Breast reconstruction is a procedure most commonly performed as a result of a mastectomy (breast removal) due to breast cancer. In all cases, it is a procedure to help restore a more natural breast appearance.

Our Technique

This procedure is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center at the same time the General Surgeon performs the mastectomy. The reconstruction portion can take between 3-5 hours and usually involves an overnight stay. There are many options when it comes to breast reconstruction procedures and Dr. Hunsicker is well versed in performing a variety of techniques. At Revalla, we offer several options for breast reconstruction, including:

• Direct-to-implant Reconstruction: A procedure which allows patients to have a breast implant placed at time of mastectomy, allowing women to emerge from surgery fully-reconstructed.
• Staged Reconstruction using Tissue Expander and Implants: A procedure in which a tissue expander is placed at time of mastectomy, and secondary surgery for permanent implant placement is performed at a later date. The tissue expander is a modified saline implant with a valve that allows for more saline to be added over the course of several weeks. Once the tissue has been stretched to allow for the volume of the new implant, the tissue expander is then exchanged for a permanent implant in a separate surgery.
• DIEP, TRAM, Latissimus Flaps: Procedures that use muscle flaps from other body parts to create a breast mound. Sometimes these forms of reconstruction can also be performed at the time of mastectomy.
• Fat Transfer Reconstruction: A procedure that is started after patients have healed from mastectomy and cancer treatment which uses a patient’s own body fat to create a breast mound. This technique usually involves the use of a device called the Brava System.
• Nipple Reconstruction: Performed after breast reconstruction, this is a secondary surgery to reconstruct patients’ nipples if nipple-sparing has not been an option during primary reconstruction.

The technique that Dr. Hunsicker uses most commonly is the single-stage, direct-to-implant reconstruction procedure which allows for immediate reconstruction during the same surgery as the mastectomy. It is performed in tandem with the General Surgeon. Dr. Hunsicker is one of the first surgeons in the country to develop and use this direct-to-implant technique.

There are a variety of factors including cancer stage, chemotherapy, radiation and prior surgical history that can affect your options for breast reconstruction. Dr. Hunsicker reviews all the appropriate reconstruction options with each of her patients and then works with you, your General Surgeon and the rest of your cancer treatment team to determine which course of action is best suited to your individual situation.

Before & After Photos

Patient One

This is a 47-year-old woman who is 5’9” and 140 lbs. who was diagnosed with Left-side mucinous breast cancer. Prior to her mastectomy, she was a small B-cup and preferred to go slightly larger in her reconstruction. This patient decided to have bilateral mastectomies with direct-to-implant reconstruction using 475cc Smooth Round Moderate Plus Silicone Gel implants. She was not a candidate for nipple-sparing as part of her mastectomy surgery.

These After pictures were taken at her 6-month post-op visit.

Before	Before	Before
After - 6 months	After - 6 months	After - 6 months
Before	Before
After - 6 months	After - 6 months

Patient Two

This is a 45-year-old woman who is 5’5” and 130 lbs. who was diagnosed with Left-side DCIS Breast Cancer. Prior to mastectomy, she was a C-cup and she wanted to be a full C-cup after her reconstruction. She decided to have bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction using 475cc Smooth Round Moderate Plus Silicone Gel implants. She was a candidate for nipple sparing of her Right breast only.

These After pictures were taken at her 6-week post-op visit.

Before	Before	Before
After - 6 weeks	After - 6 weeks	After - 6 weeks
Before	Before
After - 6 weeks	After - 6 weeks

Patient Three

This is a 49-year-old woman who is 5’7” and 138 lbs. who was diagnosed with Right-side DCIS Breast Cancer. She was an A-cup prior to mastectomy and wanted to stay the same size after reconstruction. She decided to have a singular mastectomy with reconstruction of her Right breast using a 450cc Smooth Round Moderate Plus Silicone Gel implant. To achieve symmetry, she elected to have her Left breast augmented using a 250cc Smooth Round Moderate Plus Silicone Gel implant. She was a candidate for nipple-sparing as part of her mastectomy surgery.

These After pictures were taken at her 6-month post-op visit.

Before	Before	Before
After - 6 months	After - 6 months	After - 6 months
Before	Before
After - 6 months	After - 6 months

Patient Four

This is a 41-year-old who is 5’5” and 180 lbs. who was diagnosed with Right IDC Breast Cancer. She was a D-cup prior to mastectomy and wanted to go down to a C-cup. She decided to have bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction using 750cc High Profile Silicone Gel implants. She was a candidate for regrafting of her own nipples during primary reconstruction.

These After pictures were taken at her 6-month post-op visit.

Before	Before	Before
After - 6 months	After - 6 months	After - 6 months
Before	Before
After - 6 months	After - 6 months

As with any surgical procedure, complications from a breast reconstruction, although rare, do exist. The specific risks, as well as suitability, for any given individual cannot be determined until the time of consultation. While we hope this information is helpful, it can not substitute for a consultation. We invite you to contact us at 720-283-2500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunsicker. Together, you and she can determine if you are a good candidate for breast reconstruction and can discuss the specific risks and complications that may occur.

For more detailed information please visit The American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) ®