Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

What are your options for breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis? For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jason Rosenberg and co-host Meredith Reis dedicate this episode of In the BEST of HANDS: The Plastic Surgery Podcast to a topic close to Dr. Rosenberg’s heart: mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Fellowship-trained in microsurgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Rosenberg has spent 30 years helping women rebuild after breast cancer. He explains when to see a plastic surgeon, what insurance covers, and how to choose between implants and natural tissue (flap) reconstruction. He also covers nipple reconstruction, 3D nipple tattoos, the risks involved with surgery and how partners can support someone through the process. To see Dr. Rosenberg's DEIP Flap breast reconstruction before and after photos, click here. Timestamps 02:00 – When to see a plastic surgeon after diagnosis 04:45 – Why many women skip reconstruction 07:00 – Does insurance cover breast reconstruction? 08:45 – Lumpectomy and oncoplastic surgery 10:45 – Implants vs. natural tissue: why radiation matters 12:00 – Prophylactic mastectomy, BRCA and implants 14:15 – Natural tissue (flap) reconstruction 20:00 – Sensation and nipple-sparing mastectomy 22:00 – Nipple reconstruction and 3D tattoos 25:15 – Fat grafting and the three stages of reconstruction 27:00 – Flap risks and complications 29:00 – Emotional support and the Butterfly Sisters 31:45 – Advice for partners 34:30 – “Today’s the day”: a patient’s story In this episode, we cover: Starting the Reconstruction Journey Dr. Rosenberg’s priority list: alive and healthy, cancer-free, then reconstruction Why only about 30% of women once chose reconstruction The law requiring insurance to cover reconstruction and matching the other breast Lumpectomy & Oncoplastic Surgery How a plastic surgeon helps reshape the breast after a lumpectomy Implant Reconstruction Why radiation changes the plan Prophylactic mastectomy for BRCA and other genetic risks Who is a good candidate, and why implants need maintenance Natural Tissue (Flap) Reconstruction Using tummy tissue to rebuild the breast, with a tummy tuck-like benefit Muscle-sparing flaps vs. the techniques of the ’80s Immediate vs. delayed reconstruction Nipples, Sensation & Finishing Touches What sensation may return after a mastectomy Nipple-sparing mastectomy: who’s a candidate Nipple reconstruction vs. 3D nipple tattoos Fat grafting and combining a flap with an implant Risks & Recovery Flap success rates (97 to 99% with an experienced microsurgeon) The critical first 8 to 10 hours after surgery Emotional Support The Butterfly Sisters patient network and Survive and Thrive How partners can help, and why they’re patients too 🎧 Thanks for checking out In the BEST of HANDS: The Plastic Surgery Podcast! New episodes drop twice a month, on Wednesdays. ✅ Subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. ✅ Rate & Review: your input helps more listeners find us. ✨ Follow Dr. Jason Rosenberg & Rosenberg Plastic Surgery: https://rosenbergplasticsurgery.com/ and on INSTAGRAM Keywords: breast reconstruction, breast reconstruction after mastectomy, mastectomy, breast cancer, flap reconstruction, DIEP flap, implant reconstruction, prophylactic mastectomy, BRCA, oncoplastic surgery, nipple reconstruction, 3D nipple tattoo, nipple-sparing mastectomy, Breast Cancer Awareness Month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.