Before and after bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies and immediate breast implant reconstruction in a 43-year-old woman with breast cancer. Her breasts had significant droop – it was safest to preserve her nipples and areolas by removing them as free grafts and reapplying them higher up on the chest as free grafts.
A combined breast cancer removal and Plastic Surgery reconstruction procedure was planned with one of our favorite breast surgeons – all of whom are women! Smooth round permanent and postoperatively adjustable breast implants were placed on top of the muscle, in the prepectoral position.
A “Wise pattern” was used to perform the mastectomy – closure of the skin flaps over the implant allowed for a breast lift and removal of excess baggy skin at the bottom of the breasts. The nipples and areolas were transplanted as free grafts to a higher position. The implants were fully inflated at the time of her reconstruction.
Six months later, the implant ports were removed, and the saline-filled implants were exchanged for smooth round silicone gel breast implants. Liposuction removed excess fat from her armpits and bra rolls (the axillary rolls), and medical tattoo added additional color and intensity to the hue of her areolas!
Follow up photos are shown 2 years after her mastectomies and breast reconstruction.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
