Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants immediately after a mastectomy. This process eliminates the need for tissue expanders that are commonly used in traditional breast reconstruction techniques. It is a popular reconstructive option among women who are looking to feel whole again while avoiding the long duration involved in delayed implant reconstruction.

Monmouth County plastic surgeon Dr. Rahul Vemula has helped countless women who have undergone mastectomy feel confident again with reconstructive surgery. The surgeon understands the difficulty of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and formulates an individualized treatment plan to achieve a pleasant reconstructive outcome.

Am I a good candidate for Direct-to-Implant reconstructive surgery?

Direct-to-Implant breast reconstruction is an excellent choice for women who have undergone or are about to undergo a mastectomy and are looking to restore their breast shape and size. You may be a suitable candidate for this reconstructive technique if:

• You are in fairly good health. This is important for the surgeon to be able to carry out the operation with minimal risk. Aspects such as adequate blood flow and blood supply are crucial to a successful surgical procedure.
• You are comfortable with the use of implants as an option for breast reconstruction.
• You are undergoing a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy and prefer immediate reconstruction to avoid multiple surgeries.
• You are not currently undergoing or planning to receive radiation therapy. Radiotherapy could damage breast tissue around the implants compromising the results of the surgery.
• You are in search of a more modern and minimally invasive procedure.
• You are not an active smoker. Tobacco use increases the risk of complications.

Dr. Vemula’s office is best placed to discuss your unique treatment needs and advice on the best possible breast reconstruction technique for you.

Benefits of Direct-to-Implant reconstruction

• One-step surgery so you can shift your focus on recovery
• No use of tissue expanders that need several surgeries just to be inserted. These also tend to be quite uncomfortable and have been known to damage blood vessels around the breast tissue.
• Implants are inserted beneath the pectoralis muscle where they provide more physical support for the breasts giving off more of a natural aesthetic.
• Quicker recovery time compared to other reconstructive options.

Immediate vs delayed reconstruction

Immediate reconstruction is an approach whereby breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. The plastic surgeon usually takes over immediately after your cancer surgeon removes the breast or lump and reconstructs the breast with an implant or tissue from your body. This is the common reconstruction choice for most patients. Delayed breast reconstruction – on the other hand – is performed many weeks, months, or even years after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. This option is sometimes recommended when the patient has advanced disease or still needs to undergo radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment.