Breast Reconstruction
Whether you're preparing to have a mastectomy or have already undergone the procedure, breast reconstruction surgery offers an opportunity to restore a fuller appearance to the breasts. Board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos approaches breast reconstruction as an integral part of your care and recovery that deserves the same level of precision, artistry and compassion as any other procedure he performs.
From single-stage implant-based reconstruction to complex autologous tissue flap procedures, Dr. Vallecillos tailors every plan to your goals and unique circumstances. His surgical training spans both the United States and abroad, and his reputation for delivering quietly natural, beautifully balanced results has made him a trusted choice for women in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and beyond.
What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery rebuilds the shape, volume and, in many cases, appearance of the nipple and areola after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. More than 150,000 breast reconstruction procedures are performed annually in the United States, a number that continues to climb as modern techniques evolve to deliver more accurate results.
Reconstruction can be performed immediately following your mastectomy or after you've completed cancer treatment. Each approach, including implant-based and autologous (flap) reconstruction, comes with unique advantages that vary according to each patient’s circumstances.
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
The most common approach to breast reconstruction involves the use of saline or silicone implants to restore breast volume. In many cases, a temporary device that gradually stretches the skin and chest muscle over several weeks (tissue expander) is placed before being exchanged for a permanent implant in a second procedure.
Implant-based reconstruction is generally associated with a shorter initial surgery and recovery period, making it a strong option for patients who want to minimize downtime or who may not have enough donor tissue for a flap procedure.
Autologous (Flap) Breast Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue, usually harvested from the abdomen, back or thighs, to rebuild the breast. Because this tissue is living, it tends to age more naturally and can feel more similar to your natural breast tissue over time. The most widely used techniques include the TRAM flap, the DIEP flap and the latissimus dorsi flap.
These procedures are technically more complex and require a longer recovery, but for the right candidate, the results are exceptionally natural. Dr. Vallecillos evaluates each patient's anatomy, health history and aesthetic goals carefully before recommending a specific technique.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Nipple reconstruction is typically performed as a final outpatient step several months after the primary reconstruction, once the breast mound has fully settled. Areola tattooing can then be used to restore color and detail. These finishing touches make a profound difference in how natural and complete the reconstructed breast looks and feels.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Most women who have undergone or are planning a mastectomy or lumpectomy are candidates for breast reconstruction. Timing, technique and candidacy depend on several factors unique to your situation, including your overall health, the extent of tissue removed, whether radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan and your personal preferences.
Certain factors, such as active smoking, poorly controlled chronic conditions or plans for additional radiation treatments, may affect the timing or type of reconstruction recommended. Radiation, in particular, can influence tissue quality and healing, which is why some patients opt for delayed reconstruction to allow the skin to recover fully before surgery.
Dr. Vallecillos will work closely with you to determine your candidacy for breast reconstruction and recommend the most effective and rewarding treatment plan for you.
How Is Breast Reconstruction Combined With Other Procedures?
Depending on the outcome you're hoping for and the technique used, Dr. Vallecillos may be able to pair your reconstruction with complementary procedures for more harmonious results.
Breast Lift, Augmentation or Reduction for the Unaffected Side
When only one breast requires reconstruction, symmetry across both breasts becomes a top priority. To create a more harmonious appearance, Dr. Vallecillos may recommend performing a breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction or breast augmentation on the unaffected breast. This is a common practice in breast reconstruction planning, and in many cases, procedures performed on the unaffected breast for symmetry purposes are covered by insurance under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting, or lipofilling, has become an increasingly valuable tool in breast reconstruction approaches. By harvesting small amounts of fat from another area of the body through liposuction and carefully injecting it into the reconstructed breast, Dr. Vallecillos can refine contours, address inconsistencies in volume and soften the transition between the implant and surrounding tissue. Fat grafting is particularly useful for smoothing rippling, correcting asymmetries and adding subtle fullness in areas that implants alone may not address perfectly.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery, Downtime and Aftercare
Recovery from breast reconstruction varies significantly according to the technique used and your individual response to surgery. The guidelines below provide a general framework; Dr. Vallecillos will provide you with a personalized recovery plan.
Implant-Based Reconstruction Recovery
For patients who undergo tissue expander placement, the initial recovery period typically spans two to three weeks, at which time patients can return to lighter activities. During the expansion phase, most patients resume normal routines with some restrictions. Once the expander is exchanged for a permanent implant, a shorter additional recovery period follows.
For direct-to-implant procedures, recovery timelines are often more streamlined, though activity restrictions remain similar during the first four to six weeks.
Autologous Flap Reconstruction Recovery
Flap procedures involve a longer and more involved recovery due to the complexity of the surgery and the presence of both a donor site and a reconstruction site. Most patients spend three to five days in the hospital following a DIEP or TRAM flap procedure. Full recovery, including returning to work and more demanding physical activity, typically takes six to eight weeks, with the donor site often requiring its own period of healing and care.
General Aftercare Guidelines
Regardless of the technique used, the following are commonly recommended during breast reconstruction recovery:
- Wearing a supportive surgical bra or compression garment as directed
- Avoiding lifting, reaching overhead or strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks
- Keeping incisions clean and dry, following specific wound care instructions from Dr. Vallecillos
- Attending all follow-up appointments so that healing can be closely monitored
Swelling, tightness and changes in sensation are all normal parts of the recovery process. Any numbness or altered sensation around the reconstructed breast may persist for several months as nerves gradually heal. Dr. Vallecillos and his team are available throughout every phase of your recovery to address questions, monitor your progress and adjust your aftercare as needed.
Why Choose Dr. Vallecillos for Breast Reconstruction?
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos completed his fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Providence & St. John’s Medical Center. His extensive work in body contouring and facial surgery has since refined his sense of symmetry and proportion, and that perspective informs every reconstructive plan he creates.
Reconstruction often follows a difficult chapter, so our team moves at your pace. Dr. Vallecillos will explain your implant and tissue options clearly, and our goal is for you to feel respected and heard at every visit. When you are ready, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. Under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, health insurance plans that cover mastectomy are required to also cover breast reconstruction, including procedures performed on the other breast for symmetry purposes and treatment of complications like lymphedema. Still, coverage specifics vary by plan, so make sure to confirm coverage before making any commitments.
How long after a mastectomy can I have breast reconstruction?
How long after a mastectomy can I have breast reconstruction?
There is no universal deadline for breast reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction can be done months or even years later. The right timing depends on your cancer treatment plan, your overall health and your own readiness.
Will I have feeling in my reconstructed breast?
Will I have feeling in my reconstructed breast?
Sensation after breast reconstruction varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of tissue removed during the mastectomy, the technique used and individual nerve regeneration. Some patients regain partial or full sensation over time, while others experience permanent changes in feeling.
Can I breastfeed after breast reconstruction?
Can I breastfeed after breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is typically performed after a mastectomy, which removes breast tissue, including the milk-producing glands. As a result, breastfeeding from a reconstructed breast is generally not possible.
How many surgeries does breast reconstruction typically involve?
How many surgeries does breast reconstruction typically involve?
The number of procedures varies based on the technique and your goals. A tissue expander-to-implant approach involves at minimum two surgeries. Autologous flap procedures may be completed in one major surgery, with additional procedures for nipple reconstruction or symmetry work.