BRCA Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. Patients with BRCA1/2 mutations who undergo risk-reducing mastectomy may also opt for breast reconstruction, including implant reconstruction and autologous flap reconstruction.

Close up of a woman's breasts in a nude bra

What is BRCA?

BRCA stands for "breast cancer susceptibility gene.” BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two genes that produce proteins that help suppress the growth of tumors. Mutations in these genes can increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have up to an 80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 40% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Men with a BRCA mutation also have an increased risk of developing breast, prostate, and other cancers.

BRCA Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape of a breast after a mastectomy. Women who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation may choose to have a prophylactic mastectomy, a preventive surgery to remove one or both breasts before cancer develops. After a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be performed to restore the appearance of the breast.

Several breast reconstruction options include implant-based and autologous reconstruction, which uses a woman's own tissue to rebuild the breast. Women who have had a prophylactic mastectomy due to a BRCA mutation may choose to have breast reconstruction to restore their appearance and improve their quality of life.

Am I a Good Candidate for BRCA Breast Reconstruction?

If you have undergone a mastectomy and desire breast reconstruction, you may be a candidate for the procedure. Patients with BRCA mutation who have experienced a prophylactic mastectomy may also be good candidates for breast reconstruction.

Factors that may affect your candidacy for breast reconstruction include:

Your overall health
Medical history
The type of mastectomy you had

What Are the Benefits of BRCA Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy can provide several benefits for women, including:

Restoring the appearance of the breast by reshaping and resizing, improving self-image and quality of life
Improving confidence and self-esteem
Avoiding the need for, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient
Providing symmetry between the breasts, which can enhance a woman's overall appearance
Reducing emotional distress associated with losing a breast due to cancer or other medical conditions

For women with a BRCA mutation who have undergone a prophylactic mastectomy, breast reconstruction can provide similar benefits and help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

You’ll meet with Dr. Lampert during your initial consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and needs. Dr. Lampert wants to ensure that each patient is treated with the kindness, care, and delicacy he might employ when practicing on his family members or loved ones. Every treatment is personalized to make sure it is a good fit and that it promotes the patient’s overall health and well-being long-term.

Dr. Lampert will never pressure a patient to undergo a procedure or try to upsell them so that they spend more money. On the contrary, he simply strives to educate and inform clients to make the best decisions for their future. From his natural-looking, elegant results to the outstanding patient experience each person receives, Dr. Lampert is among Miami's most sought-after plastic surgeons.

BRCA Breast Reconstruction Procedure & Recovery

The BRCA breast reconstruction procedure and recovery can vary depending on the type of reconstruction chosen. Generally, breast reconstruction is performed in stages and can take several months to complete:

Surgery: Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed using implants or autologous tissue. Implant reconstruction involves silicone or saline implants to create a new breast mound. Autologous reconstruction uses tissue from other body areas, such as the abdomen or back, to create a new breast. The surgery can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or later.

Recovery: After the surgery, you must stay in the hospital for several days to monitor your recovery. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which medications can manage. You must also avoid strenuous activity and lifting for several weeks to allow your body to heal.

Follow-up care: After the reconstruction, you must have regular appointments with your plastic surgeon to monitor your recovery and ensure the reconstructed breast is healing correctly.

Overall, the recovery process for breast reconstruction can take several months, but most women can resume normal activities within a few weeks of surgery. We will provide detailed post-operative care and recovery instructions so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Choose Dr. Lampert for BRCA Breast Reconstruction?

Reconstructive breast surgery is crucial to a complete breast cancer treatment plan. To fulfill the patient's goals and timeline, Dr. Lampert works closely with surgical oncologists to create a comprehensive reconstruction strategy.

Throughout his medical training, Dr. Lampert, our board-certified plastic surgeon, has focused solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery, training with leaders in plastic surgery nationwide. Today, he brings his unrelenting plastic surgery and breast reconstruction skill to Miami, providing top-tier cosmetic care for each patient.

When you choose Dr. Lampert, you’ll experience unrivaled professionalism and compassion. He provides his patients with as much time as they need to select the reconstruction path that is right for them confidently. He ensures they understand the predicted outcome and the timeline for full aesthetic recovery of their feminine form.