This otherwise healthy mother of 3 was 46 when she was diagnosed with left breast ductal carcinoma in situ. Because her mother also was diagnosed with breast cancer at the early age of 40, she opted for a right prophylactic mastectomy, as well as the mastectomy for her cancer on the left breast.She is a slender active woman, with slightly asymmetrical drooping and deflated breasts from breast feeding and ultimately decided to have an implant reconstruction. She also wanted to be able to get back to her job as an RN as soon as possible and to resume the regular traveling she does with her family. Bilateral implant reconstruction offers the shortest surgery, the quickest recovery and the best chance for symmetry between her breasts, although it is a several-staged process and requires numerous visits to the office to fill the tissue expander. It also requires maintenance and periodic follow up for the permanent silicone gel or saline implants placed during the 2nd stage of surgery. This patient was willing to undergo the necessary procedures and follow up and searched for a surgeon in Walnut Creek performing breast reconstruction. She is quite happy with her subsequent results. Her nipple reconstruction and tattooing were done a few years after her 2nd surgery where her expanders were replaced with permanent implants. She felt she needed time to decide if she really wanted reconstructed nipples.After the nipple reconstruction, she did eventually opt for areolar tattooing, done in the office and really feels that it finishes off the reconstruction, transforming her breast “mounds” into very realistic-looking breasts.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary. These photos are of an actual patient of our practice who has provided consent to display their pictures online.
Surgeon: Dr. Mariotti
*Actual patients shown before and after surgery. Your results may vary. Photos are for education only and are not meant as a guarantee of results.
