Breast reconstruction education
Timing Options for Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a decision that can be made at any time.
The Decision of “When” in Breast Reconstruction
Timing can be everything when it comes to optimal breast reconstruction. Our patients have every available option in choosing services with Dr. Levine.
Breast reconstruction can be done immediately after a mastectomy during the same operative session, within two weeks in a separate operative session, or delayed until months, if not years, later. The decision of “when” is highly personal, with factors to consider with your treating physicians.
Immediate, Staged, or Delayed
Women may choose to reconstruct at the same time as mastectomy (immediate), shortly after (staged-immediate), or at a later time (delayed).
Immediate
Breast reconstruction is done at the same time as mastectomy with one of our expert breast surgeons.
Staged-Immediate
Breast reconstruction is done separately, generally within two weeks of mastectomy.
Delayed
Breast reconstruction is done at any time after prophylactic mastectomy.
Surgical Delay with DIEP, SIEA, or DCIA Flap
The surgical delay procedure is an invaluable preemptive procedure that increases the reliability and the amount of tissue we can harvest from the abdomen with a DIEP, SIEA, or DCIA flap procedure. As a result, patients who may have been told that the abdomen is not available as a donor site may now be candidates.
Learn about DIEP, SIEA & DCIA flaps →Pioneering natural reconstruction
Meet Dr. Joshua L. Levine
Dr. Levine performs the full range of perforator flap procedures, including DIEP, SIEA, SHaEP, PAP, GAP, LAP and TDAP flaps. He has further advanced this field, developing first-ever techniques in extension flap and stacked flap procedures.
These pioneering techniques now mean that all women can restore the look and feel of their own warm, natural breasts regardless of their body type.