Tools and Techniques

in Phoenix & Chandler, AZ

Tissue expanders are devices used to stretch the skin and muscle in preparation for permanent breast implants. Implants, either silicone or saline, are used to rebuild the breast mound. These flaps involve moving tissue from one area of the body to the chest to reconstruct the breast, maintaining its blood supply through an intact blood vessel.

Tissue Expanders

A tissue expander is a specialized type of implant that has a port located inside of it that allows fluid to be injected (Tissue Expander Expansion Completed In Office) so that the size of the expander can slowly increase over time which will stretch the skin to create a “pocket” for the implant or the reconstructed breast under the skin. This creates space so that eventually in a second stage at a later date, it is possible to put a larger Implant into the breast or to perform Autologous Based Reconstruction to complete the reconstruction.
Immediate tissue expander placement
- To IMPLANT based reconstruction
- To AUTOLOGOUS based reconstruction

Implants

Direct to implant
A breast implant is a round, flexible silicone shell filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Breast implants can either be placed over the chest muscle (pectoralis) or underneath part or all of the chest muscle. The implant replaces the breast tissue that is removed during the mastectomy, restoring the shape and volume of the breast.

Predicled Flaps

The majority of pedicled flaps classically utilized in breast reconstruction are the latissimus dorsi (from the back) or rectus abdominus (from the abdomen). A flap is tissue preserved on its blood supply. In pedicled flaps, the blood supply is not disrupted and reestablished. The disadvantage of the commonly used pedicled flaps is related to the donor site when rectus abdominus is used and partial flap loss. The disadvantages of the latissimus dorsi flap are mild weakness in arm flexion (or downward force), and this flap generally does not have ample tissue to recreate an adequate breast mound by itself.

Muscle
- Latissimus Dorsi Flap
- TRAM Flap

Muscle sparing
- Muscle Sparing TRAM Flap

Second Stage Autologous Breast Reconstruction

The aesthetic outcome of the breasts is of high priority. In patients with autologous reconstruction, we strive to improve the body contouring of the area from which the free flaps were taken.
In implant-based reconstruction, a second stage procedure is used to adjust results if you desire larger breasts or if there is any asymmetry between the breasts. At this stage we also reconstruct a nipple. The implant pocket may be moved if needed and liposuction with fat grafting can be used to add volume and provide a more natural breast transition and contour.
In autologous reconstruction, a second stage is used to adjust the breasts to provide a symmetry, adjust size and positioning accordingly. At this time any fine tuning of the donor site can also be addressed. This is most relevant when donor site scars need to be moved to allow for ideal scar location and lack of visibility. We do use this chance to improve any contour abnormality of the donor site as well.

Botched Breast Reconstruction Repair Oncoplasty Reduction

For larger breasts that do not require a mastectomy and only a portion of the breast needs to be removed, a reduction can be performed. Generally reduction techniques are used to lift the nipple position and to remove excess breast tissue and overlying skin.