Preparing For Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstructive cosmetic surgery is a major procedure that involves a fairly lengthy treatment. The patient must be ready to commit time for the surgery and prepare adequately for the procedure as per the surgeon’s instructions. During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will provide the preparation instructions to the patient.

Khan Plastic Surgery, led by reliable board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan, provides breast reconstruction to patients in Dallas, Texas and surrounding locations in the illustrious state of Texas.

Main Preparatory Steps

Before the breast reconstruction surgery, the patient will need to do the following in preparation:

• Undergo a chest x-ray, specific blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. In certain instances, the surgeon may ask for specialized mammograms.
• Avoid smoking for a minimum of one month before the reconstructive procedure to support the recovery process.
• Refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners, and specific herbal supplements and vitamins that can lead to bleeding.
• Change the schedule of prescription meds through consulting the physician.
• Stay sufficiently hydrated for many days before and after the procedure for ideal results.
• Increase consumption of lean proteins, and adhere to a well-balanced diet for many weeks before the breast reconstruction surgery.

Preparation at Home

The patient can ensure a seamless transition from the surgical venue to home by making certain preparations before the breast reconstruction surgery.

The preparation includes:

• Ensure that essential articles at home are within convenient reach as lifting the arms will be disallowed for some days post-surgery.
• Arrange frozen food or enlist someone to help prepare meals for the initial few days.
• Avoid lifting weights that are more substantial than five pounds for six weeks after the surgery. It is advisable to have assistance for such work for the initial few weeks.
• Purchase essential items and clothes before the surgery.
• Finish any essential household chores or work-related assignments prior to the procedure to enjoy a relaxed recovery period.

Loose Garments

After the breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery, the patient may be unable to pull a top over her head for a few days. Therefore, she should arrange for some loose button-down or front zipper shirts and sweat shirts in advance. Sweatshirts with built-in pockets can be useful for tucking in the drain tubes.

If the patient undergoes abdominal muscle flap reconstructive surgery, she may have to arrange for comfortable fitting pants without an elastic waistband. The patient should also avoid bending over to wear shoes and should have some easy slip-on sandals or slippers at hand.

The patient should arrange for some extra pillows and blankets for her bed. The patient may keep a phone, TV remote, some magazines and books, a handheld mirror, and a medicine box on the bedside table. She should also have some measuring cups handy in the bathroom to empty the drains as instructed by the surgeon.

The aftercare should be per the specific requirements of the patient for a comfortable and speedy recovery. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas and other neighborhoods and communities in this region of the country.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

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Questions to Ask Your Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgeon

While considering a complex cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast reconstruction, the patient should familiarize herself with all stages of the procedure and make up her mind if she is willing to commit the time and go through the preparation, surgery and recovery as per the surgeon’s advice.

It is also a good idea to review the practice website of the surgeon with whom she wants to have a breast reconstruction consultation.

When the candidate has acquired basic information about the procedure, it can help to make the consultation process more productive. She will be in a position to ask more pertinent questions during the initial appointment. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan of Khan Plastic Surgery provides breast reconstruction surgery to patients in Dallas, Texas and other towns and cities in this part of the US.

Important Questions to Ask

The patient should ideally create a written list of questions in advance and carry it along at the time of the initial consultation for breast reconstruction.

This will make the consultation process more effective and none of the important questions will be missed out. A committed surgeon will ensure that the patient is fully satisfied with their answers and will address all her concerns and doubts about breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery in an accurate and detailed manner.

• Are you board certified in plastic surgery?
• How long have you trained and practiced in the field of plastic surgery?
• Have you previously performed breast procedures, including breast reconstruction, and if yes, what is your success rate?
• Would you perform breast reconstruction at a hospital or an accredited surgical center?
• Am I a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?
• Would you recommend flap technique or breast implants or a combination of the two in my case?
• Can breast reconstruction be performed at the same time as my mastectomy, or is it better to have it done at a later stage?
• How much downtime will be involved after breast reconstruction, and is the recovery going to be painful?
• What are the potential risks and complications associated with breast reconstruction?
• How visible will be my scars after this surgery?
• What kind of preparation would I require beforehand, and will I need to adjust my lifestyle and diet?
• Can I review breast reconstruction before and after images of other patients to have a more realistic understanding of the results?
• Can I speak to one of your staff members to have more familiarity with your office, or have a brief office tour?
• Would you show me testimonials of past patients who may have previously received breast surgery procedures at your practice?

Reliable board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas and other cities and suburbs in the amazing Lone Star State for breast reconstruction.

Additional Tips

The patient should feel free to ask questions regarding the costs, insurance and financing aspects of breast reconstruction surgery. The procedure is usually fully covered by health insurance. The surgeon and their team will make every effort to address the patient’s concerns and help her make a well-considered and prudent decision.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

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Breast Reconstruction Consultation

It is a life altering decision to choose breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery after a mastectomy, and the patient should make this decision after careful consideration. The pre-op consultation is a vital part of the process. It provides patients with clarity on the surgery and its multiple stages spread out over several months.

The consultation provides patients with a chance to receive detailed information about the procedure and assist the surgeon in formulating an individualized plan for the patient.

Khan Plastic Surgery, led by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan, provides breast reconstruction to patients in Dallas, Texas and surrounding communities across the landscape in this region of the amazing state of Texas.

Ideal Candidates

Patients choosing breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy might have had one or both breasts removed due to breast cancer. The surgeon will highlight the emotional and physical advantages of a breast reconstruction surgery. However, every patient is not a suitable candidate for this procedure.

The surgeon will establish if the patient is presently cancer-free, does not smoke, and is determined to restore the breast size and shape through an extended reconstruction process.

During the consultation, the surgeon will assess her health records to understand if she has any medical conditions that could create complications during the surgery. Furthermore, the surgeon will understand whether she has undergone her cancer diagnosis and treatment well.

Developing Expectations

The surgeon will help the patient develop reasonable expectations by explaining the advantages and limitations of the reconstructive cosmetic surgery. The surgeon may present before and after pictures of former patients within this process. The patient will understand that any two breast reconstruction procedures are not similar.

The reason is that every patient has a different experience with cancer as well as their anatomical and aesthetic needs may vary. Patients with clear objectives, realistic expectations, and a positive frame of mind will typically be the ideal candidates for a breast reconstruction procedure.

Planning the Surgery

The breast reconstruction surgery can be conducted in various ways depending on patient requirements. A few patients might undergo mastectomy and reconstructive surgery simultaneously. Other patients may need to wait till after the mastectomy. The surgeon will discuss treatment alternatives particular to the patient’s tissue quality, body type, and the overall state of health.

Implant and flap reconstruction are two primary techniques to conduct this surgery. Both these techniques entail different surgical methods. The surgeon will explain both alternatives to the patient to enable her to make an informed choice.

Other Factors

The pre-op consultation process will involve a discussion of the possible risks associated with a breast reconstruction surgery. The surgeon will inform the patient on the anesthesia details as well as the duration of the surgery. Furthermore, the surgeon will explain the approximate surgery costs.

In most cases, the cost of reconstruction may be covered under the patient’s health plan. In case the patient’s medical insurance does not cover the full costs, they can ask the surgeon for information regarding financing options. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas and other towns and neighborhoods in this section of the country.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

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Breast Reconstruction Risks And Safety

Breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery is an intricate procedure. Similar to other surgical procedures, a breast reconstruction surgery also entails certain risks.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will discuss the potential risks associated with this surgery to ensure that the patient makes an informed choice. Khan Plastic Surgery, led by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan, provides breast reconstruction to patients in Dallas, Texas and surrounding locations in the amazing state of Texas.

Short Term Risks

Poor Reaction to Anesthesia

Breast reconstruction surgery is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Patients that have an existing health condition, specifically conditions related to circulation, heart, or nervous system, are at a higher risk of developing complications. The patient should inform the surgeon about their full medical history as well as current health condition so that they can make an appropriate decision.

Infection

The risk of developing infections is inherent to all surgical procedures including the breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery procedure.

The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent an infection. If the patient notices any signs of infection post-surgery, they should immediately consult with their surgeon. Common signs of infection can include excessive redness surrounding the breast incision, changes in color, high fever, or pus or fluid discharge from the site of the surgery.

Bleeding

The risk of bleeding after or during the breast reconstruction procedure is higher in patients who have a history of bleeding, take blood thinners or other medicines that can impact blood clotting.

The surgeon will instruct the patient against using specific medications for a minimum of two weeks before the reconstruction surgery. If the patient experiences significant bleeding during the early healing period, they should promptly inform the surgeon.

Long Term Risks

Complications after a breast reconstruction surgery can happen at any stage due to deflation, capsular contracture, and leakage or harm to the breast implant. Flap technique complications can lead to a delay in recovery and blood clotting. Patients should judiciously weigh the alternatives with a plastic surgeon.

Some vascular complications can happen in the long-term in certain cases. These complications can include:

• Inadequate blood flow to the reconstructed breast
• Dead tissue due to failure of relocated tissue
• Decreased abdominal capacity
• Weakness in the shoulder, back, or arm

Risks Associated with Flap Reconstruction Technique

Certain complications that can arise due to a flap reconstruction breast surgery are:

• Higher risk of infection in the implant reconstruction
• Reduced abdominal strength, specifically with the pedicle flap technique
• Risk of developing hernias
• Need for extra recovery time

Scars

The extent of the scarring can vary according to the breast reconstruction technique utilized. The scarring in case of flap technique will usually be higher. This happens because this technique requires two different incision locations.

Scarring with the flap technique can occur not only in the breasts and nipple areas, but also at donor locations such as the navel, abdomen, buttocks, back, or other areas. While surgical scars never entirely fade, they will diminish in appearance after some time.

Several patients find breast reconstruction surgery beneficial despite certain drawbacks such as scarring. Committed board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas and nearby areas.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

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