- Cosmetic Surgery
- Breast Procedures
- Breast Reconstruction
Reclaim Your Sense of Self
Breast Reconstruction Fairfield County, Connecticut
Breast cancer strikes women and their families without warning and often leaves them feeling completely overwhelmed. Many are suddenly forced to make seemingly endless decisions, all within a matter of just a few weeks. At our plastic surgery practice, Dr. David Passaretti and his team understand how difficult these decisions can be and we're here to help. There is no single reconstructive surgery option that is best for everyone, which is why we offer a full range of breast reconstruction procedures out of our Fairfield County, Connecticut practice. We will take time to make sure that you have all the information you need about your breast reconstruction alternatives and help you to make the decision that is best for you.
Contact our plastic surgery practice today to learn more about how these procedures can help you regain control of your appearance.
A Team Approach to Breast Reconstruction
Dr. David Passaretti is well acquainted with and works closely with the best breast surgeons and cancer doctors in the area. This team approach to breast reconstruction ensures that all aspects of your treatment are coordinated and well orchestrated to provide you with the best possible care. The goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to rebuild and reshape the breasts following mastectomy, although it may also be indicated for atypical development of one or both breasts. During mastectomy, your breast surgeon will remove both breast tissue and the nipple with the surrounding breast skin. Any breast reconstruction must replace both of these missing aspects.
At our plastic surgery practice in Fairfield County, Connecticut, we offer all four major types of breast reconstruction surgery, including reconstruction with the patient’s own tissue - TRAM flap reconstruction; breast reconstruction with implants; DIEP flap reconstruction; or latissimus flap reconstruction. Using the latest breast reconstruction techniques, we are able to create two balanced, symmetrical breast mounds that look and feel completely natural.
TRAM Flap
The TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle) flap procedure has become the most popular of the various living tissue breast reconstruction methods performed. This procedure uses muscle, fat, and skin from the abdominal area to create a new breast. This is a safe method of breast reconstruction because it uses natural tissue, as opposed to synthetic materials associated with breat implants.
Latissimus Flap
The latissimus flap technique is similar to the TRAM flap procedure in that is uses skin, fat, and muscle to create a new breast. However, this tissue is taken from the latissimus dorsi, the muscle under the armpit, as opposed to the abdomen. This procedure is also less invasive than the TRAM Flap procedure.
DIEP Flap
The DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap technique uses only skin and fat from the abdominal area to reshape the breast. Accordingly, this procedure requires much less recovery time than the latissimus Flap and TRAM flap procedures.
Implants and Tissue Expansion
Patients who do not wish to have scarring on their abdomen or back may opt for implants when considering breast reconstruction. Patients who receive implants may first have to use tissue expanders to stretch the skin and make room for the implants. Implant breast reconstruction is more common than flap procedures, and is an effective, less-invasive method for reconstructing the breast.
Nipple Reconstruction
While nipple reconstruction is not required following breast reconstruction, it is recommended in order to achieve more natural-looking breasts. Dr. Passaretti is able to reconstruct the nipples using the patient's natural tissue. Patients can discuss their options for creating realistic results with Dr. Passaretti.
The Use of AlloDerm Grafts in Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Passaretti was one of the first surgeons in the area to use AlloDerm in breast reconstruction and has performed more AlloDerm-based reconstructions, than anyone in all of Fairfield County. Dr. Passaretti continues to use AlloDerm with great success to improve the aesthetic results of breast reconstruction surgery in patients that do not have enough of their own breast tissue. AlloDerm provides additional tissue to work with and also affords an additional layer of tissue to help hide implant visibility and to obtain a more natural shape. AlloDerm will help control the location of the implant, support the implant and define the breast fold. AlloDerm will support growth of new tissues and actually become part of your body.
Contact Our Practice
Dr. Passaretti is dedicated to helping the courageous women who have undergone mastectomy. As one of the premier cosmetic surgeons in the Fairfield County, Connecticut area, he seeks to provide breast reconstruction surgery of an exceptionally high standard to the women who need and deserve it most. Please contact our plastic surgery practice and schedule a private consultation today.
Contact Us
