BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
In Scottsdale, AZ
Breast Reconstruction Surgeon In Scottsdale, AZ
Breast reconstruction in Scottsdale aims to restore the breast’s symmetry, shape, and appearance after a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or due to congenital deformity. Dr. Jude LaBarbera creates a personalized surgical plan tailored to the patient’s needs, which may involve a single surgery or multiple staged procedures. Reconstruction can utilize breast implants or tissue flaps. Dr. LaBarbera employs advanced muscle-sparing techniques, using skin and fat from areas such as the thigh, buttocks, and abdomen to reconstruct the breast, providing optimal results for patients.
Dr. Jude LaBarbera is committed to delivering natural and beautiful breast reconstruction results in Scottsdale. During your initial consultations, he will thoroughly address your questions and concerns, collect crucial information about your cancer treatment progress, and devise personalized surgical options tailored to your needs. This careful and informed approach ensures each patient receives the best possible care and outcome.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
Dr. Jude LaBarbera advises discussing and planning breast reconstruction before the mastectomy. Performing both surgeries simultaneously allows for reconstruction when the chest wall is free of scarring and radiation effects. However, some patients opt for delayed reconstruction due to personal or medical reasons. In such cases, the breast surgeon will help plan the reconstruction, ideally after completing radiation treatment. This ensures a better outcome and accommodates the patient’s circumstances.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS IN SCOTTSDALE
IMPLANT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
This method uses saline or silicone implants to create the new breast. Dr. Jude LaBarbera is proficient in both direct-to-implant and delayed breast reconstruction. Many patients prefer implants due to the shorter surgery time and their aesthetic results. However, potential downsides include scar tissue buildup, possible rejection, and the need for a follow-up surgery to replace a tissue expander with a permanent implant.
AUTOLOGOUS TISSUE FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
This method involves reconstructing the breasts using live skin, fat, and muscle transplanted from areas such as the back, buttocks, abdomen, or hips. The benefits include natural-feeling, long-lasting tissue with no risk of rejection. However, autologous flap reconstruction is a longer, more complex surgery with additional scars at the donor site and a longer recovery period compared to implant reconstruction. Dr. LaBarbera offers expertise in this technique, ensuring optimal results for patients.
DR. JUDE SPECIALIZES IN VARIOUS ADVANCED AUTOLOGOUS TISSUE FLAP RECONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
DIEP FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
This surgery can be performed concurrently with the mastectomy or at a later time. The DIEP method, which Dr. Jude LaBarbera expertly performs, is a recognized muscle-sparing autologous flap technique. It involves using skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. Since muscle is not taken, recovery is quicker and donor site morbidity is reduced. Additionally, this method offers the benefit of a tummy tuck, often referred to as the “Tummy Tuck Flap.”
HYBRID STACKED AUTOLOGOUS FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
Also known as the Composite Stacked Flap, this technique combines different autologous tissue flap methods such as DIEP (abdomen), PAP (inner thigh), and GAP (buttocks) flaps to create natural-feeling breasts. This comprehensive approach offers the added benefits of a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and buttock lift. Dr. Jude LaBarbera skillfully utilizes this method to achieve optimal results, ensuring patients not only receive reconstructed breasts but also enjoy additional cosmetic enhancements.
PAP AUTOLOGOUS FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
This autologous procedure rebuilds the breast using tissue from the upper thigh, usually the back. Scarring at the donor site is hidden within the buttocks crease. Women undergoing this surgery also benefit from a thigh lift. Dr. Jude LaBarbera assesses the amount of available tissue in the upper thigh to determine if this method is appropriate. This approach offers both breast reconstruction and cosmetic improvement to the thigh area, ensuring minimal visible scarring and optimal results.
TRAM FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
This method is a more traditional breast reconstruction technique that uses skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from the abdominal area. Dr. Jude LaBarbera typically avoids this procedure because it is not muscle-sparing, leading to more donor site morbidity and longer recovery times. Instead, he prefers muscle-sparing techniques like DIEP and PAP, which offer better outcomes and are more popular among his patients. These methods provide the necessary tissue without the added complications associated with muscle removal.
Every patient has unique body shapes, sizes, and needs. During your initial consultation, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will carefully examine you to determine the most suitable breast reconstruction technique tailored to your specific requirements. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the best possible care and outcome for your breast reconstruction surgery.
NIPPLE AND AREOLA RESTORATION
When a breast is surgically removed, the nipple and areola are also removed. To reconstruct this area, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will graft skin and muscle to create a new nipple. The areola is then recreated using tattooing techniques. This restoration process is performed after the reconstructed breast has fully healed, ensuring a natural appearance and proper healing.
DURING & AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
Health insurance typically covers breast reconstruction costs. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. If done concurrently with a mastectomy, a hospital stay is usually necessary. Patients undergoing flap reconstruction may need to stay in the hospital for up to 5 days for close monitoring. Pain and discomfort in the chest area are common in the first week post-surgery, and patients might feel disoriented about their new chest. Dr. LaBarbera provides temporary drain tubes, bandages, post-op care instructions, and other essentials for proper recovery.
PLANNING YOUR PROCEDURE
AVERAGE COST
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PROCEDURE TIME
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RECOVERY TIME
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