Breast Reconstruction Gallery Patient 122909016

From Dr. Lampert:

Breast Cancer Reconstruction Nipple Sparing: this 49 year old female had right sided breast cancer for which she elected to undergo bilateral nipple sparing mastectomies and implant based reconstruction. I designed the mastectomy with the surgical oncologist in order to lift the nipple slightly. After assisting the surgical oncologist with the mastectomies and nipple preservation, I then performed the initial stage of the reconstruction that same day by placing bilateral tissue expanders and acellular dermal matrix. Tissue expanders allow gradual pressure to be slowly increased on the skin and nipple. I believe this allows the skin and nipple’s blood supply time to recover before placing the permanent silicone breast prosthesis. Typically I wait 3 months before exchanging the temporary tissue expander for the silicone prosthesis. Chemotherapy or radiation may delay this. The initial decision to spare the nipple is ultimately made by the surgical oncologist and the patient. I always see the patients prior to help the process and planning. Factors that help determine the safety of a nipple sparing procedure include nipple position, tumor position in relation to the nipple, as well as size, stage and grade of tumor.