Breast Reconstruction in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland

A woman’s breasts are a vital part of her self-esteem. Losing one or both breasts to a mastectomy can be a devastating blow to a woman’s confidence, making her feel less feminine or less desirable to others. At the Naderi Center, our breast reconstruction procedures are designed to restore a beautiful, natural-looking chest that can rebuild a woman’s pride in her appearance.

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Breast Reconstruction Expected Results

• Breasts that look and feel natural
• Breast symmetry
• Reconstructed nipple/areola
• Chest volume that looks attractive under clothing
• Restored confidence in the appearance

PROCEDURE SUMMARY
What is the pain level after the surgery?	Mild to Moderate depending on procedure performed
Anesthesia type (if applicable)	General anesthesia
Duration of Surgery	Varied
Where will scaring for this procedure be?	Varied
Timeframe to begin showing final results	2-3 weeks
When is the patient able to return to regular activities?	1 week
When is the patient able to resume exercise?	2-3 weeks
Cost of surgeon’s fee	Out of Network with most Medical Insurance Providers.

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Ideal Candidate for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Many women who have or will soon undergo a mastectomy (breast removal) can make an excellent candidate for breast reconstruction. Since the breast reconstruction procedure is not medically necessary, it is important that women choose to have the aesthetic procedure to please themselves, not those around them.

Good Candidates for Breast Reconstruction should:

• Be in generally good health, without any additional medical conditions that can impair the healing process.
• Understand the recommended reconstruction technique and hold realistic expectations for their results.
• Be able to move forward with any plans for chemotherapy while planning for the reconstruction process.

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Breast Reconstruction Surgical Techniques

As every woman’s situation is different, each breast restoration technique at the Naderi Center will be unique and designed to meet her specific needs. Some reconstruction procedures will require a 1-2 night hospital stay, while some surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Procedures are done under general anesthesia and take anywhere from one to three hours to complete. However, this duration can vary as well.

There are two major types of breast reconstruction; skin expansion and flap reconstruction. The exact technique utilized will be determined by the patient’s physical needs and aesthetic desires. More than one surgical procedure, performed over several months, may be necessary for desired results. Once the breast reconstructive surgery is complete, the surgeon can recreate a nipple and areola, placing these for optimal aesthetic results.

Breast reconstruction at the Naderi Center can be immediately performed at the same time as a mastectomy, or it can be delayed and performed months or even years after the initial surgery. This will depend on several factors including a woman’s health and personal preference. In some cases, if only one breast is to be reconstructed, our specialists may recommend breast augmentation procedures, breast reduction, or a breast lift procedure for the opposite breast. This can better improve breast symmetry for a more natural, visually appealing chest.

Breast Reconstruction: Skin Expansion or Tissue Expander Technique

Skin expansion is the most common technique used for breast reconstruction today. A balloon expander is first placed below the skin and chest muscle, then slowly filled with saline over a period of time ranging from one to six weeks. As the tissue stretches, a pocket is formed for the breast implant. Once the desired pocket has been created, our breast and body plastic surgeons will remove the expander and place the saline or silicone implant(s).

Breast Reconstruction: Flap Procedure

Flap reconstruction uses tissue and skin from a surrounding location, such as the back, abdomen, or thighs, to recreate the breast. The tissue is removed and then carefully placed along the targeted chest area. Our breast plastic surgeons will meticulously reattach vessels from the chest wall to the transferred tissue, continuing the blood flow. In some instances, the tissue flap may be tunneled to the breast area, remaining attached to its original blood supply. As soon as the tissue is in place, a pocket can be created for the implant reconstruction. An additional option is the creation of a breast mound, sculpted from the newly moved tissue.

Types of flap procedures

• Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap – Extracted fat and abdominal skin are used to recreate breast tissue. The DIEP flap does not remove any muscle from the abdomen.
• Latissimus Dorsi Flap – Using the latissimus dorsi muscle of the back, tissue is moved to the chest to create a breast mound or pocket for implant-based reconstruction.
• Transverse Rectus Abdominis (TRAM) Flap – The rectus abdominis muscle from the abdomen can be tunneled to the chest. With this technique, implants are not necessary, as the TRAM normally provides adequate tissue to match the healthy breast.

Learn about the GalaFLEX® Surgical Scaffold and whether it can improve your surgical results.

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Before & After Photos

Cost of Breast Reconstruction

Is Breast Reconstruction Covered by Insurance?

Breast Reconstruction should be covered by most medical insurance policies. The Naderi Center does participate with medical insurance, however, our surgeons are an out-of-network provider, thus, it is important to know whether you have out-of-network benefits prior to scheduling a consultation with our surgeons. Our team of caring patient coordinators will go over your benefits with you and make sure that you are prepared financially for the costs of surgery and follow-up care. If you are unsure as to whether you have out-of-network benefits, our office can help you obtain the information that you need.

Breast reconstruction costs will usually include:

1. Surgeons Fee
2. Anesthesia Fee
3. Hospital and Surgical Facility Fees
4. Post-Surgery Garments
5. Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance, Mammogram and Lab Tests
6. Medication Costs
7. Follow-up Visits

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Preparation for Breast Reconstruction

At The Naderi Center we believe the success of your breast reconstruction can be improved with proper preparation. Our breast and body plastic surgeons have years of experience helping women through the delicate and emotional process of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. We go above and beyond to make sure that our patients are medically, emotionally, and physically ready for surgery.

Please review our detailed instructions on breast reconstruction using the link below.

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Recovery after Breast Reconstruction

Patients should expect their breast reconstruction recovery to take several weeks, during which time they will be sore and tender. It can take up to six months for the breast tissue to fully heal and the swelling to completely resolve. While heavy lifting and strenuous activities need to be postponed for at least six weeks, many women will feel well enough to return to work in two to four weeks.

After this treatment, the chest may be swollen, bruised, and mildly painful. The specialist will prescribe the needed medications for a comfortable recovery. Surgical drains will be used to control any build-up of fluids or blood. A surgical compression garment will need to be worn to help control swelling. The drains and sutures will be removed in seven to ten days.

Scarring is to be expected along the breast and the donor site. While the scars will fade slightly over time, they will continue to be visible. For most women, the dramatic aesthetic benefits of this procedure normally outweigh the drawbacks of scarring.

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Potential Complications and Risks with Breast Reconstruction

While today’s breast reconstruction procedure is considered safe and effective, there is a chance for complications to occur. Our surgeons have performed hundreds of breast reconstruction procedures, bringing our patients the most successful techniques available today. Our surgeons understand the decision to have a breast reconstruction is deeply personal, and will fully review the chances for complications during the consultation appointment.

Possible Complications after a Breast Reconstruction can Include:

• Risks of general anesthesia
• Excessive bleeding
• Skin changes or discoloration
• Poor incision healing
• Fluid accumulation or what is known as a seroma
• Nerve damage or numbness on the skin
• Asymmetry
• Infection
• Implants carry mild risks for rupture, malposition, asymmetry, and capsular contracture
• Flap surgery can risk partial loss of sensation along both the donor and reconstruction areas
• Death of fatty tissue or fat necrosis
• Need for revision surgery

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Breast Reconstruction Specialist

Patients who are considering breast reconstruction following or at the time of mastectomy should schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Naderi Center. At this time, our skilled surgeon will take a full assessment, reviewing both the medical and surgical history. The doctor will also perform a brief physical examination. While discussing the patient’s physical and aesthetic goals, we use before/after photographs of her recent breast reconstruction patients, as well as computer imagery, to assist in creating a realistic picture of the potential results. If this treatment is decided upon, our breast and body plastic surgeons will consult with the surgical oncologist as needed, creating a personalized treatment plan. The professionals at The Naderi Center will then walk patients step-by-step through the process, from payment plans to recovery time.

Our cutting-edge techniques help women obtain the desired, natural-looking breasts that can restore self-image and improve confidence in their appearance. While breast reconstruction can dramatically improve a woman’s quality of life, the process can be daunting. The specialist is committed to helping each patient through this difficult time, as our surgeon adjusts to her newly reconstructed breasts.

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Scheduling your Consultation for Breast Reconstruction

Our surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Breast cancer and breast reconstruction are a cause that is dear to our hearts and we understand that recovery time is a delicate and intimate process. Our breast and body plastic surgeons provide tender, personalized care to each of their patients, offering the best breast reconstruction services in the Washington D.C. area. Contact the Naderi Center’s Chevy Chase, Maryland office at 301-222-2020 or the Reston, Virginia office at 703-481-0002 to get more information, or to set up a complimentary breast reconstruction consultation.

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Breast Reconstruction Questions to Ask