State of the Art surgery using your own tissue without muscle sacrifice
There is good news! The technology for breast reconstruction has advanced considerably in recent years and now include the latest techniques, such as the DIEP flap.
Such new procedures allow the creation of a reconstructed breast which looks and feels very much like a native breast. California breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Granzow is trained and experienced in the most advanced techniques to improve the form, feel and appearance of both the breast and body.
Who is a breast reconstruction candidate?
Most women are candidates for breast reconstruction using your own, natural tissues. Our preferred methods of breast reconstruction, including the DIEP and GAP flaps, are designed to last a lifetime.
Dr. Granzow especially focuses on creating the best aesthetic outcome and turning a reconstructive surgery into a result with the look like that of an aesthetic operation such as a breast lift and tummy tuck. Please contact our office for an appointment with Dr. Granzow to review the details of your situation.
What options are available for breast reconstruction?
Only 2 general types of breast reconstruction currently exist:
1. Using tissue expanders and implants for reconstruction
Implants and expanders are commonly used for breast reconstruction. They consist of pouches filled with either saline or silicone which are placed under the skin and muscle and may be secured further with Alloderm (specially treated elements of human donor skin) to improve their shape and appearance. The initial complication rates are low but increase with time over the life of the patient and implant.
2. Using you own tissue
Your own tissue may be transferred to create a new breast from another portion of the body, such as the abdomen, where excess skin and fat is less desired. The tissue transferred collectively is know as a "flap". The most advanced flaps which involve microsurgery are called "free flaps" and allow a surgeon to move tissue from one part of the body to another. A DIEP flap is a specialized type of free flap which moves the skin and fat normally removed with a tummy tuck to the chest to recreate a new, more natural breast.
A breast reconstructed from your own tissue will look and feel much like a native breast that has had a breast lift. It will gain and lose weight with you and age just like the rest of your body. In contrast to breast implants used for breast reconstruction, flaps used for breast reconstruction tend to look and feel better with time.
What is the difference between "Immediate" and "Delayed" brest reconstruction?
Immediate breast reconstruction is breast reconstruction which is performed during the same procedure as the initial mastectomy. The breast is reconstructed immediately during the same surgery and allows you to awaken from surgery with a new breast.
Delayed reconstruction means that the mastectomy, lumpectomy or other breast procedure has been performed in the past, or if circumstances, such and the need for radiation therapy, may be a contraindication to immediate reconstruction. Breast reconstruction may have been attempted or completed with tissue expanders or implants with which you may be unhappy. You may benefit from the replacement of these devices with your own, natural tissue.
What does it all mean?
Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. We would like to assist in the creation of the best aesthetic result possible for both the breast and the body and encourage you to review the information in this and any other website carefully to make the decision which is best for you. Please feel free to contact Dr. Granzow for additional information.
State of the Art Breast Reconstruction
See patient photos
Read more about breast reconstruction
Read Dr. Granzow's articles from the leading Plastic Surgery Journals
DIEP / SIEA flap
The skin and fat from the abdomen are used to recreate the look and feel of a natural breast. Using the DIEP or SIEA flaps requires no sacrifice of muscle from the abdomen and minimizes later abdominal weakness, bulging or hernia.
Advanced Techniques for Breast Reconstruction (click below)
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 DIEP flap The DIEP flap is state-of-the-art surgery designed for a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease. Dr. Granzow routinely performs this surgery and his extensive training and experience in this procedure allow him to achieve consistent and superior aesthetic results. |
 SIEA flap Siimilar to the DIEP flap, the SIEA flap utilizes tissue from the abdomen to recreate the natural look and feel of a woman's own breast tissue. While the blood vessels used in this flap are slightly different than that of a DIEP flap, the final result is similar to that achieved with a DIEP flap. |
 SGAP flap Also a perforator (muscle sparing) flap, the SGAP flap utilizes skin and fat from the upper buttock area to recreate the natural look and feel of breast tissue. |
 IGAP flap Similar to the SGAP flap, the IGAP flap uses tissue from the lower portion fo the buttock to reconstruct the look and feel of a native breast. |
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