Introduction
Breast Reconstruction
Getting a mastectomy can save the life of a woman. It is a major procedure that cancer patients get for various, personal reasons. Following this procedure, many women choose another procedure to help them regain an essential part of their body that can make them feel feminine and whole. That procedure is called a Breast Reconstruction, which is typically performed on patients who have undergone a mastectomy. If you are looking for a way to restore an essential part of your body and self-esteem, you should consider coming to see board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Jeremy Nikfarjam or Dr. Micheline Goulart at New You Plastic Surgery, for your breast reconstruction surgery in Long Island or Manhattan. Call us today to learn how breast reconstruction surgery can benefit your health and well-being.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after mastectomy — surgery that removes your breast to treat or prevent breast cancer. Breast reconstruction often involves multiple procedures performed in stages and can either begin at the time of mastectomy or be delayed until a later date. Breast reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant-based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. Implant reconstruction relies on breast implants to help form a new breast mound. Flap (or autologous) reconstruction uses the patient’s tissue from another part of the body to form a new breast. If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed.
Breast reconstruction won’t recreate the exact look and feel of your natural breast. However, the contour of your new breast may restore a silhouette similar to what you had before mastectomy.
What are the benefits of Breast Reconstruction?
There are a number of ways a Breast Reconstruction can benefit you if you have had a mastectomy or are scheduled to get one:
- Recreate breast shape eliminated during a mastectomy
- Restore confidence in your femininity
- Bring symmetry back to both breasts
Talk to us about how breast reconstruction can benefit you, as we understand that each patient’s needs are unique to their situation. Dr. Nikfarjam and Dr. Goulart will create a plan to help reconstruct your breasts as well as your self-esteem.
Who are the best candidates for the Breast Reconstruction procedure?
You may be a good candidate for Breast Reconstruction in Long Island and the New York metropolitan area if:
- You can cope well with your diagnosis and treatment
- Have recently had a mastectomy or are scheduled to have the surgery
- You do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing
- You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your breast and body image
Additionally, it is important to consider the following factors before considering a breast reconstruction:
- A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation or feel as the breast it replaces
- Visible incision lines will always be present on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy
- Certain surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site
Dr. Nikfarjam and Dr. Goulart are ready to discuss breast reconstruction with you and assess whether this procedure is right for you.
What’s the
first step?
Breast Reconstruction first steps
The first step to getting a New York City or Long Island Breast Reconstruction is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nikfarjam or Dr. Micheline Goulart. During this session, they will explain what breast reconstruction involves. We will assess your desired outcomes and determine whether you are the right candidate for this procedure. Your consultation session is also your opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you have. Upon completion of the assessment, we will be able to confirm the price for your surgery.
Prior to your procedure, you may be given a list of pre-operative instructions to prepare you for your Breast Reconstruction in Long Island and NYC. These instructions may include fasting for a certain amount of time or avoiding certain medications such as blood thinners. Dr. Nikfarjam may also ask to see images and paperwork from your mastectomy, to ensure they are designing a surgical plan that will benefit you.
What to expect on the day of Breast Reconstruction surgery
On the day of your surgery, Dr. Nikfarjam will walk you through the techniques he will be using, as discussed in your consultation. The first step will be to administer a type of anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure.
Some patients will require a flap technique or tissue expansion. Sometimes a mastectomy or radiation therapy will leave insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant. The type of flat technique used will be discussed and determined by Dr. Nikfarjam prior to your procedure.
Next will be the tissue expansion. For women who do not require breast radiation and would like to avoid a separate donor site, implant-based reconstruction is an option. Reconstruction with tissue expansion allows an easier recovery than flap procedures, but it can be a more lengthy reconstruction process. It usually requires several office visits over 1-2 months after placement of the expander to gradually fill the device with saline through an internal valve to expand the skin.
The next step in the procedure is the placement of the breast implants. A breast implant can be an addition or alternative to flap techniques. Dr. Nikfarjam may also use an implant as a temporary placeholder during other breast cancer treatments until you are ready for more involved flap reconstruction techniques. Saline and silicone implants are available for reconstruction. Dr. Nikfarjam will help you decide what is best for you.
Finally, Dr. Nikfarjam will reconstruct the nipple and areola. For women who are not candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, breast reconstruction is completed through a variety of techniques that reconstruct the nipple and areola. Techniques usually involve folding skin to create the shape of a nipple followed by tattooing. Three-dimensional nipple-areola tattooing may be used alone to create the appearance of a realistic nipple with the illusion of projection.
Once the procedure is complete, you will be taken into a recovery room, where our medical team will take care of you.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Following your Breast Reconstruction surgery, gauze or bandages may be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the reconstructed breast. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
Dr. Nikfarjam will recommend arranging transportation to and from our practice, as you will not be able to drive after this procedure. Before you leave our practice, our medical team will prepare you with instructions and information on what to expect during your recovery and healing period.
You may be tired and sore for several weeks after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help control your pain. Getting back to normal activities may take six weeks or longer. Take it easy during this period. Dr. Nikfarjam will let you know of restrictions to your activities, such as avoiding overhead lifting or strenuous physical activities.
You will also be given instructions on how to care for your wound and what to look out for, the type of pain medication to help manage pain, and how often to check in with Dr. Nikfarjam.
It can potentially take as long as a year or two to feel completely healed. Generally, you’ll follow up with Dr. Nikfarjam on a yearly basis to monitor your reconstructed breast after the reconstruction is complete.
How much does Breast Reconstruction cost in Long Island, NY?
The cost of Breast Reconstruction in Long Island and NYC will vary based on a number of factors such as the type of reconstruction techniques being used, type of mastectomy, Cancer treatments, and the patient’s body type.
When you book a consultation with the world-renowned Dr. Nikfarjam, they will assess your case and design a package that is highly tailored to your needs. With this assessment, he will be able to let you know what you will pay for the procedure. We offer financing for all our patients, and some insurance coverage may cover the cost of a breast reconstruction surgery.
Why choose
new you
plastic surgery?
When you come to New You in Long Island and New York City, you will be receiving expert treatment from world-renowned surgeons and cutting-edge techniques. Dr. Jeremy Nikfarjam is an American Board of Plastic Surgery Board Certified Plastic Surgeon based in Long Island and Manhattan who is well known for his expertise in emergency, cosmetic, and reconstructive plastic surgery. Dr. Nikfarjam is sought out by patients from across the United States and abroad for his specific technique and expertise in nearly every aspect of plastic and reconstructive surgery including breast reductions, abdominoplasties, rhinoplasties, silicone/biopolymer removal, and complex revisionary surgeries.
Dr. Nikfarjam leads his team in supporting his vision that plastic surgery is holistic- allowing space for positive lifestyle changes that give patients a happier, healthier state of being and lifelong improvements in overall health. A vanguard of a new generation of plastic surgeons, Dr. Nikfarjam brings a refreshing perspective to a field that has once often been perceived as rigid and unapproachable. As accessible as are his procedures, Dr. Nikfarjam himself is as well. Patients take great comfort in the close contact and care he establishes with each patient from initial consultation through surgery and beyond. “Dr. Nik” as he is often called is well known for being personable and readily available to all of his patients.
Schedule a
Consultation
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nikfarjam and Dr. Goulart, you can call our practice or contact us via the patient portal on our website, and share your details so our staff can guide you through the process. Dr. Nikfarjam and his team are excited to meet with you and help you restore your body and your life.
Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S
Out-of-Town Patients 
Financing 
Leave a Review Resources
New you resources
We know that the decision to undergo plastic surgery can be a big one. There are many things to consider before your procedure, regardless of whether you live in the greater New York City area or are traveling from out of state. Our knowledgeable and friendly team wants to make your experience as seamless and effortless as possible, which is why we provide some informational resources to make your journey to a new you a little less stressful.