Breast Reconstruction

Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC

Breast reconstruction is used to replace a woman's breast after it has been removed due to cancer or other disease. Reconstruction may also be beneficial in achieving symmetry after lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. With modern techniques and technology, it is possible to create breasts that are closely similar in appearance to a woman's natural breasts. For its ability to help with physical and psychological healing, we consider this one of the most rewarding procedures we offer at Port City Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Brian Widenhouse will work together with the surgeon performing your mastectomy to develop a plan tailored to your specific circumstances. Please contact him to discuss your options.

Timing Your Breast Reconstruction

Fully discussing all your options for breast reconstruction is a vital step in the decision-making process. Some women desire to have their breast reconstruction performed immediately following their mastectomy. Other women want to wait to allow emotional readjustment after the stress of illness. Some women may initially decide against reconstruction altogether but later decide to pursue it. Dr. Widenhouse can perform breast reconstruction right away or at a later date. The timing is up to you and your treating doctors.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Dr. Widenhouse performs breast reconstruction with tissue expansion and flap reconstruction procedures. A detailed description of these options is presented below, or you can look at our Questions about Reconstructive Breast Surgery page.

Although some women can have a breast implant inserted immediately after their mastectomy, most require gradual tissue expansion to make room for placement of the implant. This procedure involves a first surgery to insert a tissue expander beneath the skin and chest muscle. This surgery requires general anesthesia. The expander has a tiny valve that is implanted below the skin. Dr. Widenhouse injects saline solution through the valve to fill the expander over a period of several weeks, creating a suitable pocket for a breast implant. Then a second operation is performed to remove the expander and insert a breast implant. If desired, the nipple and areola can be reconstructed in a later procedure.

Breast Reconstruction Is Covered by Insurance

The cost of breast reconstruction is covered by insurance. Our insurance coordinator will work with you and your insurance company to determine the details.

Why Choose Dr. Widenhouse for Your Breast Reconstruction?

Dr. Widenhouse considers breast reconstruction one of his most important procedures. He has dedicated significant energy over the length of his career to learning various reconstruction techniques. In addition to breast reconstruction, he performs breast reductions and body contouring for women who experienced massive weight loss from bariatric surgery or other means, and the combination of these procedures gives him extensive experience in shaping aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking breasts.

Dr. Widenhouse founded Port City Plastic Surgery to be able to give all of his patients the time and personalized care he feels they deserve, something he feels is particularly important to women undergoing breast reconstruction.

To talk to Dr. Widenhouse about your breast reconstruction, please schedule a consultation at Port City Plastic Surgery in Charleston, South Carolina.