Sugene Kim, MD

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

A Natural Approach, with a Personal Touch

920 Medical Plaza - Suite 300 | The Woodlands, TX 77380

Breast Reconstruction, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Conroe, North Houston

Many women consider breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy because of the emotional benefits associated with breast restoration.  There are several methods that can be utilized during breast reconstruction; some use saline or silicone breast implants, while others use the patient’s own body tissue to recreate the breasts.

The following are brief descriptions of breast reconstruction methods that Dr. Kim and other plastic surgeons commonly perform.

Breast Reconstruction Using Implants

Saline or silicone gel implants are often used to recreate the breasts after a mastectomy.  Dr. Kim may utilize a tissue expander beneath the skin and chest muscles to create a new cavity for the implant.  In some cases, this process is done in multiple stages; in others the breast implant is placed immediately.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is one of several procedures available to create a natural looking breast using your own skin and fat. This can be accomplished without removing abdominal muscle tissue and without breast implants.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction moves excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen and the belly button to the chest wall.  This tissue is connected to blood vessels from the chest wall using advanced microvascular surgery.

TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction

A TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap uses tissue from the lower abdomen, between the waist and pubic bone. The procedure is often compared to a tummy tuck, at least in terms of what tissue gets removed.  This area of the abdomen contains skin, fat, and blood vessels that can be used to reconstruct the breast.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Reconstruction

A latissimus dorsi flap uses the patient’s upper back as the donor site. The muscle from the back is tunneled under the skin to the front of the chest, creating a pocket that can accommodate an implant to add fullness to the reconstructed breast.

Learn More About Breast Reconstruction

Most women in need of breast reconstruction aren’t interested in researching these procedures, but they do need a plastic surgeon to guide them through the options.  To discuss the various options for breast reconstruction, contact The Woodlands cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Kim by calling 281-363-4546