Breast Cancer Reconstruction in Miami

Before & After Photos

Dr. Polo specializes in facial and body plastic surgery.  One area of expertise is breast cancer reconstruction surgery.  He is also well-versed in procedures including:

Breast Cancer Reconstruction  – with Implants

Though a mastectomy surgery may be necessary to the preservation of a cancer patient's health, it is traumatic for women to lose a part of their body. For many women, the breasts are an essential component to their identity as a female. During a mastectomy surgery, one or both breasts may be removed. The physical aftermath is often a distorted, sunken chest. A lumpectomy surgery does not require the removal of the entire breast. The damage to the surrounding tissue is less significant with this surgery, but the breast may heal with abnormalities. 

Dr. Max Polo - Nipple Sparing Mastectomy - Breast Cancer Reconstruction - Miami, FL

Breast cancer reconstruction surgery is performed on patients who wish to restore the size and shape of their bust following a mastectomy, double mastectomy, or lumpectomy surgery. When there is little or no breast tissue to sculpt, an implant is an ideal solution. A temporary expander may be inserted under the skin to make room for the implant. Depending on the case, the full breast reconstruction may occur the same day, or in the months following this procedure. The temporary expander may take hours, or sometimes months, to stretch the skin. The patient will need to revisit Dr. Polo to receive a minor in-office procedure where solution is added to the expander to promote stretching of the skin. These two surgeries are termed immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, respectively.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction – New Areola and Nipple 

Following a breast reconstruction surgery, a new areola and nipple can be fashioned to create symmetry among the breasts if only one required reconstructive surgery. This feature can also be constructed on both breasts if they have been surgically recreated and the patient would like to replace the breast in its full anatomical capacity. The formation of the areola and nipple is a subsequent procedure, performed after the breasts have healed (which typically take a few months).  The tissue that is shaped to form the new portion of the breast is a patient's own, and can be harvested from a number of areas on the body.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction –  for a Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy surgery may not always lead to a breast reconstruction surgery with implants. There are two procedures that can be performed from a person's own tissues to rebuild the breast. These surgeries are termed TRAM Flap surgery and Latissimus Dorsi Flap surgery. During a TRAM Flap procedure, tissue from the abdomen is used to recreate breast tissue. Latissimus Dorsi Flap surgery requires tissue to be lifted from the back and attached to the chest. Through a consultation with Dr. Polo, patients are able to learn about each procedure in detail, and determine the best option for their own needs.

Contact Dr. Polo today for more information on breast cancer reconstruction surgery in Miami.