Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that restores one or both breasts to a natural shape, size, and appearance. Many women desire to have their reconstructed breast(s) be similar to their original breast(s), but each patient can choose how she would like the results of her reconstruction to look and feel. If only one breast needs reconstruction, a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation can be performed on the opposite breast to make the breasts as symmetrical as possible.
Breast reconstruction can help reduce the physical and emotional effects of having partial or all breast tissue removed by restoring a more feminine shape to the breast and improving the woman’s self-image. Choosing to undergo breast reconstruction is a highly personal decision, and patients should decide based on their own desires rather than outside influences.
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Why Choose Dr. Reichner for Breast Reconstruction in Orange County?
Dr. Daniel Reichner is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County with specialized training in complex microsurgery and reconstructive procedures. He completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of California, Irvine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. As an expert breast reconstruction surgeon with over 25 years of experience, he also serves as an assistant clinical professor of plastic surgery at UC Irvine.
His team takes a thorough, personal approach to care, guiding you from your first consultation through every stage of recovery.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy is one of the most common treatments for breast cancer, and it involves the surgical removal of breast tissue. Patients who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer may also undergo this procedure as a preventive measure. Depending on the patient’s individual circumstances, breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, or reconstruction may be delayed until after the patient has healed and/or additional cancer treatments have been performed.
Dr Reichner helped me through what could have been an embarrassing experience. I have always been insecure about my small and uneven breasts. He was always positive, professional and patient with me, even though I had a ton of questions and was probably too needy! I now feel great about my body. This new found confidence has really changed my outlook on life!
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
You may be a good candidate for breast reconstruction if you have completed or are planning a mastectomy and are in good overall health. Most healthy breast cancer survivors qualify, including those who had surgery months or years ago.
Timing matters. Immediate reconstruction takes place during your mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction allows you to finish other cancer treatments first. Dr. Reichner will review your health history and post-mastectomy surgery options to help you decide on the right timing and approach.
Nipple Reconstruction
Various techniques are available to preserve or reconstruct the nipple and areola. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain all of the options available to you.
Implant vs. Tissue Flap
Expander and Implant Reconstruction
A tissue expander is temporarily inserted into the breast pocket to stretch the breast tissue so that it can adequately cover an implant. Over the course of several weeks, the expander is progressively filled with a saline solution through an internal valve. Once the breast tissue is stretched enough, the expander is replaced by a breast implant. This technique takes longer to achieve the final breast reconstruction than the tissue flap method, but it allows for an easier recovery.
Tissue Flap Reconstruction
This method of reconstruction uses tissue from another area of the patient’s body, such as the back, thigh, or abdomen, to reconstruct the breast mound or to provide enough tissue to cover an implant. The new breast tissue may remain connected to the original blood supply through blood vessels tunnelled beneath the skin to the donor site, or it may be detached and rely on the growth of new blood vessels (tissue graft). If the flap is being used to provide tissue coverage, an implant will be inserted beneath it.
Your Breast Reconstruction will be performed in Dr. Reichner’s surgery center located in Orange County, CA
How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost?
Your breast reconstruction cost in Orange County varies depending on the technique used and the number of stages. Because this is a reconstructive procedure, most insurance plans are required to cover it under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This federal law mandates insurance coverage for reconstruction in California following a mastectomy, including procedures to achieve symmetry and treatment of complications.
If out-of-pocket costs apply or you are considering cosmetic refinements beyond what insurance covers, medical financing is available. Visit our patient financing options page for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
