Breast Reconstruction Orange County
Many of us know firsthand how devastating the diagnosis of cancer is. Currently, a woman has a one-in-eight lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. There are enough decisions and stresses associated with the proper and timely treatment of breast cancer without the need to decide about breast reconstruction, but considering the procedure before a mastectomy is an important part of the process.
The journey to wellness: Breast reconstruction surgery in Irvine and Ladera Ranch
Many women are comfortable with a prosthetic breast to appear symmetric in clothing, while others feel that reconstructing the breast and the complete restoration of feminine curves is essential in the journey to wellness. If you have a mastectomy scheduled or have undergone a lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast disease and are interested in learning about your options for breast reconstruction in Ladera Ranch, Dr. Kyle Song or Dr. Paige Benyamein can meet with you to discuss your options. Both Dr. Song and Dr. Benyamein are honored to work with breast cancer survivors in this important surgery and dedicate their extensive experience and expertise to helping you achieve beautiful new breasts.
How does breast reconstruction work?
Breast reconstruction surgery is your right, and most health insurance companies are required to cover the cost of this surgery under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. Unfortunately, some plans (such as government or church plans) may not be required to cover the surgery. If you have questions about whether you are covered, we can help.
Some women undergo breast reconstruction in the same surgery as the mastectomy, while others may need to wait until all cancer treatments are completed. A nipple-sparing mastectomy may be performed, which allows for the natural nipple structure to be retained and transferred to the new breast mound. If the nipple structure is removed, nipple reconstruction can be performed as the final phase in the process.
What is the breast reconstruction procedure?
Treatment for breast cancer may involve the partial or complete removal of a single or both breasts. The goal of our Orange County breast reconstruction procedure is to restore a natural-looking breast, and this surgery can be performed after a mastectomy or to reshape a breast after a lumpectomy. You have two options for this surgery:
Implants
This approach involves placing implants to restore the breast mound, which may be silicone or saline. In some cases, a tissue expander is placed as the first step.
Skin flap surgery
This approach requires harvesting healthy tissue from another area of the body (usually the abdomen) and transplanting it to create the breast mound.
The recovery from skin flap surgery takes longer, as the donor area and the breast must both heal, but the new breast is created from natural tissue and has the softness and feel that only natural tissue provides.
The recovery from skin flap surgery takes longer, as the donor area and the breast must both heal, but the new breast is created from natural tissue and has the softness and feel that only natural tissue provides.
Meet Dr. Kyle Song, your breast reconstruction surgeon
If you are ready to consider breast reconstruction, choosing the right surgeon matters. Dr. Kyle Song has achieved recognition for his outstanding surgical work in this procedure, and is here to help you live a happier, more confident life. He obtained his medical degree at UC David, where he graduated in the 99th percentile on his board exams.
He then went on to advance his career at the highly-competitive plastic surgery program at UC Davis, where he trained under Dr. Michael Wong, a world-renowned body contouring expert. Dr. Song’s accomplishments led to the honor of being the recipient of the Francis W. Noel Award. He then completed a plastic surgery fellowship focusing exclusively on cosmetic enhancements. His skills, knowledge, and experience make him the ideal surgeon to perform breast reconstruction – ensuring natural, beautiful results that boost both physical appearance and self-image.
Meet Dr. Paige Benyamein, your breast reconstruction surgeon
If you're considering breast reconstruction, selecting the right surgeon is essential for achieving natural, beautiful results. Dr. Paige Benyamein is a specialist in the field of aesthetic surgery, known for her commitment to delivering transformative outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction.
Dr. Paige Benyamein is a skilled and compassionate surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, a procedure designed to help restore regular breast function, and bring you the confidence and comfort you deserve. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, before completing her plastic surgery residency at UC San Diego, where she received multiple honors, including the Clinical Excellence and Spirit Awards.
Alongside renowned surgeon Dr. Kyle Song, Dr. Benyamein is dedicated to staying at the forefront of aesthetic surgery. As a member of top professional societies like the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, she brings advanced skills and a patient-centered approach to every breast reconstruction, ensuring a safe and transformative experience.
When should I have my breast reconstruction surgery?
Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein will work with your cancer surgeon in planning your reconstruction. When possible, it will be performed immediately after your mastectomy. This is called an “immediate reconstruction”.
In other cases, a staged approach will be required. A tissue expander may be needed to stretch the skin to accommodate an implant. The expander has a port through which saline solution is added over time until the skin can accommodate the implant. This may require several months.
Nipple reconstruction
The last step may be to reconstruct a natural-looking nipple. The skin is formed into a nipple shape with sutures, and as the final step, it will be tattooed to create the appearance of a nipple. The result is remarkably natural in appearance.
Your Recovery
Your recovery period will vary somewhat, depending on which type of breast reconstruction procedure you had. You will spend 2-5 days recuperating in the hospital under observation to ensure the new tissue is thriving and all is well with your healing process. Once you return home, you will need to rest and focus on your recovery and building up your strength again. You will have physical therapy treatments to help regain your strength and safely perform daily activities. Expect your recovery period to take a total of about 6-8 weeks, at which point most women can return to work and typical activities.
Take the next step
Are you interested in learning more about your breast reconstruction options? To schedule a consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call (949) 894-4772. South Coast Plastic Surgery serves Irvine, CA, Ladera Ranch, CA, and the greater Orange County area.
