Breast reconstruction in Rockville helps restore breast symmetry, shape, and proportion for individuals undergoing mastectomy or lumpectomy. This procedure rebuilds the breast contour, improving both aesthetic balance and confidence.
About Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction in Rockville can restore the appearance, shape, and symmetry of your breasts following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital condition. At Faulkner Plastic Surgery, Dr. Faulkner personalizes this surgery to help you regain confidence and feel like yourself again.
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Misshapen breasts
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Asymmetric chest
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Breast abnormalities
Discover the Possibilities
There is a world of treatment options available to you when you choose Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. Use our Treatment Planning Tool to see for yourself. Between noninvasive solutions and surgical procedures, you can rest assured knowing Dr. Faulkner can address your needs.
Are you a candidate for breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is an important option for women who want to restore their breast(s) after a mastectomy or other significant breast surgeries. Whether using implants or autologous tissue, the procedure offers both physical and emotional benefits.
The Ideal Candidate
You may be a candidate for breast reconstruction in Rockville if:
- You have had a mastectomy or breast tissue removed due to breast cancer.
- You are in good overall health, as certain chronic conditions may affect the healing process.
- You are emotionally ready for the procedure, as breast reconstruction is a complex and life-changing surgery.
While breast reconstruction can help you feel like yourself again, surgery isn’t the right solution for everyone and comes with inherent risks.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, breast reconstruction carries risks and potential complications. Some of these include:
- Infection: Both the breast and donor sites (if performing flap surgery) can become infected.
- Implant Complications: If implants are used, risks include rupture, capsular contracture, or shifting of the implant.
- Flap Failure: For flap procedures, there is a risk that the transplanted tissue won’t “take” properly, requiring further surgery.
- Scarring: There will always be some scarring after reconstruction, though Dr. Faulkner works to make the scars as discreet as possible.
- Delayed Healing: Sometimes, healing may take longer than expected, particularly if radiation therapy or chemotherapy has been involved.
- Loss of Sensation: Many patients report a loss of sensation in the reconstructed breast, especially if nerve endings were affected during surgery.
Options For When Breast Reconstruction is Performed
Immediate Reconstruction
This is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Dr. Faulkner begins the reconstruction process right after the breast is removed, allowing the patient to wake up with a reconstructed breast.
Delayed Reconstruction
This is performed months or even years after the mastectomy. Some patients may choose this option if they need time to heal emotionally or physically after their breast cancer treatment or if they are undergoing additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
Key Considerations
Nipple & Areola Reconstruction
After the breast mound is created, patients can choose to have the nipple and areola reconstructed, either through a surgical procedure or with tattooing. In some cases, the nipple is preserved during mastectomy, depending on the type of surgery and whether cancer is present near the nipple.
Radiation Therapy
If a patient has had radiation therapy, this can affect the healing process and may limit certain reconstruction options. It may be advisable to delay reconstruction until after radiation therapy has been completed.
Timing
Immediate reconstruction is often preferred by patients, but delayed reconstruction may be recommended based on individual circumstances, such as the need for additional cancer treatments.
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction
Recovery can vary depending on the type of breast reconstruction in Rockville you undergo, but typically includes:
- Hospital stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery, especially if flap surgery is involved.
- Pain management: Pain is managed with prescribed medications, though some discomfort is normal during the first few days.
- Drainage tubes: If flap surgery is performed, drainage tubes may be placed to remove excess fluid from the surgical site.
- Follow-up visits: Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and monitor for complications.
Pre & Post Care Instructions
Consultation and Planning
- Consult with Dr. Faulkner: Before your breast reconstruction surgery, you will meet with Dr. Faulkner to discuss your options, goals, and the type of reconstruction (implant-based or flap reconstruction). You’ll also discuss the timing (immediate or delayed) based on your situation.
- Medical history review: Inform Dr. Faulkner about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners, as they may need to be adjusted before surgery.
Smoking and Alcohol
- Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and continue to refrain from smoking during recovery. Smoking can impair healing, increase the risk of infection, and interfere with blood flow.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 48 to 72 hours before the surgery and while taking narcotic pain medication to reduce the risk of bleeding and ensure a smoother recovery.
Medications
- Stop certain medications: Dr. Faulkner may ask you to stop taking medications that could interfere with the healing process, such as blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs, typically 7 to 10 days before surgery.
- Pre-surgical medications: You may be instructed to take specific medications, such as antibiotics or anti-nausea medications, before surgery to prevent infection and reduce potential complications.
Fasting
- Fasting requirements: You will need to avoid eating or drinking for 8 to 12 hours before the surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.
Prepare Your Home
- Set up a comfortable recovery space at home, ensuring easy access to essentials such as water, medications, and entertainment while you recover.
- Arrange help: You may need someone to help with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation, for at least a few days after surgery.
Shower and Clean the Skin
- Shower before surgery using antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid applying lotion, deodorant, or any skin products after your shower.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to the surgery that will not irritate your surgical site. A button-up shirt is recommended, as it will be easier to wear after surgery without lifting your arms.
Prepare for Post-Surgery Drain Care (if applicable)
- If you’re having flap reconstruction, drains may be placed to remove excess fluid after the surgery. You’ll be taught how to care for them before the surgery so you’re prepared for post-op care.
Initial Recovery
- Rest and recovery: You will need plenty of rest immediately after surgery. If you have drains, you may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring.
- Pain management: Expect to experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort. Pain relief medications (oral or intravenous) will be prescribed. Use pain medications as directed to stay ahead of the pain.
- Positioning: In the first few days after surgery, avoid lying flat on your back. Sleeping in a slightly elevated position may be more comfortable.
Wound Care
- Follow Dr. Faulkner’s instructions for dressing changes and incision care. Do not remove any surgical dressings until instructed by Dr. Faulkner.
- Keep incisions dry for the first 48 hours. After that, you may be able to shower, but avoid scrubbing the area directly. Pat your incisions dry gently with a soft towel.
- Avoid applying lotions, ointments, or powders to the incisions until Dr. Faulkner gives approval.
- If drains were placed, you’ll need to learn how to care for them, including how to empty them and measure the drainage. You’ll also need to keep the drain area clean and dry.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
- Rest is important during the first few weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects (more than 5 to 10 pounds) and any activity that might strain your chest muscles for 6 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that could increase your heart rate, such as running or lifting weights, for at least 6 weeks or until Dr. Faulkner clears you for these activities.
- No lifting your arms above shoulder level for at least 2 to 4 weeks to avoid strain on the healing tissues.
Compression Garments
- Compression garments may be recommended to help reduce swelling and support the newly reconstructed breast(s). Follow Dr. Faulkner’s instructions on when and how to wear them.
Follow-Up Appointments
- Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your healing process and check for complications, such as infection or poor healing. Dr. Faulkner will schedule follow-up appointments to assess the incision sites, drainage, and overall recovery progress.
- Nipple and Areola Reconstruction: If you plan to have nipple or areola reconstruction or tattooing, this will typically be done as an additional stage of reconstruction, which occurs after the completion of the original breast reconstruction.
Managing Swelling and Bruising
- Swelling and bruising are common and can persist for several weeks. You can reduce swelling by keeping your upper body elevated while sleeping and using ice packs (with a cloth to protect your skin) during the first few days post-surgery.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that may irritate the surgical site and cause additional swelling.
Signs of Complications
Contact Dr. Faulkner immediately if you notice any of the following after breast reconstruction in Rockville:
- Excessive redness, heat, or drainage from the incision site (signs of infection).
- Unusual pain or a sudden increase in swelling.
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Severe discomfort around the flap donor site (in flap surgery).
Emotional Support
- Emotional recovery is a key part of breast reconstruction. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions as you heal, including relief, sadness, or frustration. Consider seeking support from a therapist, breast cancer support groups, or a counselor specializing in post-surgery emotional well-being.
Final Healing and Long-Term Care
- Long-term healing can take months, especially if you had flap surgery. Be patient and follow Dr. Faulkner’s guidance for activities and exercise restrictions.
- After full healing, you may choose to undergo additional cosmetic procedures to improve symmetry or refine the final appearance of your reconstructed breast(s).
Additional Considerations:
- Radiation therapy: If you are undergoing radiation therapy, it can affect the healing of breast reconstruction, particularly if you’re having implant-based reconstruction. Dr. Faulkner will discuss how radiation impacts reconstruction and adjust your timing accordingly.
- Future surgeries: Some patients may require additional procedures (like liposuction or fat grafting) in the future to enhance the final results.
Take the First Step
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Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
At Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, patients opt for breast reconstruction in Rockville to address a range of concerns, often related to mastectomy and lumpectomy. Dr. Faulkner offers several techniques based on your individual needs and medical history. The most common methods for breast reconstruction include those utilizing breast implants.
Two-step tissue expansion is a method that involves placing a tissue expander under or above the chest muscle, which is gradually filled with saline through an internal valve to stretch the skin before the final implant placement. While this approach allows for a smoother recovery, the process takes 2 steps.
The direct-to-implant method involves placing a final breast implant at the time of the mastectomy. This step may or may not be the preferred method depending on your particular circumstances. Dr. Faulkner will help to decide which may be the best for you.
Alternatively, patients may choose to have reconstruction using their own tissue—primarily, autologous breast reconstruction using flap techniques. Flap-based reconstruction uses fat, tissue, and muscle from another part of the body to help rebuild the breast mound. This technique may be 1) necessary when a mastectomy has left insufficient chest wall tissue to support a breast implant, 2) patient preference, or 3) used as a secondary reconstruction following previously complicated reconstruction.
For patients who do not undergo a nipple-sparing mastectomy, Dr. Faulkner also offers advanced nipple and areola reconstruction. This includes tattooing for realistic coloring and meticulous folding of the skin to achieve a natural-looking shape.
You may also elect or be required to have staged revision procedures to refine symmetry, improve the donor site appearance, and enhance results with fat grafting via liposuction.
During your consultation, Dr. Faulkner will determine the best approach to achieve your desired outcome.
Recovery from breast reconstruction in Rockville varies depending on the technique used. Most patients require 1 to 2 weeks for initial recovery, and likely a full 6 weeks until they can return to unrestricted physical activity. During your consultation, Dr. Faulkner will provide a personalized recovery plan, outlining the timeline and post-care guidelines necessary for optimal healing and long-lasting results.
