Breast Revision plastic surgeon Phoenix
Restoring your sense of wholeness with experienced, empathetic care.
The decision to undergo breast reconstruction is a deeply personal part of the recovery journey for many mastectomy patients. Dr. John Rowley provides a supportive environment where clinical expertise meets a commitment to helping you feel like yourself again. With over 25 years of surgical experience, he guides you through each option with the goal of achieving a natural balance that honors your physical and emotional well-being.
About This Procedure
Breast reconstruction is a restorative procedure designed to rebuild the shape and volume of the breast following a mastectomy. Some women choose to begin this process immediately during their initial surgery, while others prefer to wait until they have completed further treatments or feel more emotionally ready. Regardless of the timing, the objective remains the same: to restore a sense of physical completeness and symmetry.
We utilize several specialized techniques to achieve these results, ranging from the use of saline-filled implants to advanced flap procedures that use your own natural tissue. During your consultation in our Phoenix office, Dr. Rowley explains the nuances of each approach, helping you select the method that best aligns with your health history and aesthetic goals. This is an educational process where your concerns are heard, ensuring you feel confident in the path toward your recovery.
Breast Revision Gallery
What to Expect
Your experience begins with a detailed consultation to determine if tissue expansion, a permanent implant, or a flap reconstruction is the right fit for your body. If expansion is chosen, a temporary silicone balloon is gradually filled with saline over several weeks to gently prepare the skin for a permanent implant. If you opt for flap procedures, such as a TRAM flap or latissimus flap, Dr. Rowley meticulously repositions tissue from the abdomen, back, or thighs to create a natural-looking breast without the use of a foreign body.
As this is a major surgical event, you can expect an inpatient hospital stay of two to five days for close monitoring and recovery support. Drains are typically used for the first few days to manage fluid, and while we encourage you to begin moving within 48 hours, the overall healing process is steady and measured. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within three to four weeks, though we monitor your progress closely during this time.
Full recovery involves a gradual return to physical exertion, with a requirement to avoid overhead lifting or strenuous exercise for up to six weeks. While surgical scars are permanent, they are placed strategically to be concealed by clothing and will naturally fade over the coming months. While the procedure cannot fully restore original nipple or breast sensation, many women find that some feeling returns over time as the body heals and settles into its restored form.
Why Dr. Rowley
Dr. John Rowley approaches every breast reconstruction with a focus on precision and patient dignity. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Inc. and is a dedicated member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Society. With more than 25 years of board-certified experience, he has the seasoned skill necessary to navigate the complexities of reconstructive surgery while prioritizing the most natural-looking outcomes.
His philosophy is built on the belief that a surgeon should be a partner in a patient’s recovery. By focusing on individualized care rather than trends, Dr. Rowley ensures that every woman in Phoenix receives a surgical plan tailored to her unique anatomy and life circumstances. His goal is not just to rebuild a silhouette, but to help each patient regain the confidence and wholeness that may have been impacted by her medical journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Revision
Can reconstruction be performed at the same time as my mastectomy?
Yes, many patients choose immediate reconstruction to complete their surgeries in a single stage. However, others prefer to delay the procedure until after they have finished other treatments like radiation. Dr. Rowley will help you weigh the benefits of both options during your consultation.
What is the difference between an implant and a flap procedure?
Implants use a silicone shell filled with saline to create volume, which involves a shorter initial recovery. Flap procedures use your own tissue from areas like the abdomen or back; while the surgery is more extensive, it avoids the use of a foreign body and often results in a more natural-feeling breast.
How long will I need to be in the hospital?
Because breast reconstruction is a major surgery, an inpatient stay of two to five days is standard. This ensures your surgical team can monitor your initial healing and manage your comfort effectively before you return home.
Will I have permanent scarring?
All reconstructive techniques involve incisions that leave permanent scars. However, Dr. Rowley is highly experienced in placing these incisions where they can be most easily concealed by bras or swimwear, and they typically fade and soften significantly over time.
Is it possible to reconstruct the nipple and areola?
Yes, nipple and areola reconstruction is often the final stage of the process, typically performed after the reconstructed breast has settled into its permanent position. This can be achieved through specialized surgical techniques or medical tattooing to create a complete, natural appearance.