Women considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy may experience stress and anxiety about whether their results will look and feel natural.
Natural breast reconstruction uses tissue from your own body and can achieve unparalleled results compared to other methods.
Here at Tandon Plastic Surgery, we’re proud to offer the gold standard in breast reconstruction surgery…
Committed to Helping Women Look and Feel Their Best
Natural-tissue breast reconstruction relies on tissue harvested from another part of your body to create reconstructed breasts. Dr. Ravi Tandon is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who uses advanced reconstructive techniques at our Metairie office, serving greater New Orleans, LA. His goal is to achieve the most natural-looking results while minimizing the risk of complications. He understands the difficulties women face following breast cancer, a mastectomy, and their personal journey during the recovery process. He is compassionate in his approach and is dedicated to helping his patients restore their breasts and confidence in their appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Natural-Tissue Breast Reconstruction?
Improved self-esteem
A woman's breasts play a big part in her identity and femininity. Breast reconstruction with your own tissue can help you feel more confident after breast cancer and a mastectomy.Lifelike
Using your own tissue produces the most natural result. Patients can enjoy a bust that that is similar to the appearance and feel of a natural breast. They will also get bigger or smaller with weight changes, making them more realistic.
Long-lasting
Unlike breast reconstruction with implants, the results of natural reconstruction surgery are permanent. Implants eventually need to be replaced and can rupture.We Help Patients Live Life to the Fullest Again
We Offer a Variety of Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Natural-tissue reconstruction uses tissue from your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or back. Surgeons can use various reconstruction techniques for the right candidates. The selected tissue area depends on factors such as the amount of tissue available and the patient's preference. We will determine which option is most suitable for your individual case during your consultation.
Perforator Flaps
This highly specialized type of flap reconstruction uses the patient's own skin and fat to rebuild the breast. It does not use muscle tissue. Patients who undergo perforator flap surgery can expect a shorter recovery and less post-operative pain than methods that incorporate muscle tissue, while avoiding risks such as muscle weakness or hernias.
Myocutaneous Flaps
Myocutaneous flaps consist of skin, fat, and muscle tissue. Muscle-sparing techniques are usually recommended over myocutaneous flap methods. Removing muscle can compromise the area and is only done if necessary. Dr. Tandon typically only performs myocutaneous surgery when patients are not good candidates for a muscle-sparing technique.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting uses excess fat gathered through liposuction to restore lost tissue. This technique can be used on its own or in combination with flap reconstruction or breast implants for the most lifelike results. If you are unhappy with your reconstructed breast for any reason, your plastic surgeon can use fat grafting to refine its reshape and address any abnormalities.
"He Made Me Feel Confident and Beautiful" Learn why patients love us
Kate Leggio
2020
I met with Dr. Tandon 4 days post a chemo treatment to discuss breast reconstruction options. I was not looking my best (bald, glass, bags under my eyes, and sweatpants) so I walked in feeling self conscious. Dr. Tandon was amazing. He took his time explaining everything and what he thought was best options for me. He made me feel confident and beautiful on a day I felt the worst. I cannot wait to see my results in a few months!
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Adrienne Thomas
2019
Dr. Tandon's skill rebuilt my body after my cancer surgery, but his caring and compassionate (and humorous) attitude kept my outlook on life on track. I have never been a negative person, but cancer can make you question so much. Dr. Tandon never let me doubt that i could make it through. I would recommend him to everyone who is facing my situation, or who wants a physician who really cares about the total you. Thank you, Dr. Tandon, for everything! 1
View On GoogleA Team Effort Ensures Optimal Outcomes
Whether you are preparing for, have recently experienced, or have long since undergone a mastectomy, Dr. Tandon will design a plan that will provide you with the very best and most natural-looking results. If you are still in the preparation phase, he will work closely with your breast cancer surgeon to discuss where incisions will be placed. He will focus on both optimal oncologic results, as well as aesthetics.
To discuss your breast reconstruction options, such as whether to undergo immediate or delayed reconstruction, you can request a consultation or call our Metairie office, serving New Orleans, at:
(504) 455-1000
Comparing Natural Breast Reconstruction and Reconstruction with Implants
The benefits and risks of natural-tissue reconstruction compared to breast implants should be carefully weighed. Each method has its pros and cons, but your candidacy may be the deciding factor.
Advantages
- Natural-tissue reconstruction is the closest option to a natural breast. Since they are created from your own tissue, they are warm and soft and move similarly to natural breasts. Implants are made of silicone or saline and cannot compare to tissue.
- Implants typically need to be replaced 10 to 20 years later and run the risk of rupturing or deflating. Once a patient undergoes a natural breast reconstruction, the results last a lifetime.
- Patients who undergo a DIEP or Stacked DIEP flap will have a flatter stomach, similar to the results of a tummy tuck. Similarly, reconstructive flaps from the thigh can create a slimmer appearance in certain areas.
Disadvantages
- Natural tissue reconstruction may have a longer recovery time due to the complexity of the procedure. Patients typically stay in the hospital for two nights, while implant patients stay for one night.
- Patients have at least two scarring sites: one in the chest area, and one in the donor site. Breast implant patients have one scar at the incision site.
Is This Method Covered by Insurance?
The cost of breast surgery may sound daunting, but health insurance companies are required to provide coverage whether you choose to have natural reconstruction or reconstruction with implants. According to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights of 1998 (WHRCA), women undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction have protection and access to care. Dr. Tandon is passionate about women's rights and was personally involved in the passing of a state law that requires hospitals to inform breast cancer patients about all their surgery options. If you have any questions regarding the process, we're more than happy to help.
"Dr. Tandon and His Staff Really Care about You" Read More 5-Star Reviews
Judith Corcoran
2020
Great doctor! Dr. Tandon and his staff really care about you and give you all the facts for you to make the best decision for you!
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Theresa Nava
2019
Doctor Tandon listened carefully to my concerns reassuring me all the way through this difficult time ,he is very knowledgeable ,skillful plastic sugeron .Doctor Tandon an his staff are kind an caring for there patients .i am very happy with my results I highly recommend him as a sugeron .
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