Botched Breast Reconstruction Repair

What is Botched Breast Reconstruction Repair?

Women who have experienced a failed or “botched” breast reconstruction after mastectomy in the past are often delighted to find out that our experience and expertise can help. Creative artistry and sophisticated microsurgical procedures allow the surgeons at our Center to correct or dramatically improve even the most disappointing outcomes. It is no longer necessary to live with chronic pain or disfigurement from previous procedures.

The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is especially dedicated, and mission driven, to help women who have undergone attempts at breast reconstruction in the recent or distant past and are left with poor outcomes.

Common issues seen include scarring, poor mastectomy incision location, size and shape imbalance, implant complications, radiation effects, and previous failed flap surgeries. The comprehensive clinical experience and the wide range of pioneering procedures perfected at The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery provide hope and innovative solutions for what may seem like hopeless situations. “Our charge for these women is not only to correct the damage but also to create beauty and harmony in their result at the end of our time with them,” says DellaCroce.

Our pioneering techniques range from the simplest of approaches to advanced options, including Stacked Flap^SM, SGAP, and BODY LIFT Flap^® breast reconstruction procedures. The surgeons at the Center are experts at all forms of reconstructive breast surgery, a necessity when approaching complex situations.

The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery has become known as a global resource for women seeking Corrective Breast Reconstruction for problems with failed attempts or poor outcomes from prior attempts at breast reconstruction.

When is Corrective Breast Reconstruction Used?

Correction of failed tissue flaps, failed implants, imbalance, scarring, and capsular contracture are among the many things that can be repaired with corrective breast repair. It is not uncommon for women to report having undergone 6 or more surgeries to reconstruct their breasts before reaching out to the Center for help. Size problems, poor breast shape, and overt devastating disfigurement from prior failed attempts require the most advanced approaches to restore beauty and symmetry.

What are the Benefits to Corrective Breast Reconstruction?

There are several benefits to correcting a botched or inadequate breast reconstruction. Erasing the sense of injury and loss with modern corrective procedures can bring a sense of healing and wholeness even after previous failed efforts. Corrective Breast Reconstruction has the potential to dramatically improve the overall quality of life. The hope that comes from knowing that sophisticated microsurgery, combined with high-level artistic vision, is capable of correcting the “uncorrectable” is empowering.

The benefits of corrective breast reconstruction can also reduce or eliminate chronic pain associated with a poor or failed reconstruction. Improved symmetry and volume restoration can give back clothing options that are otherwise troublesome or uncomfortable.

As with any surgery, the risks of surgery can be minimized by carefully following your pre-surgical instructions. If you have other medical problems or factors that increase your risk, we will work with you to educate you on proper preparation and arrange your clinical care regimen to maximize your safety and proper recovery.

The Procedure

PRE-SURGERY OFFICE VISIT

In most cases, you will be seen in our office 1-2 days prior to your surgery. At that time, we will go over the planned procedure, review consents, answer any questions you may have, and apply any surgical planning markings as may be required.

THE OPERATION

When you arrive at the hospital, you will be escorted to the preoperative holding area where you will change into a gown and be given foot coverings. The nurse or anesthesiologist will start an IV so that fluids and necessary medications may be given to you. Family members will be allowed to visit with you in the preoperative area once you are prepared for surgery.

After your surgery is complete, you will awaken in the recovery room under warm blankets with a dedicated nursing attendant at your side. You will be carefully monitored and kept comfortable. You will then be transferred to a private inpatient room that is prepared to allow you to rest and recover under the supervision of your attending physician and nurses. One adult caregiver may stay with you overnight during your hospitalization. A fold-out Murphy bed has been integrated into your room for their individualized comfort.

Your procedure will be performed in a state-of-the-art operating suite that is part of a fully accredited hospital that has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons for Excellence in care quality. Highly trained professionals using the most modern equipment and techniques will attend to you. In addition to your surgeons, the surgical team includes anesthesiologists, operating room technicians, nurses, and physician assistants.

Post-Corrective Breast Reconstruction Procedure

You will experience some changes that are quite common after surgery and may include:

SWELLING/BRUISING

Some mild swelling and bruising is to be expected after surgery and will gradually subside in a few weeks.

DISCOMFORT

Some soreness is normal after surgery but we will provide medications to maximize your comfort and help speed your recovery. Intermittent muscle spasms and feelings of tightness are normal and will subside as your swelling subsides.

INCISION LINES

Scar lines tend to improve in appearance for up to a year and are usually faded by 12-18 months.

SENSATION

Some numbness in the skin is normal after surgery. Occasionally the recovery of sensory nerves can result in tingling, itching, or mild electrical sensations that come and go. These sensations will resolve over time and are usually accompanied by some return of feelings in the skin.

ACTIVITY

You may resume your normal activities as recommended by your surgeon. In most cases, avoidance of strenuous activity is recommended for 4-6 weeks. As a general rule, most patients can drive between 2-3 weeks after surgery if you are no longer using pain medication and your doctor has cleared you. It is recommended to perform gentle stretches for the shoulders beginning in the early weeks after your procedure. Your clinic team can provide specific instruction for post-mastectomy range of motion exercises as applicable. You should maintain full range of motion within the early weeks post-operation. Patients are generally released to return to full activities and work schedule between 4-6 weeks after surgery. Your clinic team will provide any necessary documentation for your employer.

Returning Home Post Operation

If you are traveling from out of state or internationally for care with us, your caregiver will need to be with you throughout your stay post-discharge and on the same flight home to assist you in the airport. Your caregiver’s education will be provided by our nursing staff during your time with us and our team is available to you and your assistant 24 hours/day should any questions arise after you are released from the hospital. Your arrangements for assistance after surgery should include an estimated seven to ten days of availability from your caregiver.

We Are Here For You

Be reassured that you are being attended to by some of the most highly skilled and dedicated healthcare providers in the world. Do your best to relax knowing that we are going to take excellent care of you from the moment you enter our facility. Do not hesitate to ask for any special needs you may have.

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