Patient - Breast Reconstruction

« Return To Breast Reconstruction

Click on an image below to see a larger version.

Before

This patient came to me over 25 years ago for reconstruction of her left breast. She had undergone a mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Subsequently, she had to have radiation to that side and this caused excessive scar tissue, which shrank and gave her a very hard, much too small breast. I removed her implant and scar tissue, as well as some of the radiation damaged skin and replace these with a large flap of skin and fat from the abdomen (TRAM flap). The second before photo shows my markings for this. She did well with a great result.

After

25 years have now passed and she returned with an unrelated problem. I asked about her breast reconstruction and she said that the nipple flap gradually disappeared as her breasts changed with time, and her areola tattooing faded away. Rather than attempt another reconstruction, this lively, free-spirited lady had a colorful tattoo placed instead. She chose a dragon to represent strength. I loved it!