Restore natural shape and confidence with autologous breast reconstruction, a cutting-edge procedure that uses your own tissue to rebuild the breast after mastectomy or trauma. Dr. Stephen Lu at the Pennsylvania Institute for Plastic Surgery offers personalized care to ensure optimal results, combining advanced techniques with artistry for transformative outcomes.
Use your own tissue to rebuild your breasts
Autologous breast reconstruction in Carlisle, PA uses your own tissue, typically from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or back, to rebuild the breast after mastectomy or trauma. This approach offers a natural look and feel, avoids implants, and can restore your sense of self. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a long-term, implant-free solution. Dr. Lu will work closely with you to create a personalized plan, ensuring results that align with your body, goals, and lifestyle.
Autologous breast reconstruction treats:
- Loss of breast tissue due to mastectomy
- Breast deformities following cancer treatment
- Congenital breast absence or underdevelopment
- Breast asymmetry after trauma or surgery
- Implant-related complications requiring removal
Am I a good candidate for autologous breast reconstruction?
You may be a suitable candidate for autologous breast reconstruction if you’ve had a mastectomy or breast trauma and want to rebuild your breasts without implants. During your consultation, Dr. Lu will assess your overall health, available donor tissue, and personal goals. He’ll perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss the procedure in detail to ensure it aligns with your needs. This evaluation helps determine if this reconstructive technique is the right choice for achieving your desired results.
Advantages of autologous breast reconstruction:
- Uses your own tissue for a natural look and feel
- Avoids the need for implants or foreign materials
- Provides long-term, durable results
- Reduces the risk of implant-related complications
- Can restore symmetry and balance to your body
- Often includes a body contouring benefit from donor tissue sites
- Improves self-confidence and emotional well-being
Your autologous breast reconstruction procedure in Carlisle, PA
Your autologous breast reconstruction in Carlisle, PA begins with Dr. Lu marking the donor site, commonly the abdomen (for a DIEP flap) or other areas like the thigh (TUG flap) or back (latissimus dorsi flap). After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Lu precisely harvests tissue, including skin, fat, and occasionally muscle, while preserving critical blood vessels. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, he meticulously connects the donor tissue’s blood vessels to those in the chest under high magnification to ensure proper viability.
Once the flap is transferred to the chest, Dr. Lu shapes and secures it to achieve a natural contour and volume that match your goals. The donor site is carefully closed, often with improved aesthetics. Later, additional procedures, such as nipple-areola reconstruction or fat grafting, may be performed for enhanced symmetry and refinement.
Recovery from autologous breast reconstruction
After autologous breast reconstruction, you’ll spend 3-5 days in the hospital, where Dr. Lu and his team will carefully monitor the transferred flap to ensure proper blood flow. This involves frequent checks of the flap’s color, temperature, and circulation. Pain management, wound care, and mobility instructions will be provided to support your recovery. Dr. Lu will also advise you on protecting the donor and reconstruction sites to promote optimal healing in the initial weeks.
At home, you’ll gradually regain strength, with most patients resuming light activities within 4-6 weeks. Driving and desk work are usually possible by this time, while more strenuous activities like exercise may require 6-8 weeks or longer. Swelling and healing will continue for several months, with the final results becoming fully visible around 6-12 months after surgery.
Autologous breast reconstruction FAQs
What is the difference between autologous reconstruction and implant-based reconstruction?
Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue, taken from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or back, to recreate the breast. This provides a natural look and feel and avoids using foreign materials, such as implants. Implant-based reconstruction relies on silicone or saline implants to restore breast shape. While implants require shorter initial surgeries, they may involve future maintenance or replacement. Autologous reconstruction is a more complex procedure but offers long-term results with fewer complications.
Can I have autologous reconstruction if I’ve had previous surgeries or radiation therapy?
Yes, many patients who have had prior surgeries or radiation therapy are good candidates for autologous reconstruction. In fact, this technique can be particularly beneficial for patients with radiation damage, as the transferred tissue can improve skin quality and promote healing. Dr. Lu will evaluate your treatment history during your consultation to determine the best approach for your specific situation
What is the recovery like for the donor site?
Recovery for the donor site involves some discomfort, swelling, and tightness, which are managed with pain relief and proper wound care. For abdominal flaps, you may feel tightness similar to a tummy tuck, while thigh or back donor sites may involve limitations in movement. You must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6-8 weeks. Dr. Lu will guide you on exercises or physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength as you heal.
Will my reconstructed breast feel normal?
While your reconstructed breast will have a natural look and feel, it won’t have the same sensation as before surgery. Over time, some patients regain partial sensation as nerves regenerate, but this varies from person to person.
Can autologous breast reconstruction be done immediately after a mastectomy?
Yes, autologous breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or delayed until after other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Immediate reconstruction can streamline the process, but some patients prefer to wait. Dr. Lu will help you decide the best timing based on your health and preferences.
Am I too old for autologous breast reconstruction?
Age alone isn’t a limiting factor for autologous breast reconstruction. Dr. Lu evaluates your overall health, medical history, and recovery ability to determine if the procedure is right for you. Many older patients successfully undergo this surgery, as it offers natural, lasting results without needing implants. If you’re healthy and have sufficient donor tissue, age is rarely a barrier.
Will autologous breast reconstruction affect my donor site?
The donor site, such as your abdomen or thighs, will experience some changes after tissue is removed. For example, if the abdomen is used, you may notice a flatter contour similar to a tummy tuck. While there will be scarring, Dr. Lu carefully places incisions to minimize their visibility. You may experience tightness or numbness initially, but these effects often improve over time with proper healing and physical therapy.
What kind of scars will I have?
You will have scars at both the donor site and the reconstructed breast. For abdominal flaps, scars are usually located below the bikini line and resemble those from a tummy tuck. Scars on the breast are carefully placed to blend with natural contours. While scars fade over time, their appearance varies based on factors like your skin type and how well you follow post-surgical care instructions. Dr. Lu can provide recommendations to help minimize scarring.
Meet Dr. Stephen Lu
Dr. Stephen Lu is a board-certified plastic surgeon and leading expert in autologous breast reconstruction in Carlisle, PA, microsurgery, and advanced reconstructive techniques. With extensive training from the Perelman School of Medicine and specialized fellowships, Dr. Lu combines technical precision with artistic vision to deliver natural results. Known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach, he works closely with each individual to create personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lu to explore how autologous breast reconstruction can restore your confidence.
