Breast Reconstruction in Savannah, GA

Whether your reconstruction is performed immediately after your mastectomy, or years down the road, your health insurance plan should cover it. The 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires all group health plans that pay for mastectomy, to also cover prostheses and reconstructive procedures. This includes procedures that may be needed further down the line to revise and refine your reconstructed breasts, or to create symmetry and balance between your breasts. Please note that Medicare does cover breast reconstruction, while Medicaid coverage can vary from state to state. For more information, please contact our office.

While breast reconstruction can restore the appearance of the breast, it does not fully restore normal sensation. Nerve damage occurs during a mastectomy, and although some sensations may gradually return over time, they often differ from pre-surgery sensations. Advanced techniques, such as nerve grafting, may be used during reconstruction to improve the likelihood of sensation returning, but the results can vary.

Preparation for breast reconstruction includes discussing all options and expectations with your surgeon. It’s important to quit smoking, as it can affect healing, and to manage any health conditions, such as diabetes, before surgery. Patients should also arrange for help at home during recovery and prepare for post-operative care by setting up a comfortable recovery space. Your surgeon may provide additional pre-operative instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or fasting before the procedure.

The recovery process varies based on the type of reconstruction. Patients can generally expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the weeks following surgery. You can manage pain with medication and resume light activities within a few weeks. You may need to avoid more strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, for six weeks or longer. Complete healing and the final appearance of the reconstructed breast may take several months. Dr. Pearl will provide post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Patients can have a say in the size and shape of their reconstructed breasts, within certain limits. The options available will depend on body type, remaining tissue amount, and the reconstruction method. Your surgeon will discuss the possibilities and help guide you toward the best decision to achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.

Yes, scars are a natural part of the healing process following any surgery, including breast reconstruction. The scar location and appearance will vary based on the type of reconstruction performed. While scars typically fade over time, they may never completely disappear. Your surgeon can recommend scar management techniques to help minimize their visibility, such as topical treatments, laser therapy, or silicone sheets.

No. Breast reconstruction is completely optional. Some women choose reconstruction to restore breast shape, while others feel comfortable without it.

The best time depends on your cancer treatment plan, overall health, and personal preference. Some women choose reconstruction at the time of mastectomy (immediate), while others wait until after cancer treatment is complete (delayed).

Immediate reconstruction begins at the same time as your mastectomy. After the breast tissue is removed, your plastic surgeon starts rebuilding the breast during the same operation. This approach can reduce the number of surgeries and preserve more of the natural breast skin.

Delayed reconstruction is performed months or even years after a mastectomy. This option is often chosen if radiation therapy is needed or if a patient prefers to focus on cancer treatment first.

In most cases, reconstruction does not delay chemotherapy. However, certain types of reconstruction may need to be coordinated carefully if radiation therapy is planned. Your surgical and oncology teams will create a treatment plan that prioritizes your cancer care.

No. Breast reconstruction does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence. It does not interfere with cancer surveillance or follow-up care.

Flap reconstruction uses your own tissue—usually skin, fat, and sometimes muscle—from another part of your body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or back) to create a new breast. Because it uses your natural tissue, it often provides a softer, more natural look and feel.

Tissue expanders are usually in place for several weeks to a few months. During this time, they are gradually filled to stretch the skin before being replaced with a permanent implant.

Some patients experience tightness or pressure, especially after expansion appointments. Most discomfort is temporary and manageable with medication. Many women find the process tolerable overall.

The best donor site depends on your body type, available tissue, previous surgeries, overall health, and desired results. Your plastic surgeon will discuss options, including DIEP, TRAM, PAP, and other flap procedures.

Radiation can affect skin quality and healing. It may increase the risk of complications with implants and sometimes makes flap reconstruction a preferred option. Your surgeon will tailor recommendations based on your treatment plan.

Yes, implants can rupture, though it is uncommon. With saline implants, the breast will noticeably deflate. With silicone implants, a rupture may not be immediately visible (sometimes called a “silent rupture”) and may require imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to detect.

Return-to-work timing varies by procedure. Implant reconstruction patients may return in two to four weeks, while flap reconstruction may require four to six weeks or longer. Physically demanding jobs may require longer recovery time.

Flap reconstruction often feels more natural because it uses your own tissue. Implant-based reconstruction can also provide excellent results, though the feel may be slightly firmer. Sensation is often reduced after mastectomy, though some nerve restoration techniques may help improve feeling over time.