Breast Reconstruction
Performing Breast Reconstructions
Goals of Breast Reconstruction
The goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to restore one or both breasts to near typical shape, appearance, symmetry and size following mastectomy, lumpectomy or congenital deformities.
Ensuring Quality Care
Our surgeons provide breast reconstruction surgery care for patients of Essentia Health and St. Luke’s in addition to patients from other primary care clinics from the region. We work with the general surgeons and cancer teams in Duluth to ensure continuity of care for our patients.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction.
- Implant Reconstruction: Implant reconstruction relies on breast implants to help form a new breast mound. Many women choose this option because the reconstruction can be done through the mastectomy incision. Hospital stay is shorter for those who choose implants. The risks of this type of procedure include breast firmness (capsular contracture) and implant rupture.
- Flap Reconstruction: Flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from another part of the body to form a new breast. Some women choose flap reconstruction to avoid the use of any foreign body with their reconstruction. Because the flap is the woman’s own tissue, as she gains or loses weight with time, her reconstructed breast will also change with her. Flap surgery includes the risk of partial or complete loss of the flap and a loss of sensation at both the donor and reconstruction site. We offer both Tram and DIEP techniques of flap reconstruction surgery.