Breast Reconstruction
in Miami, FL

Breast reconstruction is a deeply personal journey that can help restore confidence and wholeness after mastectomy or other breast cancer surgery. At Revive Surgical Institute in Miami, FL, Dr. Morad Askari, a highly skilled plastic surgeon, specializes in advanced breast reconstruction techniques that deliver natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Understanding the emotional significance of this procedure, our compassionate team provides comprehensive support throughout your entire treatment process.

Table of Contents

What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the shape, appearance, and size of the breast after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities. It is a deeply personal choice that can help restore a woman’s sense of wholeness and confidence following breast cancer treatment. Unlike breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery, reconstructive breast surgery focuses on restoring the breast to its natural form following cancer treatment or addressing developmental abnormalities. Breast reconstruction surgery may be performed immediately following a mastectomy (including nipple sparing mastectomy) or can be delayed until after radiation therapy and other cancer treatments are completed. The procedure can utilize a variety of techniques, including implant-based reconstruction or autologous methods (using your own breast tissue).

Add-on Procedures

Breast reconstruction often involves supplementary procedures to enhance the final aesthetic outcome and create a more natural appearance. These add-on procedures can significantly improve symmetry, refine contours, and restore complete breast aesthetics. They are typically performed after the primary reconstruction has healed.

Nipple-areola reconstruction

Creates the physical projection of the nipple and restores the darker pigmented area surrounding it. The nipple can be created using local tissue flaps from the reconstructed breast mound, while medical tattooing adds color to simulate the areola complex. This relatively minor outpatient procedure helps complete the breast’s natural appearance.

Fat grafting

Involves harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs through liposuction, then carefully injecting it into the reconstructed breast. This technique fills contour irregularities, softens the transitions between breast implant and natural tissue, and can improve the texture and feel of the reconstructed breast.

Symmetry procedures

On the unaffected breast may include lift, reduction, or augmentation to better match the reconstructed breast. These adjustments ensure both breasts have similar size, position, and shape, creating a balanced appearance that looks natural under clothing.

Scar revision techniques

Can minimize visible scarring through careful excision and re-closure of previous incision lines. Advanced treatments, including laser therapy, silicone sheets, and topical therapies, may further improve scar appearance over time.

Breast Reconstruction Procedure: Step by Step

Consultation and Planning

During your initial consultation, Dr. Askari will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and previous breast cancer surgery to understand your unique situation. He will engage in a detailed discussion about your goals, expectations, and concerns to ensure the reconstruction plan aligns with your personal wishes. A comprehensive examination of your chest wall anatomy and available breast tissue will help determine the most appropriate reconstruction technique for optimal results.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Before your procedure, you’ll undergo comprehensive pre-operative testing to ensure you’re physically ready for surgery and to minimize potential complications. You’ll receive detailed instructions covering everything from medication management to post-operative care to help you prepare mentally and physically for the procedure. If immediate reconstruction is planned, Dr. Askari will coordinate closely with your surgical oncologist to create a seamless treatment approach that addresses both cancer removal and breast restoration.

Surgical Procedure: Implant-Based Reconstruction

During implant-based reconstruction, Dr. Askari carefully creates a pocket beneath your chest muscles to position either a tissue expander or direct-to-implant placement, depending on your specific case. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours per breast and may be performed immediately following mastectomy or as a delayed procedure months or years later. Recovery involves managing discomfort with prescribed medications while gradually returning to normal activities over several weeks as your body heals.

Surgical Procedure: Flap-Based Reconstruction (Autologous Method)

Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue harvested from donor sites such as the abdomen, back, or thighs to create a natural breast mound without implants. The complex procedure involves microsurgical techniques to reconnect blood vessels and ensure the transferred tissue receives adequate blood supply. This method typically requires a longer hospital stay and recovery period but offers the advantage of a breast that feels and ages more naturally over time.

Refinement and Final Touches

Once the initial reconstruction has healed, additional procedures may be performed to enhance symmetry, improve contours, and create a more natural appearance. Nipple reconstruction and areola tattooing can be completed to restore the breast’s complete aesthetic appearance and help you feel whole again. Dr. Askari may also recommend fat grafting techniques to address subtle contour irregularities, providing the finishing touches that complete your reconstruction journey.

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction

Week 1: Initial Recovery

The first week typically involves managing pain with prescribed medications while surgical drains remain in place to remove excess fluid. You’ll have limited arm movement on the affected side and will need to rest with minimal physical activity. Most patients stay in the hospital between 1-5 days depending on the reconstruction method, with flap procedures requiring longer hospitalization than implant-based techniques.

Weeks 2-4: Early Healing Phase

During this period, surgical drains are usually removed when fluid output decreases sufficiently, typically at your follow-up appointment. You’ll begin gentle range of motion exercises as recommended by Dr. Askari while continuing to wear your surgical support bra or compression garment. As discomfort decreases, you can gradually increase your activity level while still avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous movements.

Weeks 6-8: Returning to Normal Activities

During recovery, swelling gradually subsides over several months. With post-operative care and instructions taken seriously, patients can expect to see a thinner, flatter, and more toned abdomen in a few weeks, with the best results after three to six months. We recommend scheduling follow-up sessions to monitor recovery and optimize healing.

3-12 Months: Long-Term Recovery

During this extended recovery period, you’ll gradually return to exercise routines with Dr. Askari’s approval as your reconstructed breast continues to settle into its final shape. This timeframe may include second-stage procedures such as nipple reconstruction, fat grafting, or exchanging tissue expanders for permanent implants. Scar appearance continues to improve, and you’ll work with our surgical team to monitor healing and address any concerns about your reconstruction results.

Ideal Candidate for Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery can be appropriate for many women following mastectomy or those with breast deformities, but certain factors help determine the most suitable candidates:

Women who have had or are planning to have mastectomy (including prophylactic mastectomy) for breast cancer
Those with congenital breast abnormalities or breast lumps seeking correction
Patients who have completed or have a plan for cancer treatments
Individuals in good overall health without conditions that impair healing
Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before surgery
Women with realistic expectations about reconstructed breasts
Patients emotionally ready for the breast reconstruction procedure journey
Patients without significant comorbidities that would increase surgical risks
Women motivated to participate in post-surgical care and follow-up

During your consultation, Dr. Askari will thoroughly evaluate your health history, anatomy, and goals to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for breast reconstruction surgery and which techniques would best serve your needs, whether for one or both breasts.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Physical Benefits

Breast reconstruction restores the natural shape, volume, and symmetry of your breasts while eliminating the need for external prostheses that can be uncomfortable and limiting. You’ll experience improved fit of clothing with broader wardrobe options, alongside restored chest wall balance and posture that reduces physical discomfort from imbalance. The procedure significantly improves overall body contour and proportion, with some reconstruction methods offering the additional benefit of a tummy tuck when using abdominal tissue for reconstruction.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Women who undergo breast reconstruction often report enhanced body image and self-confidence, along with a profound sense of wholeness and completion after breast cancer treatment. The procedure can contribute to reduced depression and anxiety while improving overall quality of life and social functioning for many patients. Many women describe the reconstruction process as providing a sense of “moving forward” in their cancer recovery journey, restoring femininity and sexual wellbeing while reducing daily visual reminders of their breast cancer diagnosis.

Practical Benefits

Breast reconstruction provides a one-time solution versus the ongoing expense and maintenance of external prosthesis replacement, with the added benefit that reconstruction is often covered by insurance, including matching procedures for the unaffected breast when only one breast requires reconstruction. Modern implant reconstruction techniques and advanced surgical approaches provide remarkably natural-looking and feeling results that closely resemble your original breasts. Patients have options for simultaneous procedures during reconstruction (such as combining a tummy tuck with DIEP flap reconstruction), and various techniques are available to accommodate different body types, with fat grafting options to enhance contours for more natural results.

Cost of Breast Reconstruction

The average cost of breast reconstruction in Miami typically ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the specific technique chosen and your individual surgical plan. This comprehensive price generally includes the surgical procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, and essential follow-up care. At Revive Surgical Institute, we offer various payment plans and financing options through trusted healthcare lending partners to make this transformative procedure accessible while delivering exceptional clinical outcomes.

Why Choose Us for Your Breast Reconstruction after Breast Cancer Treatments?

When you choose Revive Surgical Institute for your breast reconstruction, you’re placing your care in the hands of Dr. Morad Askari, a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in advanced reconstruction techniques, supported by a compassionate team that guides you from initial diagnosis through complete recovery in our state-of-the-art Miami facility. Our coordinated approach ensures seamless collaboration with your surgical oncologist while employing cutting-edge techniques like perforator flap procedures and pre-pectoral implant placement to achieve aesthetic excellence that restores both form and function. We develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique anatomy, preferences, and lifestyle needs, creating natural-looking breasts in a supportive environment where our staff truly understands the emotional aspects of your reconstructive journey. At Revive Surgical Institute, we firmly believe that breast reconstruction transcends physical appearance—it’s fundamentally about restoring your confidence and sense of wholeness during a challenging time. Dr. Askari and our entire team remain dedicated to providing exceptional care with the sensitivity and expertise you deserve throughout this transformative process.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling whole again.

Breast Reconstruction in Miami, FL