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Breast Reconstruction in Baltimore, MD

If you have had a breast removed through mastectomy due to cancer or another condition, getting breast reconstruction in Baltimore will do more than restore your appearance. For many women, it is an important part of healing and recovery. Our Baltimore breast reconstruction surgeons can help you with regaining a more normal breast shape, size, and symmetry which can impact your confidence and quality of life.

A personal approach to breast reconstruction

We understand the personal circumstances that have brought you to seek a plastic surgeon’s help and promise to empower you as a partner in your breast reconstruction experience.

While promoting a safe and healthy recovery after breast cancer and mastectomy is our main priority, our surgeons also aim to recreate an aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical, and natural-looking breast that resembles your natural breast shape and size.

Your plastic surgeon at Belcara Health will be part of your cancer treatment team, and he will work closely with your oncology surgeon, as well as any other physicians involved in your healthcare.

Choosing a breast reconstruction technique

Advancements in breast reconstruction techniques have increased the choices you have to restore your breasts after mastectomy. A large number of our patients choose tissue expander and breast implant reconstruction, while some others would like a method that uses their natural tissue. The choice you make is entirely personal.

Prior to surgery, your surgeon will describe the various techniques, explain the pros and cons of each as they apply to your unique circumstances, and design a surgical plan that best fits your needs and desires.

What is involved in a breast reconstruction procedure?

Breast reconstruction is a highly customized procedure, and the surgical process will vary widely from patient to patient contingent on the techniques used, your desired outcome, and whether or not reconstructive procedures are performed at the same time as your mastectomy.

The surgery can take between one to six hours and your procedure specifics will be dependent upon your chosen options. Most breast reconstruction plans involve more than one procedure, with the first surgery typically taking the most time. Because safety is our primary concern, we always work with board-certified anesthesiologists to ensure that your experience is as safe as possible.

What should you expect during your breast reconstruction recovery?

Just as the time and complexity of surgery will vary, the healing process will be different depending on the technique chosen, as well as your general overall health at the time of surgery. Generally, flap procedures take more time in the hospital than tissue expansion techniques, and those requiring incisions in the abdomen will have the longest recovery. You should expect to be in the hospital for up to two to five days following surgery.

It can take up to six weeks to fully recover from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction procedure, while a delayed breast reconstruction with just implants should involve considerably less recovery time.

Nipple tattooing & areola reconstruction in Baltimore

Nipple and areolar tattooing is often the last stage of the breast reconstruction process and occurs after you have healed from your previous procedures. This relatively easy in-office treatment can be an important step in helping your reconstructed breast truly look and feel like your natural breast.

The process takes around one hour and is performed by our specially trained permanent makeup tattoo artist.  She works meticulously to recreate a nipple and areola appearance that looks natural and proportionate to your new breast, artistically designing a three-dimensional look to the area. She can match the color to that of your previous nipple and areola, or apply a darker or lighter pigment than you had before, depending on your individual preference.

While the tattooing is typically comfortable, we can apply a local anesthetic to keep you as pain-free as possible. The area will be sensitive and irritated for around a week after treatment and will at first look darker than your chosen shade. Your skin will heal to the correct color within around three weeks.

Where will the breast reconstruction procedure take place?

Most breast reconstruction patients elect to have their procedures performed in our on-site surgery center. Our 5-star facility, the Clarkview Surgical Center, was designed with the safety, comfort, privacy, and convenience of our patients in mind. It features state-of-the-art technology and meets the most rigorous safety standards. We are proud to be one of the few outpatient surgical facilities to earn AAAHC accreditation, as well as certifications from Medicare and the state of Maryland. Because safety is our first concern, all surgical procedures are performed with board-certified anesthesiologists and registered nurses.

Will insurance cover your breast reconstruction?

If your health insurance provider covers mastectomy, they will also cover your breast reconstruction procedure. With very limited exceptions, health insurance companies in the United States are required to cover breast reconstruction in mastectomy benefits, including the cost of your breast implants. Maryland state law also requires insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy, in addition to opposite-breast surgery if necessary. Our office will work with your insurance provider to determine the scope of your benefits.

Why Choose Belcara Health for Your Breast Reconstruction

If you are ready to improve your appearance, the practice and surgeon you select are your most important decisions. To be confident with your results, you must have confidence in your medical team.

With credentials from such esteemed institutions as Stanford University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, our board-certified plastic surgeons are renowned for creating natural-looking, proportionate, beautiful results. Dr. Michael Cohen and Dr. Gary Vela will listen carefully to your goals, answer all your questions and help you make informed choices. We believe in educating our patients about their treatment options because you know your body best and you should be a partner in the entire surgery experience.

Exceptional patient care is the core of our philosophy at Belcara Health. Our goal is for you to feel as if you just received the best care possible and absolutely love your results. Located in a welcoming, sophisticated, luxurious facility, our 5-star services and staff provide an unparalleled experience. At each stage, we make every effort to surpass all your expectations. We are constantly upgrading our knowledge, technology, and services – and it shows. Our strong reputation and the trust of the community validates this commitment.

Our practitioners who specialize in breast reconstruction in Baltimore:

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