Breast Reconstruction Bellevue | Tseng Plastic Surgery

WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?

At Tseng Plastic Surgery in Bellevue Breast reconstruction is always a custom procedure, as every woman has a unique situation. The first step is an evaluation with Dr. Tseng, after which the correct approach will be determined. The way the mastectomy was performed may be a factor in the reconstruction technique. Many women can now undergo a more advanced technique, called a “nipple-sparing” mastectomy.

For some women, a partial mastectomy or a lumpectomy is performed, and after which the breast can be restored with a custom natural fat transfer. For other women undergoing breast cancer treatment, it is necessary to remove the entire breast structure. In this case, your reconstruction procedure may involve placing a tissue expander to trigger the body to create more skin to allow for an implant to be placed. Others may be eligible to undergo breast reconstruction in the same surgery as the mastectomy.

What Aesthetic Issues Can Breast Reconstruction Address?

Breast reconstruction can address changes in breast shape, volume, symmetry, and contour after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other breast cancer surgery. The right approach depends on how much tissue was removed, the condition of the remaining skin, prior or planned cancer treatment, and the appearance of the opposite breast.

Reconstruction may help improve:

Loss of one or both breasts after mastectomy
Partial breast volume loss after lumpectomy
Differences in breast size, shape, or position
Contour irregularities after cancer surgery
Changes in nipple or areola appearance
Visible scarring or areas of tissue depression
Asymmetry between a reconstructed breast and the opposite breast

If only one breast is reconstructed, a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation may sometimes be considered on the opposite side to improve balance and symmetry.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can restore breast shape after cancer treatment and give patients more options for how their chest and clothing look after surgery. Because reconstruction is highly individualized, the procedure can be planned around the amount of breast tissue removed, your anatomy, and your medical treatment.

Potential benefits include:

Restores breast shape and volume after mastectomy or lumpectomy
Improves symmetry between the breasts
Can reconstruct one breast or both breasts
May use implants, your own tissue, or a combination of techniques
Can include nipple and areola reconstruction when appropriate
May be performed at the time of mastectomy or at a later stage
Can reduce the need for an external breast prosthesis
Allows additional procedures to refine shape and symmetry over time

Breast reconstruction commonly takes place in stages, so the complete treatment plan may include more than one procedure.

LUMPECTOMY OR PARTIAL MASTECTOMY BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

If your treatment involved removing some of the breast tissue, leaving the rest intact, your procedure would not involve a full reconstruction. The options to restore symmetry and beauty to your breasts may be:

Natural fat transfer
Scar revision treatments
A breast lift, reshaping both breast mounds
Small implants placed to restore lost volume
Breast reduction surgery to restore the balance between the two breasts

VECTRA IMAGING

“TRY ON” YOUR PROCEDURE WITH VECTRA IMAGING

Dr. Tseng is committed to the highest level of patient satisfaction with the results of a procedure. With the Vectra imaging system, a 3D model of your face, breasts, or body allows you to see, with clarity, how a procedure will appear – on you. The Vectra Imaging system allows for a higher level of precision in planning a procedure for a result that reflects your desires.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VECTRA IMAGING

bellevue breast reconstruction vectra imaging model showing her back

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU?

Several surgical techniques are used in breast reconstruction surgery, including:

Breast reconstruction with implants: This procedure can be performed with saline or silicone implants.
Breast reconstruction with tissue transfer (flap): This procedure involves harvesting tissue from another part of the body and transferring it to create a new breast mound. These surgeries have a longer recovery time and leave two surgical scars.
Nipple and areola reconstruction: Natural tissue is used to reconstruct a natural-looking nipple area, followed by a custom tattooing procedure as the final touch.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY?

Following a breast reconstruction Bellevue patients' recovery time will vary based on the surgical techniques needed to reconstruct the breast and each patient's natural healing capacity. In general, you should plan on four to six weeks to feel back to normal. Dr. Tseng will closely monitor your progress and perform several wellness therapies to help your body heal more quickly.

What Results Can I Expect From Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can restore a breast mound and improve breast shape, size, and symmetry after cancer surgery. The final appearance depends on the type of mastectomy or lumpectomy, the reconstruction technique, skin quality, healing, and whether radiation or other cancer treatments are part of your care.

A reconstructed breast will not feel exactly the same as the breast tissue it replaces, and changes in sensation are common. Scars will also remain, although they generally soften and fade with time. Some patients need staged surgery or later revisions to refine symmetry, nipple position, contour, or scarring.

Results continue to settle as swelling decreases and the tissues heal. Dr. Tseng can explain what degree of symmetry and contour is realistic based on your anatomy and reconstruction plan.

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost in Bellevue?

The cost of breast reconstruction in Bellevue depends on the type of reconstruction, whether implants or tissue transfer are used, the number of surgical stages, anesthesia, facility fees, and any additional procedures needed to improve symmetry.

Federal law requires many health plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction and certain related post-mastectomy services under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs still vary by insurance plan, so patients should confirm benefits directly with their insurer before surgery.

During your consultation, the Tseng Plastic Surgery team can explain the anticipated surgical plan and the costs associated with your care.

WHY CHOOSE DR. MARK TSENG FOR YOUR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?

Breast reconstruction surgery is a very personal and often emotional experience. When under the care of Dr. Mark Tseng, you can expect personalized care and compassion, focusing his considerable artistic and surgical talents on achieving an outcome that is pleasing and natural in appearance, weight, and feel. Dr. Tseng has been practicing reconstructive surgeries for over two decades and has a passion for aesthetics. His practice has been built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and a dedication to achieving exceptional results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction

Can breast reconstruction be performed at the same time as a mastectomy?

Yes. Some patients are candidates for immediate breast reconstruction performed during the same operation as the mastectomy. Others benefit from delayed reconstruction after cancer treatment is complete. The timing depends on your diagnosis, treatment plan, anatomy, and medical team.

What is the difference between implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction?

Implant-based reconstruction uses a breast implant to create the breast mound. Flap reconstruction uses tissue taken from another part of your body. Each option has different surgical requirements, scars, recovery considerations, and candidacy factors.