Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer will change your life in every way. It can be an incredibly confusing and stressful time. You will be sent along a new life path filled with essential medical decisions, but you will have help along the way. Dr. Aycock can answer your many questions to help you decide whether and which type of breast reconstruction is right for you.
Over a Decade of Experience with Breast Cancer Patients
Breast reconstruction restores the natural shape of one or both breasts after either mastectomy or lumpectomy to help you feel comfortable with your body and experience healing. Drawing on her extensive work from over a decade with breast cancer patients, Dr. Aycock will listen to your hopes and desires to help you make the best and most informed choice possible.
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DIEP Flap Reconstruction
This type of reconstruction uses extra skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create the shape of the reconstructed breast using your own natural tissue. DIEP reconstruction is a great option for those patients who have always thought about a tummy tuck, who are opposed to having an implant, who are unhappy with their current implant reconstruction, or who have needed radiation treatment before or after a mastectomy. DIEP flaps are transferred to the chest using microsurgery to reconnect the blood supply. The abdominal muscle is not removed, so there is a smaller chance of weakness of the abdominal wall. This breast reconstruction technique requires extensive training and expertise, so it is not offered by every plastic surgeon. Dr. Aycock was one of the first surgeons to offer the DIEP flap in Colorado.
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Implant Reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction is the most common technique and uses a breast implant to create the breast shape and volume. Direct-to-implant reconstruction may be performed in one procedure at the same time as a mastectomy. Some patients do better with a two-stage process using a tissue expander, which reshapes the mastectomy area in preparation for the breast implant. There are different types of implants as well as different incisions and locations for the implant. Each patient is unique, and these decisions will all be affected by breast size and shape, cancer size and location, and need for radiation as well as individual preferences. Dr. Aycock will take time to learn what is most important to you in order to help you decide on the best plan for you.

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Oncoplastic Reconstruction
Many women choose lumpectomy surgery to preserve their natural breast. However, lumpectomy may cause a deformity or mismatch to the opposite side. If this is anticipated, Dr. Aycock will work with your breast cancer surgeon using plastic surgery techniques to reshape and lift the breasts to minimize indentations or changes in shape. These techniques are most effective if planned at the time of lumpectomy prior to radiation.

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Revision of Reconstruction
If you have already had breast reconstruction but are dissatisfied with your results, Dr. Aycock can help. As an expert in breast reconstruction, Dr. Aycock will spend time really listening to discover what is bothering you and look for options such as resizing or relocation of implants, fat grafting, scar revision, or change in the type of reconstruction to help you reach an outcome you can be happy with.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for breast reconstruction?
Is breast reconstruction necessary?
Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?
When should I get my breast reconstruction?
What are the advantages of choosing a DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
How much scarring should I expect?
Are breast implants dangerous?
"Each woman has a different ideal and her own individual anatomy. I listen to you and your body to find options for beautiful and natural results. "
- Joyce Aycock, MD