Dr. Cohen understands the physical and emotional impact of breast cancer, as a board-certified plastic surgeon. We offer autologous breast reconstruction, a procedure that uses your own tissue to rebuild your breasts. Using DIEP flap reconstruction in Connecticut, Dr. Cohen, our fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, ensures natural-looking results that restore your confidence and help you feel whole again.
Rebuilding with Your Own Tissue
Autologous breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that uses your own tissue to reconstruct your breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Unlike implant-based reconstruction, which uses synthetic materials, autologous reconstruction uses tissue from your body, typically from the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. The advanced DIEP flap technique involves carefully removing excess skin and fat from the donor site and transferring it to the chest to create a new breast mound. This method offers a more natural look and feel.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction Corrects:
- Breast tissue loss due to mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Asymmetry between the two breasts
- Loss of breast volume and shape
- Psychological distress and negative body image
- Discomfort or irritation from wearing external breast prostheses
What Happens During Autologous Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
When you decide to undergo autologous breast reconstruction surgery, you will meet with Dr. Cohen to discuss your medical history, goals, and expectations. Dr. Cohen will examine your body and determine the appropriate donor site for your tissue transfer.
During your DIEP flap reconstruction in Connecticut, Dr. Cohen will create an incision in the donor site, typically in the lower abdomen, and carefully remove excess skin and fat. The advanced DIEP flap technique preserves the underlying blood vessels and transfers the tissue to the chest to reconstruct the breast mound. The transferred tissue is sculpted and shaped to create a natural-looking breast.
He will use a combination of sutures and dressings to close the incision sites, including the breast and the donor area. The entire procedure may take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the reconstruction.
Benefits of Autologous Breast Reconstruction:
- Uses your own tissue, reducing the risk of implant-related complications
- Results in a natural-looking and feeling breast
- May improve self-esteem and quality of life
- Reduces excess tissue in the donor site, providing a contouring effect
- Minimizes the risk of capsular contracture, implant rupture, or infection
- Offers a long-term solution without ongoing maintenance or replacement of implants
- Potential for a shorter recovery time compared to implant-based reconstruction
- Can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or in a delayed reconstruction
For further questions about the benefits of DIEP flap reconstruction in Connecticut, please contact our office and we would be happy to set up a consultation.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction Aftercare Guidelines:
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed to manage discomfort
- Wear a supportive bra or compression garment as recommended by your surgeon
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least six weeks
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke to promote healing
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support the healing process
- Apply cold compresses to the surgical site to reduce swelling and bruising
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medication
- Gently massage the breast and donor site after the incisions have healed
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions for scar care and wound dressing changes after you receive DIEP flap reconstruction in Connecticut.
When Will I See the Final Results?
The final results may take several months to a year to fully develop. After you receive DIEP flap reconstruction in Connecticut, the body needs some time to adapt. Swelling, bruising, and scar tissue may obscure the final outcome initially, but as the body heals, the breast will settle into a more natural shape and size.
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Meet Dr. Wess Cohen
Dr. Wess Cohen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, completed his extensive education and training at esteemed institutions like Rutgers University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Serving as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Dr. Cohen specializes in crafting personalized surgical plans tailored to each patient’s aesthetic objectives. His fellowship in aesthetics and reconstructive breast surgery in Manhattan provided invaluable experience in advanced breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery under the mentorship of top aesthetic surgeons. Renowned for his commitment to individualized care, Dr. Cohen is the premier choice for plastic surgery in Southbury, CT.
Why Choose Dr. Wes Chohen
Dr. Wess Cohen offers personalized care and innovative solutions for breast reconstruction. With extensive training at top plastic surgery programs and a focus on microsurgery and breast aesthetics, Dr. Cohen has the expertise to guide you through DIEP flap reconstruction in Connecticut. Schedule a consultation and learn how autologous breast reconstruction can restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.