you and assess whether this procedure is right for you.

What are the benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

There are a number of ways a breast reconstruction can benefit you if you have had a mastectomy or are scheduled to get one:

Recreate breast shape eliminated during a mastectomy
Restore confidence in your femininity
Bring symmetry back to both breasts

Talk to us about how breast reconstruction can benefit you, as we understand that each patient’s needs and desires are unique.

First Steps

What’s the First Step?

The first step to getting a breast reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale is to schedule a consultation. During this session, your assigned surgeon will explain what a breast reconstruction involves. They will assess your desired outcomes and determine which type of breast reconstruction would be most appropriate based on your breast anatomy, the need for additional chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and your personal preferences. Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci will take as much time as necessary during your consultation to discuss any concerns or questions you have so that you’re comfortable with the surgical plan. Your plastic surgeon will also collaborate with your breast surgeon or surgical oncologist to ensure that your breast reconstruction plan and timeline align with your future oncologic treatment needs.

What to expect on the day of Breast Reconstruction surgery

Before your procedure, you may be given a list of pre-operative instructions to prepare you for your breast reconstruction. These instructions will depend on whether your breast reconstruction is performed at the time of your mastectomy or in a delayed fashion. In most cases, your mastectomy and reconstruction will be performed in a hospital.

On the day of your surgery, your surgeon will walk you through the techniques they will be using, as discussed in your consultation. The first step for most will be the administration of general anesthesia by the anesthesia team so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure.

If your mastectomy and reconstruction are planned for the same surgery, your breast surgeon will begin with the mastectomy. Once that is completed, your plastic surgeon Dr. Moon, or Dr. Scurci will proceed with Breast Reconstruction.

The type of breast reconstruction agreed upon by you and your plastic surgeon will determine the next steps. In most cases, a tissue expander is inserted by the plastic surgeon immediately following mastectomy. The mastectomy incisions are then carefully closed by your plastic surgeon. The process of tissue expansion occurs over several office visits 1-2 months after placement of the expander to gradually fill the device with saline to expand the skin and prepare it for the next stage of reconstruction.

Tissue expansion is complete once the patient is happy with the volume and shape of the filled tissue expander. A second surgery would then be scheduled to exchange the tissue expander for an implant or to proceed with a flap-based reconstruction depending on your choice of breast reconstruction.

For women who are not candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, the final stage of breast reconstruction is nipple and areola reconstruction. This is planned at least 4-6 months from the most recent breast surgery and can often be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sedation. Techniques usually involve folding skin to create the shape of a nipple followed by tattooing. Three-dimensional nipple-areola tattooing may be used alone to create the appearance of a realistic nipple with the illusion of projection.

There are many variations to the surgical plan described above, but this is a common treatment timeline.

Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Following your breast reconstruction surgery, gauze or bandages may be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the reconstructed breast. A small, thin tube attached to a drain bulb may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.

Your surgeon will recommend arranging transportation to and from the hospital, as you will not be able to drive after this procedure. Before you are discharged from the hospital, our medical team will prepare you with instructions and information on what to expect during your recovery and healing period.

You may be tired and sore for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help control your pain. Getting back to normal activities may take six weeks or longer. Take it easy during this period. Your doctor will let you know of restrictions to your activities, such as avoiding overhead lifting or strenuous physical activities.

You will also be given instructions on how to care for your wound, the type of pain medication to help manage pain, and how often to check in with your surgeon.

It can potentially take as long as a year or two to feel completely healed. Generally, you’ll follow up with your plastic surgeon yearly to monitor your reconstructed breast after the reconstruction is complete.

Breast Reconstruction Cost

How much does Breast Reconstruction cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

The cost of Breast Reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale will vary and is usually determined by your insurance carrier.

Rediscover your true self

Why choose Himmarshee Plastic Surgery?

Himmarshee Plastic Surgery is a practice that prioritizes the individual aesthetic goals of each patient, striving to achieve natural, timeless, and refined surgical results.

Dr. Savannah Moon and Dr. Stephanie Scurci are both board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). Following the completion of their comprehensive general surgery training, Dr. Savannah Moon and Dr. Stephanie Scurci went on to further specialize through a 3-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, where they met and served as chief residents. In the course of their surgical training in South Florida, Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci were in an ideal location to perform a vast range and quantity of aesthetic surgeries, developing expertise across a broad spectrum of procedures. Both Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci are dedicated to achieving results that are subtle, elegant, and natural, tailored to each patient’s individual aesthetic aspirations.

Himmarshee Plastic Surgery boasts an on-site surgical suite committed to prioritizing safety and ensuring optimal patient care. Our surgical team includes a board-certified anesthesiologist and experienced nursing staff specializing in plastic surgery, providing a familiar and expert touch throughout your surgical journey. The on-site operating room not only provides convenience and accessibility but also ensures privacy, a vital consideration for our patients. Maintaining discretion as a top priority, our practice features a private entrance and exit to the surgical suite and perioperative areas. All these factors align to make our on-site surgical suite a choice that combines safety, privacy, and convenience to create a concierge experience for our patients.

Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S

Depending on your case and the techniques your surgeon has advised for your breast reconstruction, you may need up to 2 surgical appointments to complete the breast reconstruction surgery. Following the completion of your procedure, you will be required to check in with your surgeon a number of times so that she can determine the following:
- Healing progress
- When to remove the gauze and remove the fluid tube
- Monitoring your incision wound
Your surgeon will map out your appointment schedule during your consultation based on the techniques being used during your surgery.
Once all swelling has subsided and the incision wound completely healed, you can begin to see the results of your breast reconstruction. Generally, patients begin to see results from 3-4 months following surgery.

The final results of breast reconstruction following mastectomy can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of mastectomy. Over time, some breast skin sensations may return, and scar lines will improve, although they will never disappear completely. Most women feel a large improvement in their quality of life and the ability to look and feel whole after getting breast reconstruction surgery.
Because breast reconstruction is a very specific type of surgery tailored to each individual, combining it with another procedure may only be possible in some cases. It is best to discuss your options with your surgeon during your consultation. If you are considering combining procedures such as a breast lift or liposuction, we can assess your options during your consultation and advise you on what will benefit you alongside your breast reconstruction.
There are risks associated with every surgical procedure, and your surgeon will ensure you are aware of these by discussing them during your consultation. Some of the potential risks from a breast reconstruction can include:
- Breasts that don’t match each other in size or appearance (asymmetry)
- Breast pain
- Poor healing of incisions
- Changes in breast sensation
- Infection
- Bleeding
The decision to pursue breast reconstruction does not change your risk of breast cancer recurrence, and we advise discussing this with your doctor. When you choose Himmarshee Plastic Surgery, we promise to give you the best medical advice with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Schedule A Consultation

To schedule your consultation, call our office directly or request an appointment via the “Schedule Now” portal on our website, where you can choose a date and time to talk with one of our plastic surgeons. You can also call our practice to book your consultation. Our team is excited to meet with you and help you achieve the body type that you have been longing for!