 |
1.
A tissue expander is inserted following the
mastectomy to prepare for reconstruction. |
|
5.The
transported tissue forms a flap for a breast
implant, or it may provide enough bulk to form
the breast mound without an implant. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
2.
The expander is gradually filled with saline
through an integrated or separate tube to stretch
the skin enough to accept an implant beneath
the chest muscle. |
|
6.Tissue
may be taken from the abdomen and tunneled to
the breast or surgically transplanted to form
a new breast mound. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
3.
After surgery, the breast mound is restored.
Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.
The nipple and areola are reconstructed at a
later date. |
|
7.After
surgery, the breast mound, nipple, and areola
are restored. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
4.
With flap surgery, tissue is taken from the
back and tunneled to the front of the chest
wall to support the reconstructed breast. |
|
8.Scars
at the breast, nipple, and abdomen will fade
substantially with time, but may never disappear
entirely |
| |
|
|
|
|
