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Breast Reconstruction Near Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC

Located in Glen Burnie MD, Beaux Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery offers plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments to the residents of Washington DC, and the surrounding communities in Maryland of Columbia and Baltimore.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgeries to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance, and size following a mastectomy. A reconstructed breast will not, however, have the same sensation as the breast it replaced. If only one breast is affected by a mastectomy, an additional breast lift, reduction, or augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to achieve symmetry.

Breast Reconstruction Near Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC

How is Breast Reconstruction Performed?

The first step in the procedure is to administer medication to mitigate any pain. Dr. Nia Banks will recommend either sedation or general anesthesia. One option for reconstruction is a flap technique, and there are several types of flap techniques. A TRAM flap uses muscle, fat, and skin from the patients abdomen to reconstruct the breast. Blood flow will be created through the chest wall or detached, and the flap will be formed into a breast mound. A DIEP or SGAP flap technique does not use muscle but uses tissue from the abdomen or buttock and leaves original blood supply intact. A latissimus dorsi flap uses muscle, fat, and skin from the back and tunnels it to the mastectomy site and remains attached to its donor site, leaving blood supply intact. Sometimes the flap can reconstruct the breast, but often provides the muscle and tissue needed to support an implant.

Breast Reconstruction Near Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC

Tissue expansion is another option for reconstruction. This procedure stretches healthy skin to provide coverage for an implant. This procedure allows for easier recovery than flap procedures but is a more lengthy process, requiring many office visits over 4-6 months to slowly expand the skin.

Saline or silicone implants can be used in addition to, or in place of, a flap technique. Reconstruction using just an implant usually requires tissue expansion.

Dr. Banks will then reconstruct the nipple and areola.

How Do I Know if Breast Reconstruction is Right for Me?

If you have gone through a mastectomy and do not have additional medical conditions that may impair healing from either breast cancer or reconstruction, you are a candidate for breast reconstruction. It can improve your confidence and self-image. Contact Dr. Banks to schedule a consultation and discuss your surgery options.

What Type of Post-Operative Breast Reconstruction Care Can I Expect?

Depending on the procedure you and Dr. Banks choose, post-operative recovery varies. Following flap technique surgery and/or the insertion of an implant, Dr. Banks will apply bandages to your chest. Elastic bandages will support the reconstructed breast, and you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your surgical site. The healing process will take a few weeks, and you will return to Dr. Banks for follow-up visits.

Real Patient Reviews

“Had an online consultation with Lindsay. She is an absolute gem and very comforting. I felt no pressure and left with more information than my previous consultations. I’m looking forward to my next steps with Dr. Banks.”
- Katie R.

What are Breast Reconstruction Costs?

Please schedule a consultation to discuss breast reconstruction costs. There are various techniques and options when it comes to breast reconstruction procedures, so it is necessary to discuss your personal goals and desires. Breast reconstruction after breast cancer may be partly covered by health insurance.

Dr. Banks and her skilled team at Beaux Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery in Glen Burnie, work to create a comfortable atmosphere for patients in Washington DC, Columbia MD, Baltimore MD and the surrounding communities.