Rebuild Desired Chest Contours After Mastectomy with the Vancouver-Based Dr. Robyn Watts
The look of a woman’s breasts can be a source of pride, confidence, and self-esteem. However, if something happens to alter that look—from a mastectomy performed as part of breast cancer treatment to trauma resulting from an accident—the change can negatively impact a woman’s self-image. Happily, there are options for restoring desired contours via reconstructive surgeries from the Richmond-based Dr. Robyn Watts.
The goal is not simply to create a new look. The goal is for you to feel more confident, and to help you enjoy your day-to-day life more. If reconstructive surgeries seem like something you would like to pursue, we can discuss your options at a personal consultation.
Direct to Implant Reconstruction
Direct to implant breast reconstruction is a “one-stage” procedure that involves insertion of an implant at the time of the mastectomy, as opposed to using a tissue expander and inserting an implant months later. The process includes the application of a sheet of acellular dermis covering the implant’s lower half and often requires some fat grafting performed as a secondary revision.
Two-Stage Expander / Implant
For a two-stage expander approach, Dr. Robyn Watts will first insert a tissue expander beneath the pectoralis muscle in order to gradually create a new “home” for the future implants. The expander features a port, which allows for the introduction of sterile saline every two weeks. After up to six weeks of regular expansion, followed by three months to allow tissues to rest, the implants can be inserted.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap
For patients who have lost breast volume or have poor skin quality from radiation, a new breast mound can be created out of existing tissue taken from elsewhere on the body. The latissimus dorsi flap technique tunnels living tissue taken from the back, moved through the underarm area, and positioned and secured into its new home on the chest.
TRAM Flap
The TRAM flap procedure isolates healthy skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels in the lower stomach area. This tissue is then tunneled through the torso to be reattached at the mastectomy site, creating an especially natural look.
Fat Grafting
Ideal for breast reconstruction patients with thin skin, fat grafting works by using liposuction to pull out fat cells from an area where they are abundant, then re-introducing them into the breasts, where they add volume. The increase in size via fat cells alone is not much, but the process works quite well to “hide” any rippling that might develop in the implant below. The layer of fat allows the skin’s surface to stay smoother and not reveal potential augmentation-related wrinkles. Fat transfer can also be used to “fill in” depressions or other small defects, such as after a lumpectomy, and improve skin quality damaged by the effects of radiation.
Would you like to know more about one of the procedures explained here? We invite you to set up a consultation with us by calling 604-674-1997 or by sending a message online via our contact form. All of these procedures require a referral from either their GP or a general surgeon.
Before & After Photo Gallery
See Amazing Transformations!
See real patient transformations that highlight the artistry and precision behind Dr. Watts’ surgical approach. Each before-and-after showcases natural, balanced results tailored to individual goals.
- Results vary by individual, and no outcome is guaranteed.
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