Overview
Following a mastectomy, patients often have a desire to reconstruct their breasts. Choosing to undergo breast reconstruction surgery is a very personal and private decision and the doctors of Prima Center for Plastic Surgery in Duluth are here to help. Breast reconstruction is a procedure, or series of procedures, that renew and restore the breasts back to a more natural appearance. Our doctors will work with you to educate you on the potential risks as well as outline your specific procedure. We are proud to inform our patients that Dr. Song is an Emory-trained breast reconstruction specialist, who will provide warm personal service and expertise through this difficult process. During your consultation, procedure details and cost information will be provided as well as an overview of your reconstructive options including before and after photos.
Things to Consider
The surgical planning for breast reconstruction typically begins at the same time as the planning for the mastectomy. There are points to consider such as how soon the patient will have the reconstruction and what type of reconstruction technique is best per the surgical case. It will need to be decided whether implants or tissue-based flaps are used, what type (if any) nipple and areola reconstruction will be performed, and other techniques that are specific to the patient’s circumstance. The general goal is to help the patient regain a normal appearance of the breasts as part of the final phase of breast cancer treatment.
Surgical Technique
Surgical techniques vary and today, patients are getting more options that can match their personal preferences. It is important to find a highly specialized board certified plastic surgeon to perform breast reconstruction and one who will work with the cancer surgeon to achieve a natural result.
Reconstruction With Implants
Breast implants are a common method used with a reconstruction procedure. When implants are being considered, the reconstruction process is usually performed in a multi-stage treatment session. A tissue expander is placed in between the chest muscle and the skin during the mastectomy. This expander will be gradually filled with a saline solution to expand the skin and eventually replaced with an implant.
Autologous Reconstruction
Tissue-based flap procedures harvest tissue from other parts of the body such as the abdomen or the back to reconstruct the breast.
Nipple/Areola Restoration
When a breast is surgically removed, the nipple and areola may not be spared. To recreate the nipple/areolar complex, skin and local tissue are formed or grafted to reconstruct the nipple while the areola is achieved by tattooing. This is done towards the latter stages of breast reconstruction.
Fat Grafting
A popular technique that can be used to enhance the appearance of the reconstructed breast is using purified fat harvested from other areas such as the abdomen or love handle areas to fill in certain areas of the reconstructed breast. This technique is often done in conjunction with second stage reconstructive procedures, thus minimizing downtime and recovery.
Breast Reconstruction Reviews
I was introduced to Dr. Kumbla at a very scary time in my life. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2024, and chose double mastectomy. At first I wanted to go flat, but then after my breast surgeon and other doctor friends explained all the options available for patients in my situation I changed my mind and went with double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Dr. Kumbla was recommended to me by my breast surgeon, and I'm so glad she did. From the moment I met her I felt at ease. She is very well spoken, explains everything in detail, and gave me a chance to ask questions. The fact that she had worked with numerous breast cancer patients like me was more reassuring. She understood the fears I had, and answered all the questions. Surgery day was the most scary day of my life! It was a two part surgery, starting with a breast surgeon, and then doctor Kumbla took over to start the reconstruction process. After the surgery she made sure I was okay, she came to see me the next day before I was discharged from the hospital. She continued to follow up after I went home, and I was able to reach her directly with any issues I had. Since breast reconstruction involves multiple steps, I have been seeing her for many months, and I just had my second exchange surgery few weeks ago, and I am pleased with the results. I still need some more work before I complete the reconstruction, and I would not trust anybody else other than Dr. Kumbla. Not only she is good at what she does, but very compassionate and relatable. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is in need.
I was introduced to Dr. Kumbla at a very scary time in my life. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2024, and chose double mastectomy. At first I wanted to go flat, but then after my breast surgeon and other doctor friends explained all the options available for patients in my situation I changed my mind and went with double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.Dr. Kumbla was recommended to me by my breast surgeon, and I'm so glad she did. From the moment I met her I felt at ease. She is very well spoken, explains everything in detail, and gave me a chance to ask questions. The fact that she had worked with numerous breast cancer patients like me was more reassuring. She understood the fears I had, and answered all the questions.Surgery day was the most scary day of my life! It was a two part surgery, starting with a breast surgeon, and then doctor Kumbla took over to start the reconstruction process. After the surgery she made sure I was okay, she came to see me the next day before I was discharged from the hospital. She continued to follow up after I went home, and I was able to reach her directly with any issues I had.Since breast reconstruction involves multiple steps, I have been seeing her for many months, and I just had my second exchange surgery few weeks ago, and I am pleased with the results. I still need some more work before I complete the reconstruction, and I would not trust anybody else other than Dr. Kumbla. Not only she is good at what she does, but very compassionate and relatable. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is in need.
This office became a place of comfort and healing for me. Dr. Song and his amazing staff supported me from my breast cancer diagnosis through reconstruction and implant surgery, and I cannot put into words how thankful I am. Maggie always greeted me by my first name and made me feel instantly welcomed, which meant more than she probably knows. I will miss the warmth, the smiles, and the genuine care every single visit brought. Forever grateful 🤍Side note: I love my new breast, bigger & better with great symmetry!
For the past 6 months, I have had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Song for breast reconstruction following a double mastectomy in August. He and his staff were so kind, caring and professional throughout the whole process. Through tissue expanders, fills, and the transfer to implants, Dr Song with his expertise and warm, caring manner brought me through a very scary situation. I was always put at ease through each phase and knew I was in great hands. He always had time for questions and I always enjoyed our chats. I highly recommend Dr. Song and Prima Center and will always appreciate the wonderful care I received from him and his staff.
Dr Kumbla is an amazing doctor! She was my rock and sounding board through my breast cancer journey, from the beginning. I met with several surgeons and from the moment we met I knew she was going to be my doctor. She put me at ease and was the same through my whole complicated journey. There aren’t many doctors out there that are amazing at their craft and have an amazing bedside manner. In the future if I need or want anything else done, it will be with Dr Kumbla 100%.
56
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Surgeon?
With breast reconstruction, a plastic surgeon will work alongside the cancer surgeon and be primarily involved and responsible as it pertains to restoring the appearance. It is a highly specialized surgery so it is critical to choose a plastic surgeon that has years of successful experiences in this type of surgery.
Delayed Reconstruction?
If a patient knows she will want to restore her breasts with a reconstruction procedure, it is recommended that this process begins at the time as the mastectomy. During the breast removal portion, the tissue expanders can be put into place, which eliminates a new surgery. This ultimately decreases the risk for complications.
Breast Sensation?
Because the breast is completely removed and a new one is formed, there will be a loss of sensation. Over time, there is a possibility that this sensation can be slowly regained. This is different for every patient. While some patients regain their sensitivity, there is no guarantee that this will be the case for everyone.
During/After Surgery
Breast reconstruction uses general anesthesia, and the patient is often required to stay in a hospital if done simultaneously with the mastectomy. Patients who have flap surgeries sometimes stay up to 5 days for monitoring. There will be discomfort and pain within the first week, and the patient may feel disoriented with the newly formed chest. Temporary drain tubes and bandages are placed to assist in healing. It can be unnerving to go through a major body change; however, patients find it gratifying and relieving that they are able to once again look and feel normal as they start their new journey towards becoming a cancer survivor.
