Breast Reconstruction

Following breast reconstruction, we recommend people sleep on their backs so they do not displace the surgical work.

Yes you can, however, the risk of complications are much higher. The risk includes wound healing and scar exuberance such as capsular contraction.

Yes, we recommend wearing a bra depending on the size and procedure. We do not recommend wearing an underwire bra.

A breast reconstruction can look natural with the most natural reconstruction being the DIEP flaps.

The recovery time from a DEIP flap is approximately 6 weeks as this procedure incorporates an abdominoplasty as well as breast reconstruction.

After breast augmentation, we recommend massaging the breasts downward and towards each other, never out to the side. Patients should do this with guidance from their providers.

After breast reconstruction, it is recommended no exercise for the first two weeks then light exercise may resume from 2-6 weeks. If you are having a DIEP no exercise is recommended for the first 4-6 weeks.

A mastectomy scar can take 3-6 months to heal after the final surgery and their are typically multiple surgeries.

The average surgery time for a DIEP flap is around 10 hours.

The hospital stay following breast reconstruction is usually one overnight while a DIEP is two days. The hospital stays can vary depending on the procedure, provider and hospital guidelines.

The average surgery time for double mastectomy with reconstruction is around 3-4 hours.

Following a mastectomy, patients are put into a post-surgical bra by their provider.

A mastectomy is considered a major surgery as it typically includes multiple stages/procedures and can have dealing times from 2-6 weeks.

Breast reconstruction surgery can be both inpatient or outpatient depending on the procedure and provider/hospital preference.

The alternative to breast implants is fat grafting to your breasts.

Yes, you should wear a post-surgical bta to bed following breast reconstruction.

Following breast reconstruction surgery you are going to be limied to activity and your energy level may be minimal for about 2 weeks. Most patients gain more energy after the two week mark and can slowly start to resme normal daily activities between the 4-6 week mark.

A DIEP flap breast reconstruction is when the patients own tissue from their belly is used to reconstruct their breasts in a microsurgical fashion.

The difference between a DIEP and Tram flap is a DIEP is microsurgical, meaning much less muscle injury and damage to the abdominoal wall where a TRAM flap is not microsurgical. A TRAM flap is not often practiced today.

Typicall wait to 2-4 weeks dependigon healing

After breast reconstruction patients can usually stop wearing the post-surgical bra at two weeks. A patient should follow their providers guidelines as to what bras should be worn after this.

At AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, we offer comprehensive breast reconstruction options for mastectomy patients throughout New Hampshire and southern Maine. Your reconstruction choices include implant-based techniques, which use tissue expanders followed by permanent implants to rebuild the breast mound, and autologous (flap) procedures that use your own tissue. One advanced option available locally is the DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses abdominal skin and fat without sacrificing muscle to create a natural-looking breast. For appropriate candidates, we also provide direct-to-implant reconstruction, which places the final implant during the mastectomy procedure, eliminating the expansion phase. During your consultation, our Portsmouth reconstruction specialists will thoroughly evaluate your unique circumstances, considering factors like body type, cancer treatment needs, and personal preferences to recommend the most appropriate reconstruction pathway.

DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap reconstruction is an advanced breast reconstruction technique available to Portsmouth and southern Maine patients that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a natural-looking breast. Unlike older techniques that sacrifice muscle, the DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, resulting in less post-operative pain and faster recovery. During this microsurgical procedure, tissue is carefully transferred to the chest and blood vessels are reconnected using specialized techniques. Ideal candidates for DIEP flap reconstruction at our Portsmouth facility are women who have sufficient abdominal tissue, are in good overall health, don't smoke, and desire the most natural-looking and feeling reconstruction option. The procedure is especially beneficial for women who want to avoid implant-related complications or who have had radiation therapy, which can compromise implant-based reconstruction results.

Yes, breast reconstruction is covered by insurance for patients in Portsmouth and throughout New Hampshire. Under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), all health insurance companies are required to cover reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy. This federal mandate ensures that Portsmouth women can access the reconstruction option that best suits their needs. Insurance coverage includes not only the initial reconstruction procedure but also surgery to achieve symmetry with the opposite breast and replacement of existing implants with a different reconstruction method if desired. At AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, our team works closely with insurance providers to maximize your benefits for breast reconstruction. We have extensive experience navigating insurance requirements and can guide you through the process of obtaining authorization for your New Hampshire breast reconstruction procedure.

Recovery following breast reconstruction at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth varies depending on the specific technique used. For implant-based reconstruction, most Portsmouth patients spend 1-2 days in the hospital, with a return to light activities within 2-3 weeks. For DIEP flap reconstruction, which is more complex, the hospital stay is typically 2-3 days, with driving and desk work possible within about 4 weeks. Complete recovery from flap procedures generally takes about 8 weeks, during which time you'll need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Throughout your recovery, our Portsmouth reconstruction team provides comprehensive follow-up care, monitoring your healing progress and addressing any concerns. While the initial recovery requires patience, most New Hampshire breast reconstruction patients find that the long-term benefits of restored breast appearance significantly improve their quality of life and psychological well-being after mastectomy.

The natural appearance and feel of your reconstructed breast depend significantly on the reconstruction method chosen at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth. DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses your own abdominal tissue, typically provides the mostrnnatural look and feel because it uses soft, living tissue that moves and ages with your body. Implant-based reconstruction can also achieve excellent aesthetic results, though the implant may feel firmer than natural breast tissue. Modern techniques used by our Portsmouth surgeons, including fat grafting to refine contours and nipple reconstruction or 3D tattooing, contribute to creating a more natural final appearance. Most New Hampshire patients report high satisfaction with their reconstructed breasts, particularly after the initial healing phase when swelling subsides and tissues soften. During your consultation, we can show you before-and-after photos of previous Portsmouth reconstruction patients to give you realistic expectations for your particular situation.