At Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis (PSG), we understand the physical and emotional challenges that come with breast cancer and mastectomy. Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in advanced breast reconstruction techniques, offering personalized care to help you feel whole again. With years of experience in both implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction, we provide compassionate support throughout your journey to recovery.
Interested in this procedure?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the breast mound, typically after mastectomy or lumpectomy. At PSG, we offer various reconstruction options, including tissue expanders with implants, direct-to-implant procedures, and autologous tissue reconstruction using your own body tissue. Our goal is to create a natural-looking breast that restores your silhouette and boosts your confidence.
After a breast cancer diagnosis, breast reconstruction surgery can help restore a sense of wholeness in her body. Federal law mandates that breast reconstruction after a mastectomy be covered by health plans, including procedures done on the opposite breast to improve symmetry.
The most popular reconstruction technique is implant surgery. Initially, a tissue expander is inserted to gradually stretch the breast skin over a few months. Nipple and areola reconstruction is usually performed later if a traditional mastectomy has been performed. Over the past several years, nipple-sparing mastectomy has become an option, depending on oncologic and reconstructive criteria.
Reconstruction can be performed as an outpatient procedure, depending on the extent of the surgery and the medical condition of the patient, and recovery takes 1-2 weeks, with scarring from reconstruction using expanders and implants identical to scarring from a mastectomy.
Other options for breast reconstruction include using a back muscle (latissimus dorsi). DIEP flaps are not performed by our group and are usually referred to specialized microsurgery groups.
Your Memphis Breast Reconstruction surgeon can discuss the details of each type of reconstruction to help you make your decision.
The breast reconstruction process varies depending on the chosen technique. For implant-based reconstruction, we often begin with tissue expanders to gradually stretch the skin, followed by permanent implant placement. This process may take several months. For autologous reconstruction (reconstruction that uses donor tissue to recreate the breast shape), we use tissue from areas like the abdomen or back to recreate the breast in a single surgery.
We also provide partial breast reconstruction for patients who've undergone lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, helping to maintain breast symmetry and shape. In cases of breast cancer recurrence, our experienced team can perform secondary reconstruction, adapting our approach to your unique situation.
Breast reconstruction primarily addresses the loss of breast tissue due to:
Our Memphis Breast Reconstruction surgeons at PSG will carefully assess your case and create a personalized reconstruction plan.
While breast reconstruction focuses on rebuilding the breast mound, it can involve other body areas when using autologous tissue. Our surgeons skillfully harvest tissue from these areas to create natural-looking breasts while minimizing donor site impact.
Breast reconstruction offers numerous benefits:
Our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure natural-looking results that complement your body shape and lifestyle.
Ideal candidates for Breast Reconstruction are:
During your consultation at PSG, our board-certified surgeons will evaluate your health history, discuss your goals, and determine the best reconstruction approach for you. Our experienced team of board-certified plastic surgeons offers compassionate care and advanced reconstruction techniques tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards feeling whole again.
Recovery from breast reconstruction varies depending on the technique used. Implant-based reconstruction typically has a shorter initial recovery, while autologous reconstruction may require a longer healing period due to the donor site.
Most Memphis Breast Reconstruction patients can return to light activities within 4-6 weeks. You may experience some discomfort and swelling, which we will help manage with medication and compression garments. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and support throughout your recovery process, including guidance on when to resume normal activities and how to care for your reconstructed breast(s).
The timeline for final results varies based on the reconstruction method. Implant-based reconstruction with tissue expanders may take several months as the expanders are gradually filled. Autologous reconstruction results are more immediately noticeable but may take several months to settle fully.
Most patients enjoy long-lasting Breast Reconstruction results from their breast reconstruction. However, it's important to note that reconstructed breasts will not have the same sensation as natural breasts, and regular follow-ups are essential to monitor your results over time.
Federal law requires insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy. We'll help you navigate the insurance process.
In many cases, yes. We work closely with your oncology team to determine the best timing for your reconstruction.
We may recommend a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation on the unaffected side to achieve symmetry. There is a federal mandate for insurance to cover the other side breast if necessary to ensure symmetry.
Delayed reconstruction can be performed months or even years after mastectomy. We'll assess your case to determine the best approach for you and your goals.
Tissue Expander/Implant
50-year-old woman who had a left partial mastectomy for LCIS, then one year later had findings of atypical ductal hyperplasia. For risk reduction, she opted to have bilateral mastectomies and immediate tissue expander reconstruction. Her tissue expanders were then replaced with 800cc High Profile Gel implants. She later had nipple reconstruction, tattooing, and had to have one touch-up tattoo on the right breast Photos taken 1 year after implant replacement.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
38 year olds. 5'7" 160 lbs. Diagnosed with ductal carcinoma insitu of her right breast. She underwent immediate tissue expander reconstruction. The expanders ** was** replaced with a 800cc high profile silicone gel implants, and a left reduction mammoplasty was done for symmetry. Nipple reconstruction and tattooing were also performed.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
41-year-old woman 5'4" 112 lbs. Previously had subglandular augment. After finding cancer in her right breast decided to undergo bilateral mastectomies with immediate tissue expander reconstruction. The expanders were replaced with 350cc high profile gel implants. Nipple reconstruction and tattooing was performed along with multiple fat transfers to bilateral breasts to correct rippling and shape.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
29-year-old woman. 5'8" 153 lbs. Underwent bilateral mastectomies with immediate tissue expander reconstruction. She had previously had a left partial mastectomy and chemotherapy. The expanders were replaced with 425cc high profile silicone gel implants. Nipple reconstruction and tattooing was performed along with fat transfer to the left breast.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
50-year-old woman underwent bilateral mastectomies with immediate tissue expander reconstruction. The expanders were replaced with 475cc high profile silicone gel implants. Nipple reconstruction and tattooing were also performed.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
38-Year-old woman underwent bilateral mastectomies with immediate tissue expander reconstruction with the "Wise" pattern. Pre-operatively the patient was a DD-cup, and wished to be smaller. Had to debride her left breast, and replace her left tissue expander 1 month after initial placement due to break down of skin and an infected implant. Went on to do fine, and the tissue expanders were replaced with 650cc high profile silicone gel implants. Her right implant was exchanged 3 weeks later due to a seroma. Nipple reconstruction and tattooing were also performed without complications.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
53-year-old woman underwent bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate tissue expander reconstruction. The expanders were replaced with 550cc high profile silicone gel implants. She had thickening of the left mastectomy scar, which was treated with a few steroid injections.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
PRE-PECTORAL BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
70 year old woman. 5’3” 165 lbs. Underwent left mastectomy for DCIS with microinvasion. She opted for immediate reconstruction with tissue expander placed underneath her muscle. Patient then had a significant animation deformity (movement of implant when left arm is used), which also caused her pain. When replacing tissue expander, her implant was converted to prepectoral (above the muscle). A 590cc ultra high profile gel implant was placed. SPY was used to confirm vascularity. Right mastopexy was done at the same time for symmetry. It was later offered to revise left breast for better contour, and reconstruct a nipple, but patient is happy at this time. Photos taken 7 months postoperative.
67 year old woman. 5’6” 174 lbs. Underwent left mastectomy for infiltrating lobular carcinoma. She opted for immediate prepectoral tissue expander reconstruction. SPY was used to confirm vascularity. Expander was replaced with an Allergan 750cc smooth Extra full projection gel implant. Had right Lassus vertical breast reduction at the same time, removing 215 grams of breast tissue. Nipple reconstruction and tattooing were also performed.
54 year old woman. 5’7” 180 lbs. Underwent left mastectomy for infiltrating lobular carcinoma 10 years prior. With another surgeon, she had immediate submuscular tissue expander reconstruction, followed by placement of a gel implant. She subsequently had 2 separate implant exchanges over the following 6 years to gain symmetry following weight gain. She now presents with lack of projection and lower pole fullness, no definition of inframammary fold, and synmastia. Her implant was converted to the prepectoral position, and SPY was used to confirm vascularity. A Mentor Xtra 685cc moderate plus profile gel implant was placed. Discussed fat grafting to better contour upper pole of her left breast, revising her areola tattoo, but patient is happy at this time. Photos taken 9 months postoperative.
LATISSIMUS FLAP
The patient had a partial mastectomy and radiation to the right breast. A latissimus flap reconstruction was performed, and a tissue expander was placed which was eventually replaced with the largest available implant.
Then, the left breast was reduced to match the size of the right breast. Finally, the back skin island was moved to the center of the right breast where the nipple was then reconstructed.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
71-year-old woman. 5'4: 136 lbs. Had recurrent right breast cancer after previous partial mastectomy and radiation. She elected to undergo bilateral mastectomies. She was reconstructed with latissimus dorsi flap on her right breast and tissue expander on the left. Patient did not desire nipple/areola reconstruction.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
45-year-old woman. 5'5" 150lbs. Prior history of right partial mastectomy and radiation. She then presented with a new suspicious area in right breast and patient elected to have bilateral mastectomies. Right breast reconstructed with latissimus flap and tissue expander, left breast with tissue expander. Tissue expanders were then replaced with silicone breast implants. Reconstruction was completed by creating artificial nipples and areola tattooing.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
52 year old woman. 5'4", 145 lbs. 2 children. D-cup breasts with previous cosmetic submuscular augment. Prior history of right partial mastectomy and radiation. Now has DCIS of left breast, and opted to have bilateral mastectomies. She was reconstructed with a right latissimus flap and tissue expander, and tissue expander and acellular dermis on the left. The tissue expanders were then replaced with silicone breast implants. She had 2 separate procedures to perform fat grafting to the upper pole of her breasts for symmetry, and completed the reconstruction by creating artificial nipples and areola tattooing.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
35 years old. 5'2", 120 lbs. 2 children. Patient discovered a lump in her right breast when she was 12 weeks postpartum. She had preoperative chemotherapy, followed by bilateral mastectomies and radiation to her right breast. 6 months following her radiation she was reconstructed with a right latissimus flap and tissue expander, and a tissue expander and acellular dermis on the left. The tissue expanders were then replaced with a 350cc high profile gel implant on the right, and a 430cc ultra high profile gel implant on the left. She underwent 1 revision surgery to adjust her right inframammary fold for symmetry. She is not interested in nipple/areola reconstruction at this time. Photos taken 6 months after last procedure.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
52-year-old-woman. 5'1" 140 lbs. Originally diagnosed with right breast cancer, and was treated with right partial mastectomy and radiation. 2 years later she was diagnosed with the BRCA gene, and opted for bilateral prophylactic nipple sparing mastectomies. Right breast was reconstructed with latissimus flap and tissue expander, left breast with tissue expanders. At the time of her implant exchange fat grafting was also done to make her breasts more symmetric. NOTE: The right breast has continued to shrink, due to previous radiation. She may need further revisions in the future, but the patient is happy at this time.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
TRAM FLAP
41-year-old woman, 5'10" 230 lbs. Previously underwent a partial mastectomy and radiation. She was reconstructed with a TRAM flap, and had a delay procedure to improve blood supply. These are intermediate photos 4 months postoperative, and before scheduled breast lift.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
PARTIAL RECONSTRUCTION
57-year-old woman that underwent a left partial mastectomy after being diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. She was reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The scar on her back was designed to be covered by her bra. Photos were 7 months postoperative, and 3 months following her last radiation treatment.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
43-year-old woman. 5'6" 171 lbs. Underwent right lower-inner quadrant and nipple-aerola removal for breast cancer. Reconstruction performed by rotating remaining breast tissue. Patient subsequently underwent radiation therapy. Once the patient was ready, a left reduction for symmetry was performed. Patient is considering right nipple/areola reconstruction.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
62-year-old woman. 5'5" 180 lbs. Underwent a partial mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer. After a subsequent biopsy she developed a non-healing wound, and displacement of her nipple/aerola complex. Reconstruction performed with a latissimus dorsi flap and right breast lift for symmetry.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
52-year-old woman 8 years status post right partial mastectomy and radiation therapy. She had a new mass in her breast that had to be removed, and she desired reconstruction. She would not allow her back muscle to be used. She underwent 2 local flaps using skin and far below her breast to begin replacing volume and lost skin. She later underwent 5 fat transfer procedures that restored symmetry with the opposite side while maintaining softness of the breast.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
For more information, see Dr. Ellis Tavin.
