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Breast Reconstruction Overview

What Is Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a personalized surgical procedure that recreates the shape and appearance of one or both breasts following mastectomy or lumpectomy. This operation helps restore body symmetry and confidence by rebuilding a natural‑looking breast mound.

At LV Plastic Surgery, we offer both implant‑based breast reconstruction in Las Vegas and autologous (flap) techniques to suit your needs and anatomy.

  • Implant‑Based Reconstruction: Silicone or saline implants are placed beneath the chest muscle—sometimes via a two‑stage approach with a tissue expander first—to achieve predictable, long‑lasting results.
  • Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction: Uses your own tissue (DIEP, TRAM, or latissimus dorsi flaps) harvested from the abdomen, back, or thighs for a softer, more natural feel without synthetic implants.

Candidates for breast reconstruction in Las Vegas include those seeking immediate rebuilding at the time of cancer surgery or delayed reconstruction afterward. Our board‑certified surgeons will craft a treatment plan tailored to your medical history, body type, and aesthetic goals to deliver safe, beautiful, and enduring outcomes.

Rebuilding the breasts with strategic breast reconstruction

The most common reason for breast reconstruction is a woman’s desire to rebuild the breasts after a mastectomy. Additional reasons for breast reconstruction include an injury or trauma, illness or congenital defect.

In the aftermath of breast cancer, Dr. Parker has helped many women to regain a sense of dignity and pride in their appearance by creating breasts that both look and feel highly natural. Research has shown that breast reconstruction often has a positive impact, both emotionally and mentally, on the breast cancer survivor, providing a sense of closure as well as hope.

Dr. Parker can begin your breast reconstruction in Las Vegas at the same time as mastectomy, or he can delay the reconstruction for a later date. It’s important that you discuss reconstruction with your mastectomy surgeon so he or she can use the proper techniques. Note that breast reconstruction is an option whether you have a full mastectomy or just a partial one.

Options for reconstruction

Dr. Parker can perform breast reconstruction either with implants, or through the fat transfer process. With fat transfer, fat is taken from a donor area where it is unwanted (such as the thighs, belly or hips), it is purified and sterilized, and then is injected into the breasts to build volume naturally.

Dr. Parker will help you to determine the best method for reconstruction during your confidential consultation in Las Vegas.

Reconstruction with implants

Dr. Parker will use either saline or silicone implants placed under the pec muscles. If the skin is too tight, Dr. Parker will need to use a tissue expander first in order to create the proper capsule to house the implant. The next step will be for Dr. Parker to reconstruct the nipples, and finally apply an areola tattoo, creating the most authentic-looking breasts possible.

In some cases, he may also apply an acellular dermal matrix made of human cells to create a scaffolding on which the implants can rest. Fat transfer may be used to create more natural-looking edges around the reconstructed breasts.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction offers transformative physical and emotional benefits, allowing individuals to restore their breast shape, symmetry, and natural balance after mastectomy or trauma. The procedure helps enhance body image and self-confidence, giving patients the freedom to feel comfortable in their clothing and regain a sense of wholeness.

Candidates for Breast Reconstruction

Ideal candidates for breast reconstruction are individuals in good overall health, without conditions that may impede healing. Candidates often include those who have undergone mastectomy, lumpectomy, or sustained breast injury. Timing is flexible, allowing some to choose immediate reconstruction, while others may prefer a delayed approach based on personal needs.

Breast Augmentation

Why Choose LV Plastic Surgery for Your Breast Augmentation in Las Vegas?

At LV Plastic Surgery, our board‑certified surgeons combine decades of experience with a passion for achieving beautifully natural results. As leaders in breast augmentation in Las Vegas, we offer a full range of implant options—from trusted silicone to advanced gummy bear implants—tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Our state‑of‑the‑art facility ensures the highest standards of safety and comfort, while our compassionate team provides individualized attention at every step. From your first consultation through recovery, you’ll benefit from artistry, precision, and genuine care that has made LV Plastic Surgery the trusted choice for women throughout Southern Nevada.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?

Most breast reconstruction procedures take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether implants or a flap technique is used. Immediate reconstruction at the time of mastectomy can extend the operative time slightly.

For delayed reconstruction, surgery times may be shorter if only an implant exchange or fat grafting is required. Your surgeon will discuss the expected duration based on your individualized treatment plan.

2. What is the typical recovery timeline after breast reconstruction?

Hospital stays usually range from 1 to 2 days, especially after implant-based reconstruction. Drains may remain in place for 1–2 weeks to prevent fluid buildup.

Most patients return to light activities in 2–3 weeks and resume full exercise around 6–8 weeks. Complete healing and final results can take up to 6 months.

3. Can breast reconstruction be performed immediately after mastectomy?

Yes—immediate reconstruction allows Dr. Parker to rebuild the breast mound during the same surgery as your mastectomy, reducing the number of operations and overall recovery time.

Alternatively, delayed reconstruction can be scheduled months or years later, giving you time to focus on cancer treatment and personal readiness before pursuing reconstruction.

4. Will my reconstructed breast look and feel natural?

Modern implants and refined flap techniques can closely mimic the appearance of natural breast tissue. Dr. Parker also performs nipple reconstruction and areola tattooing for added realism.

Fat grafting may be used to smooth contours and enhance softness, ensuring your reconstructed breast complements your body’s natural shape.

5. What are the risks and complications of breast reconstruction?

As with any surgery, potential risks include infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Implant-based reconstruction carries a small risk of capsular contracture.

Flap procedures may have risks of partial flap loss or donor-site issues. Dr. Parker minimizes complications through meticulous surgical technique and close postoperative monitoring.

6. Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?

Under federal law (the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act), most insurances must cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including implants and flap procedures.

Coverage often includes hospital fees, surgeon’s fees, and related services. Our staff can assist you with insurance pre-authorization and provide guidance on any out-of-pocket costs.

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