Breast Reconstruction in Beverly Hills

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast Reconstruction helps restore one or both breasts to as close to their normal shape, size, appearance, and symmetry as possible after undergoing a mastectomy or other surgeries. The treatment often requires multiple procedures being performed in stages, and can either begin at the time of the mastectomy or at a later date.

There are typically two categories of breast reconstruction: flap reconstruction and implant-based reconstruction. Flap reconstruction (also referred to as autologous reconstruction) takes tissue from another part of the patient’s body to form a new breast. Implant reconstruction uses breast implants to form a new breast mound. In order to decide on which technique is best for you, Dr. Nikolov will consider the following things: the type of mastectomy you had, any additional cancer treatments you received, and your body type.

If you only had one breast affected during your cancer treatment, it alone can be reconstructed to match your other breast.

What are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast Reconstruction has been beneficial for so many of our women patients. Here are just a few of them:

• Boosts confidence and self-esteem
• Customizable, offering options for your unique needs
• Dramatic, permanent results
• Eliminates the need for a prosthesis
• Restores proportionality and balance

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reconstruction

Depending on what was discussed during your consultation with Dr. Nikolov, you will either be administered intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to make your procedure comfortable. Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Nikolov will begin your surgery.

If the two of you talked about a Flap reconstruction, Dr. Nikolov will begin by moving muscle, fat, and skin from your lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The flap may either remain attached to the original blood supply and be tunneled up through the chest wall or will be completely detached, and then formed into a breast mound.

If he uses the DIEP flap or SIEA flap techniques, your abdominal muscle will not be used, but your skin and fat is transferred to your chest from the abdomen. If there is insufficient tissue on the lower abdomen, he may use other donor sites such as the buttocks or thighs. The latissimus dorsi flap technique uses muscle, fat, and skin from the back. It is tunneled up to the mastectomy site while remaining attached to its donor site, leaving the blood supply intact. On occasion, the flap can reconstruct a complete breast mound, but the latissimus flap can provide any extra muscle and tissue necessary to cover and support a breast implant.

If you don’t require breast radiation and would like to avoid using a separate donor site, Dr. Nikolov will use implant-based reconstruction. While reconstruction with tissue expansion allows for an easier recovery than the previously mentioned flap procedures, it is typically a lengthier reconstruction process.

It usually requires several office visits over 1-2 months after placement of the expander to gradually fill the device with saline through an internal valve to expand the skin. If this technique is performed, a second surgical procedure will be needed to replace the expander.

Finally, Dr. Nikolov may need to move your nipple and areola so it rests in a more natural location. If this is done, he will keep the nerves and blood supply attached but adjust its position. After all of the changes have been made, you will be sutured with multi-layers in the deeper areas of your breast for support, and the external incisions will be closed.

Although breast reconstruction can rebuild your breast, the results are highly variable:

• A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation or feel as the breast it replaces
• Certain surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site, commonly located in less exposed areas of the body such as the back, abdomen, or buttocks
• There will always be visible incision lines on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy

Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Reconstruction?

You may be a candidate for getting a breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills with Dr. Nikolov if you:

• Coped well with your diagnosis and treatment
• Do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your breast and body image
• Nonsmoker
• Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost in Beverly Hills?

The cost of Breast Reconstruction in Beverly Hills will vary on multiple factors, such as the extent of reconstruction needed, the technique for sedation, and any additional work that is done. When you meet with Dr. Nikolov for your consultation and he creates your surgical plan, you will be able to see a price breakdown for the entirety of your treatment. Oftentimes, breast reconstruction is covered by insurance, this will be discussed with Dr. Nikolov during your consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Nikolov?

Having been viewed as an authority in the field of plastic surgery for more than 20 years, Dr. Nicholas Nikolov is world-renowned for his keen aesthetic sense, techniques, and skill. He has been consulted for numerous television programs and publications, including CNN, CBS, NBC, and the Discovery Health Channel. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon in both Beverly Hills, CA, and Madrid, Spain, and has lectured extensively in his field and even hosted other doctors to observe his procedures. Dr. Nikolov is a diplomat of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.