Correcting Lumpectomy Deformities in Your Breasts
Removing cancerous tumors and lumps can leave you with deformed, asymmetric or disproportionate breasts. Many women are left with one breast significantly larger than the other or with noticeable dents. Many of these problems are worse if you endured radiation therapy. If you’re feeling self-conscious and beaten down, especially after already dealing with breast cancer, there is help. These concerns and others you may have can be remedied by Dr. Garrett Wirth, who has a special focus on reconstructive procedures.
If you have already had a lumpectomy or mastectomy, you might be deciding how to correct the damage that has been caused by those surgeries. Thankfully, you have several options to do this. Dr. Wirth will help you decide which choice will be most beneficial for you. One of these possibilities is to get an implant. You can choose between a silicone gel or a saline filled implant to restore and add volume where necessary.
Another option is to use tissue from another area of your body to fill in any deformities you may have. The procedure is called flap reconstruction. You may choose to have tissue taken from your lower abdomen, a technique known as DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap construction will not remove any muscle, and instead uses fat, skin and blood vessels. Dr. Wirth also utilizes other TRAM flap reconstructions when indicated. TRAM stands for transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. This muscle is located between your pubic bone and your ribs (part of the “six pack.”) The TRAM technique will use the fat from this area (and possibly a small amount of muscle) to fill in any deformities you may have from your lumpectomy.
The latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction is another viable option for those seeking to rebuild their breasts after a lumpectomy. In this method, Dr. Wirth will take the tissue from your back (between the areas behind your armpit and beneath your shoulder down toward your hip) and use it to correct the dents and holes in your breast that are results of your lumpectomy. The latissimus dorsi flap technique is different than the prior two flap procedures because the flap is moved beneath your skin to your breast area. This is necessary because the flap contains blood vessels that must remain connected to the blood supply in your back. This method of reconstruction can also correct the problems a lumpectomy can cause or for a full breast reconstruction.
FAT GRAFTING
Did you know your own fat can be useful for your breasts? It’s true! Fat grafting has been around for many years, and the safety of the procedure is well established. The process consists of using the fat from other parts of your body to help fill in your breasts after a lumpectomy or other reconstructions. One of the best uses of fat grafting is for lumpectomy defects; these dents or irregularities in your breast are treated by removing fat from somewhere else on your body through liposuction techniques, gently treating the fat and then placing the fat into the breast region to correct the irregularity. All of this is done through miniscule holes.
Fat grafting is considered one of the most astounding advancements for breast procedures in the history of body enhancement. Dr. Wirth has many years of experience with fat grafting, and understand the unique benefits of fat grafting, such as soothing and plumping radiated areas back to healthier, normal looking and feeling skin. There is so much more to discuss with fat grafting to the breast, so stay tuned for more blogs from Dr. Wirth about this exciting topic!
SCAR REVISION
Let’s not forget scar revision. Sometimes scars just don’t turn out as expected or desired. Some scars can even be painful. Make sure to discuss your concerns with Dr. Wirth. Many times, scar revisions can be incorporated into the larger surgeries. Most of the time, simple scar revisions can be done in the office with local anesthesia alone. It is your body, and you have the ability to get the information necessary to help you feel comfortable and happy in that body. Dr. Wirth is passionate about helping people, especially those with breast cancer.
Dr. Wirth will help you decide which method will be the most optimal for you based on your needs, goals and medical history. After this is determined, you should prepare for the surgery according to the instructions Dr. Wirth has given you. On the day of your correction procedure, you can expect to be put under anesthesia for the larger surgeries mentioned, but local anesthesia or light sedation might be the appropriate option for smaller corrections. Dr. Wirth will follow the plan you have previously made with him, unless changes need to be made during the surgery. The amount of time your correction procedure will take depends on your circumstances, but most are completed within a few hours.
The possibilities for correcting lumpectomy deformities can be overwhelming, but Dr. Wirth will work with you to ensure that you are informed about your options. He will guide you
through the process of reconstruction and correction to make certain that you are comfortable with your new breasts. Dr. Wirth can bring you one step closer to revitalizing your breasts, adjusting the shape or contour of your breasts, or even create a new breast shape. More information can be found in Dr. Wirth’s book, Personalized Breast Care, available on Amazon.
To get your evaluation, schedule your consultation now with Dr. Garrett Wirth at (949) 238-6713, or fill out a complimentary case consultation form here.
Lumpectomy