Because a woman’s breasts are such an integral part of her identity, deformities and surgical procedures that affect the appearance of the breast, such as mastectomy, can be emotionally devastating. Fortunately, plastic surgery offers the chance to correct deformities or reclaim an attractive feminine bustline after mastectomy through breast reconstruction. Practicing in Bundaberg and Mackay, Queensland Australia, Dr. James Gaffield uses lifelike breast implants like those used in breast augmentation to reconstruct the breasts.
Cosmetic Nipple Surgery
Each woman’s nipples are different; however, some women are insecure about the size, shape, or overall appearance of their nipples. Cosmetic nipple surgery – often performed in conjunction with breast reconstruction – can address a variety of concerns, including:
- Oversized or puffy areolas
- Unusually large, long, wide, or otherwise prominent nipples
- Inverted nipples (appearing like slits or indentations)
Most forms of cosmetic nipple surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and involve only minimal scarring. Generally, patients are able to return to work and other light activities in a week or less, and to strenuous exercise within a few weeks. Many of Dr. Gaffield’s patients decide to combine cosmetic nipple surgery with another procedure, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction.
Contact Dr. Gaffield to learn more about cosmetic nipple surgery or breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
For many women, losing their breasts can make them feel as though they have compromised their femininity. Fortunately, breast reconstruction surgery is an excellent option for most mastectomy patients. Using realistic saline or silicone-gel breast implants, Dr. Gaffield can re-create an attractive, feminine contour after a woman has had one or both breasts removed.
Most of Dr. Gaffield’s breast reconstruction patients at Pacific Plastic Surgery in Bundaberg and at Elite Cosmetic Clinic in Mackay, Queensland Australia undergo more than one phase of surgery. Because mastectomy leaves less skin in place than was originally present, Dr. Gaffield must use tissue expanders to gradually create room for the implants. The balloon-like expanders can be filled over time with saline fluid, stretching the skin over the course of several weeks. Dr. Gaffield ultimately replaces the expanders with permanent breast implants in a separate procedure.
In some cases, mastectomy patients lose their nipples in addition to the breast tissue itself. For these patients, Dr. Gaffield can perform reconstructive nipple surgery to create a new nipple once the actual breast reconstruction is complete. In some cases the nipple can be reconstructed using natural tissue from another part of the body. In others, an artificial nipple implant may be used. The new nipple is tattooed to adjust its color and appearance to create the most realistic look possible.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Breast reconstruction is an invasive procedure, and recovery usually requires several weeks. Most patients spend a day or two recovering in the hospital. For the first few weeks, it is normal to experience some discomfort and fatigue. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, including all sexual activity, for up to six weeks after breast reconstruction. Scars, though initially prominent, will fade over the months following surgery.
If reconstructive nipple surgery is to be performed, Dr. Gaffield will usually schedule the procedure about eight weeks after the initial breast reconstruction. This option adds a few weeks to the total recovery time. Though the nipple will never recover normal sensation, many patients do experience some feeling in the new nipple.
Schedule a Breast Reconstruction Appointment
If you are concerned about the aesthetic impact of mastectomy or a nipple deformity, you are not alone – many women are facing the same challenge. Schedule a breast reconstruction consultation with Dr. Gaffield in Bundaberg or Mackay, Queensland Australia to explore your reconstructive surgery options. At Pacific Plastic Surgery and Elite Cosmetic Centers, we can help you take control of your appearance.
