Breast Reconstruction in Seattle

Breast Reconstruction in Seattle

Choosing breast reconstruction is often part of an emotional healing process. Whether you’re moving forward after breast cancer treatment or addressing changes from a previous surgery, you deserve a breast reconstruction surgeon in Seattle who listens, understands, and respects your goals. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tarak Patel provides compassionate care and personalized reconstruction options to help patients feel confident and supported again. 

What Is Breast Reconstruction? 

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or reshapes the breast to restore a natural appearance, contour, and symmetry. While it is most commonly performed after mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer patients, it can also address:

• Congenital breast differences (such as Poland syndrome, tuberous breast deformity, or naturally uneven breasts)
• Significant asymmetry caused by genetics, development, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuations
• Trauma or injury to the breast
• Failed cosmetic breast surgeries or complications that require reconstruction
• Radiation-related tissue damage, where reconstruction restores softness, shape, and skin quality
• Gender-affirming needs, when reconstruction is used to correct contour issues or create balance

Reconstruction may involve implants, a patient’s own tissue, fat grafting, or a combination of techniques. It can be performed immediately during cancer surgery or delayed until the patient is ready, sometimes years later. Ultimately, the purpose of breast reconstruction is to restore physical form and help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Options in Seattle 

Dr. Patel offers several reconstructive techniques, allowing patients to choose the approach that best fits their cosmetic goals, medical needs, and lifestyle.

Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting) 

Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, involves removing fat from another area of the body, purifying it, and injecting it into the breast to improve volume, shape, and texture.

Fat grafting can be used for:

• Post-lumpectomy indentations and contour defects
• Radiation-damaged skin, as transferred fat contains growth factors that promote healing
• Improving implant results, adding softness and natural contour
• Correcting asymmetry, including congenital differences
• Refining previous reconstruction work

Because fat grafting uses your own tissue, results look natural and feel soft. It can be performed alone or combined with implants for optimal shaping. Fat transfer is especially helpful for patients who have undergone radiation therapy. Radiation can cause the breast skin and tissue to become tight or firm; fat grafting can help restore elasticity and healthier texture, often making future reconstruction more successful.

Implant-Based Reconstruction 

Implants remain one of the most common ways for post-mastectomy reconstruction. Dr. Patel uses modern silicone implants designed to provide a natural look and feel. Implant-based reconstruction can be suitable for patients seeking:

• Significant volume replacement
• Durable shape
• A faster recovery compared to large flap procedures

Implants can be used alone or paired with fat grafting to enhance the natural appearance of the breast by softening edges, improving cleavage, and creating smooth transitions.

Tissue Expanders 

For many patients, reconstruction is a staged process. A tissue expander may be placed first to slowly stretch the skin and chest area. Once enough space is created, Dr. Patel replaces the expander with a permanent implant.

Tissue expanders are recommended when:

• The skin is too tight for an implant
• Radiation has changed tissue quality
• A mastectomy removed significant skin
• More gradual shaping is needed for optimal results

Expanders allow for controlled, gradual expansion, which may result in better symmetry and softer outcomes.

Local and Regional Flap Reconstruction 

For select patients, Dr. Patel may recommend local or regional flaps, which involve repositioning nearby tissue to help rebuild the breast. These are smaller flap procedures, not large abdominal or back flaps, and they are all performed as outpatient surgeries.

Local flaps may be used when:

• Additional tissue coverage is needed
• There are contour defects from prior surgery
• Radiation damage needs supplemental healthy tissue
• Patients want a natural-feeling reconstruction without large donor site scars

Flap choices are determined during consultation based on anatomy and reconstructive goals.

Revision Breast Reconstruction in Seattle 

Many patients come to Dr. Patel after feeling dissatisfied with their initial reconstruction, seeking improved symmetry, softness, or a more natural result. Revision breast reconstruction is often more complex because it involves previously operated tissues. Dr. Patel uses a combination of techniques to achieve improved symmetry and aesthetics.

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction 

Recovery varies depending on the technique used but generally includes:

• Surgery time: 1 to 2.5 hours
• Outpatient procedure: No overnight hospital stay
• Recovery period: 3–4 weeks for most patients
• Swelling and bruising: Common in the first two weeks
• Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous movement for several weeks

Patients may return to work and light activities within 7–10 days, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Patel provides detailed recovery instructions and personalized follow-up care to ensure healing is smooth and predictable.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can be an option for:

• Post-mastectomy patients wanting to restore breast shape and volume.
• Post-lumpectomy patients who have contour irregularities, dents, or asymmetry.
• Patients with congenital breast differences, such as uneven breast size or breast underdevelopment.
• Individuals with reconstruction complications, including capsular contracture, implant malposition, or unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
• Patients with radiation-related damage, such as skin thinning or hardness.
• Anyone seeking revision reconstruction after a previous surgery did not meet expectations.

Dr. Patel evaluates timing, health history, cancer treatment plans, and aesthetic goals to create a tailored surgical plan.

Risks and Considerations

Breast reconstruction is considered safe when performed by an experienced breast reconstruction surgeon in Seattle. However, as with any surgical procedure, risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Implant complications (if implants are used)
• Persistent asymmetry
• Need for revision

Dr. Patel discusses these risks in detail during your consultation and ensures each patient understands the ways to minimize complications.

Why Patients Choose Seattle Plastic Surgery for Reconstruction 

Patients choose Dr. Patel for reconstruction in Seattle because of:

• His meticulous attention to symmetry and detail
• Advanced fat grafting techniques, especially for radiation-related issues
• Compassionate, individualized treatment plans
• Outpatient surgical experience and efficient recovery
• A focus on natural shaping and aesthetic harmony

Whether you’re preparing for your reconstruction or seeking correction after a previous surgery, you’ll receive attentive care from consultation through recovery.

Schedule a Breast Reconstruction Consultation in Seattle

If you’re ready to explore breast reconstruction or revision surgery, Dr. Patel at Seattle Plastic Surgery can help you understand your options and create a personalized plan. Call us at 206-739-0355 to book an appointment.

FAQs 

How painful is breast reconstruction? 
Patients typically experience moderate discomfort, tightness, or soreness during the first few days after surgery. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed medication and gradually improves as healing progresses.

Is breast reconstruction safe? 
Breast reconstruction is considered safe when performed by a skilled surgeon, but like any surgery, it carries risks such as infection, implant issues, or wound complications. Most patients recover well with proper post-operative care.

What is the age limit for breast reconstruction? 
There is no strict age limit, as eligibility depends more on overall health than age. Surgeons evaluate medical conditions, healing ability, and patient goals to determine suitability.

Do breasts look normal after reconstruction? 
Reconstructed breasts can look very natural, but they may differ slightly from the original breast in shape, firmness, or sensation. Techniques continue to improve, allowing many patients to achieve realistic and symmetrical results.

Still Have Questions? 

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