Treatment
At A Glance
Duration
Variable
Daycase / Overnight
1 night
Type of Anaesthetic
GA
Bra / Garment to be worn for
6 weeks
Return to Work (depending on job)
2 weeks
Return to Gym
6 weeks
Treatment
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction by Maisam Fazel involves advanced surgical techniques to recreate a breast shape after a mastectomy.
What are the benefits of breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction aims to recreate the breast shape and can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later date. It offers patients psychological and aesthetic benefits when recovering from breast cancer.
There are a wide range breast reconstruction options. Understanding a patient’s oncological and aesthetic concerns is of utmost importance to Maisam Fazel in order to offer the most appropriate option.
In summary, a breast reconstruction can help:
- Restore the breast(s) that have been removed due to breast cancer treatment
- Address asymmetry after partial or full mastectomy in one breast alone
What to expect when having breast reconstruction with Maisam Fazel?
As an onco plastic surgeon, Maisam Fazel can draw on both his comprehensive knowledge of breast cancer surgery as well as his extensive experience in plastic surgery to produce the optimal aesthetic outcome. He can also perform delayed breast reconstructions for those patients who were not given the option of breast reconstruction at the time of their mastectomy, or for those who preferred to complete all their breast cancer treatment before embarking on breast reconstruction. There are a number of different techniques and surgical approaches that can be considered when planning a breast reconstruction procedure.
Implant Reconstruction
This is one of the most common types of breast reconstruction and involves using a breast implant to reproduce the shape of a breast.
Maisam Fazel frequently performs one-stage implant reconstructions using special synthetic or biological materials to support the implant and to give the reconstructed breast a natural shape (ptosis). This allows the breast reconstruction to be performed in one operation producing the desired aesthetic result immediately. One of the main advantages of this type of reconstruction is that it allows for a nipple preserving mastectomy (where oncologically permitted) and thus usually produces an excellent cosmetic result.
Latissimus Dorsi Flaps
During an LD flap reconstruction, a muscle flap is taken from the back and moved through a tunnel in the armpit to the front of the chest. The muscle flap often enhances an implant reconstruction to produce breasts that looks and feels more natural.
The procedure usually takes two to three hours to perform, and the patient remains in hospital for three to five days.
Additionally, Maisam Fazel is amongst a handful of surgeons in the UK who now combine lipomodelling with an LD breast reconstruction. In this process, fat is taken from the patient in a similar way to liposuction and re-injected into the reconstructed breast to give it greater volume.
Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) and Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP) Flaps
During the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap reconstructive procedures, an incision similar to that used in a tummy tuck is made in the abdomen to lift layers of skin, fat and blood vessels. The abdominal tissue is then used to create a breast mound on the chest.
This procedure often takes five to eight hours to perform and requires a hospital stay of around a week. Patients may experience abdominal pain and tightness for some weeks, and it may take a few months to return to full activity. However, TRAM and DIEP flap reconstructions are able to produce results that look and feel natural.
Before / After
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FAQs
- What method of breast reconstruction is best?
The best surgical approach depends on a number of factors that Maisam Fazel will evaluate when planning a procedure. This includes body shape, previous surgeries, current health and wellbeing and personal preferences. Every option will be discussed in full so that a patient can make an informed decision.
- Does having breast reconstruction increase the likelihood of breast cancer returning?
Several studies have shown that breast reconstruction is safe and does not in any way increase the chance of breast cancer returning.
- Does having breast reconstruction make it more difficult to detect breast cancer recurrence?
There is no evidence that having a breast reconstruction makes it more difficult to pick up recurrent disease. Patients are monitored in the same way with or without a breast reconstruction so any abnormalities can be investigated straight away using modern imaging techniques.
- What options are available for someone who does not want a breast reconstruction?
Some patient decide against having a breast reconstruction. In such cases, an artificial breast known as a prosthesis can be used to balance the breasts fill the underwear.
- What is the difference between onco plastic surgery and breast reconstruction?
Onco plastic surgery refers to creating an aesthetic breast shape after a lumpectomy, while breast reconstruction refers to creating a whole new breast mound after a full mastectomy.
Book Your Consultation
We would be happy to arrange a video or face to face consultation with Maisam Fazel to help you explore the range of procedures and treatments to help meet your needs
Book NowPatient Feedback
I was extremely happy with the results of my surgery.
I have found Mr. Fazel extremely helpful with all of my questions. My surgery was done on a very quick time scale He was extremely efficient and the end result was very pleasing. Despite all of my worries and concerns, it was such a relief to see my breast was still the same after my mastectomy.
I would certainly recommend him to others.
Highly recommended!
Kind, supportive, skilled. So pleased I saw Mr Fazel. I don't think you would find better treatment anywhere. Mr Fazel explained, very clearly, the procedure and following care. The staff at Spire, Thames Valley and Windsor were really helpful.
Great care. Thank you.
Outstanding specialist, very skilled and caring.
I discovered a lump in my left breast in March 2014, I was seen very quickly by Mr Fazel, in his one stop clinic meaning there was no hanging around waiting for results. He delivered the devastating news that I had breast cancer and my roller coaster started there. Mr Fazel from the moment I met him has been the most caring and sensitive specialist I could ever have asked for.
Thank you for saving my life.
Don’t look any further.
An amazing surgeon whom is tactile, honest, helpful and generally goes above and beyond to keep you informed and comfortable throughout the whole process. I had a lumpectomy with implant removal, no uplift (which I was previously told I needed), great results very pleased to have avoided unnecessary scarring!
I would highly recommend!
Tuberous breast specialist!
My GP referred me to Mr Fazel. I had seen a couple of other surgeons but wasn’t confident that they were experienced enough. HE spent a lot of time explaining the procedure to me and my options. I went with his advice (implants ver the muscle + areolar tightening) and am very pleased. The results are beyond my expectations.
Thank you Mr Fazel you are a star!
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