Tag Archives: breast reconstruction

Tattoo Artists Assist in Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Tattoo Artists Assist in Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Breast reconstruction is a major step in regaining a sense of normalcy in her life when a woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Once the breast reconstruction process is complete, most women are left without the nipple and surrounding areola.

In an effort to help with this, professional tattoo artists have been striving to create realistic three-dimensional tattoos of the nipple and areola. Areola repigmentation is done by tattoo, having a 3-D effect in mind. All procedures are done in the beautiful office of Dr. Brandon Reynolds, in a private and sterile environment. It’s the last step in a very hard journey. Each woman is treated with the utmost care and respect while Annie, from Pink Ribbon Tattoo, helps her design what will make her feel whole again. The goal through this process is to help women feel physically and emotionally restored.

Tattoo Artist Techniques

Tattoo Artist

Before a paramedical tattoo artist becomes involved in the process, the reconstruction of the breast is completed by the plastic surgeon. Often, the plastic surgeon will reconstruct the nipple, however there is no coloration of the surrounding areola. Aesthetically, the nipple reconstruction alone is not as realistic as many women hope it to be.

Now that paramedical tattoo artists have joined in the battle against breast cancer, patient outcomes have improved significantly. They’re able to recreate the most natural looking nipple and areola complexes due to their experience with needle types and speeds, color mixing, and attention to detail. Their technical skill makes it possible to compensate for the lack of texture that results from a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. They’re even able to create the shadows that make it seem as though the nipple and the little glands around the nipple protrude (if a new nipple was not reconstructed by the plastic surgeon) as they should.

Truly, the potential for improved patient outcomes, with the help of paramedical tattoo artists, is limitless.

Some Concerns

Some concerns have been expressed regarding the incorporation of these “other” professionals into the world of plastic surgery. A primary concern involved is the possible business that may be taken away from Las Vegas plastic surgeons. When patients are referred to these other professionals for a part of their reconstruction procedure, a fraction of the plastic surgeon’s business may be lost. However, in the grand scheme of giving patients their best possible outcome, this may be a necessary sacrifice. At Reynolds Plastic Surgery, we do not have this concern as we have an amazing tattoo artist in house and are able to offer patients a renewed and whole sense of self from the start of the breast reconstruction process to the completion of it.

There has also been a concern about whether or not these tattoo “procedures” will be covered by a patient’s insurance company. Only time will tell for sure, however, there is a belief that insurance will cover the tattoo at least in part. This will be especially true if tattoo artists are willing to go into medical facilities to work rather than having women go to their tattoo parlors.

If you are facing a battle against breast cancer, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Reynolds Plastic Surgery has a dedicated team of professionals ensuring your best recovery.

When the time comes to pursue post-mastectomy options, please schedule a consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon at Reynolds Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas to see exactly what your options are.

For more information, contact Reynolds Plastic Surgery at 702.410.9800.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Have you, or someone you know, been diagnosed recently with breast cancer? The strides in science that have come from studying breast cancer is huge, and lucking a lot of times, with great treatment, the cancer can go away. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that in order for it to be removed, you are going to have to lose one or both of your breasts in the process. This is very difficult for women. Having cancer is no cake walk, but when you find out that you are going to have to lose your breasts many women feel like they are losing the thing that makes them a woman. If this is something that you or a loved one is going through, then you should know that Las Vegas breast augmentation is somewhere that you can start. Reynolds Plastic Surgery knows that you have gone through a tough period in your life, and you have come out on top, but you lost some things on the way. Reynolds Plastic Surgery can perform breast reconstruction so that they can help get you back to your life and feeling great about yourself. You should be happy that you beat cancer, and you shouldn’t have to lose part of yourself in the process. Contact them today so that you can get started.

Top Breast Reconstruction Myths

breast reconstruction mythsTop Breast Reconstruction Myths

You might think you know everything there is to know about breast augmentation and breast reconstruction but you likely have given in to some of the top breast reconstruction myths.  At Reynolds Plastic Surgery, we have all the information you need to help you get all you need to understand before you undergo a breast implant or reconstruction procedure. Read on to find out more about breast reconstruction myths.

Myth #1: The common size for a female breast is a C cup

This is not true at all. In fact, there are a huge variety of sizes of breasts across all women, and there is no uniform size. C may be the “desired” size by most women in the world, but it is not the most common. Some women are KK’s and others are AAA’s. All sizes and shapes are beautiful and different.

Myth #2: Your breasts will stop developing when you are in your mid-teens

A lot of women don’t actually attain the full growth of their chest until their mid to late twenties. Some women find changes in their breast tissue all the way through menopause. Don’t lose heart!

Myth #3: You’ll always wear the same bra size

This is false. You will likely go up and down sizes up to 10 times in your life, what with pregnancies and other hormonal changes that cause your breast tissue to go up and down in size.

Myth #4: Your breasts need to be symmetrical

You might have heard women refer to their breasts as the “twins”, but it is likely  not true that they’re exactly alike. Your breasts will most likely be different.

Myth #5: Any women who undergoes breast reconstruction does so for an increase in cup size

This is false. Pregnancy actually zaps fat from the chest, and women want to restore that full look once they have completed all their pregnancies. This means that many women undergo breast reconstruction to add the volume back.

Myth #6: Bras can cause cancer

This is absolutely untrue. You may have seen rumors floating around the internet, but there has been no proven scientific evidence that this is in any way linked to breast cancer. Don’t worry yourself about this.

Myth #7: If you have small breasts, you will be unable to breastfeed

This is untrue due to the fact that breast size has nothing to do with milk production, and everything to do with the amount of fat that is in a woman’s chest. There is no correlation between size and the amount of milk.

Understanding these processes will help dismiss all these breast reconstruction myths and get you on the right track when you are looking into having breast reconstruction, or wondering about how best to go about a procedure. Speak with board certified Las Vegas Plastic surgeon Dr. Reynolds’ staff today for more information and you will be much happier with your results. If you have any questions regarding this type of procedure or any of the other ones we offer, contact us for a consultation today. Gathering all the information you can before you begin a procedure will help you feel more confident on the operating table. Contact us today at 702.410.9800.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

breast reconstruction in Las Vegas Breast reconstruction surgery is a common procedure that is performed after a mastectomy is done after breast cancer. This type of surgery is done to replace skin, breast tissue, and the nipple that is removed during the mastectomy. The amount of tissue that is removed during these procedures is different for each patient, so a pre-operative exam must be done in order to see whether you are a candidate for this surgery.  The ultimate goal of this surgery is to restore symmetry between both breasts.

Thinking about breast reconstruction

When it comes to breast reconstruction in Las Vegas, the choices that may be right for one woman won’t be right for you, and the choices that may be right for you may not be right for anyone else. This is why it’s important to consult your doctor before undergoing any of these procedures. The long-term prospects of living without a breast or even part of a breast will affect every woman differently.

After you undergo a mastectomy, you may opt to wear pads or external breast forms, or you may choose to make no attempt to alter your appearance. Conversely, you may choose to undergo breast reconstruction, which can be done with breast implants, or your own tissue.

Why should this be considered?

Restoring the breast is not considered cosmetic surgery, done by many today to enhance the appearance of their existing breasts. Reconstructive surgery, done to restore anatomy and symmetry, are considered reconstructive surgery. Because this is done as treatment after a disease, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act mandates that insurers proved coverage for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

This procedure not only changes your appearance, but it has psychological benefits as well. It can promote a sense of wellness for you and your family.

When should this procedure be performed?

Timing of this procedure is based on many different factors including the patient’s desires, medical conditions, and cancer treatment. It is actually quite common to have the breast reconstruction performed in conjunction with the mastectomy. This not only reduces the trauma and psychological effects from having the breasts removed, but it also removes the expense and discomfort of having two separate surgeries.

It is also possible to do a breast reconstruction months or even years after a mastectomy – provided chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been completed. Consult with a doctor to find out what timing will be right for you if you wish to undergo this procedure.

Breast reconstruction is a fairly common procedure and can work wonders in improving the appearance and feelings of a woman regarding her physical well-being. Undergoing this procedure will ensure that you can feel and look as healthy as possible, and return to a relatively normal life after your battle with cancer. This type of procedure can and should empower women to feel their best, and continue on to conquer their every day lives.

Who Needs Reconstructive Surgery?

breast reconstructionReconstructive surgery is any surgery performed in order to correct functional impairments. These functional impairments can be caused by burns, traumatic injuries, facial fractures and breaks, congenital abnormalities, cleft palates or cleft lips, also from developmental abnormalities, or abnormalities caused by infections and diseases that can include cancer or tumors. While reconstructive surgery is usually performed in order to improve normal function it may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

The most common reconstructive procedures are tumor removal, laceration repair, scar repair, hand surgery, and breast reduction. In is notable that breast reductions can be done on both female and male patients.

Some other common reconstructive surgical procedures include breast reconstruction that may be considered following a mastectomy. As mentioned, cleft lip and palate surgery, contracture surgery for burn survivors, and for creating a new outer ear when one is congenitally absent or lost due to injury.

Reconstructive surgeons use microsurgery in order to transfer tissue for coverage of a defect when no local tissue is available. Free flaps of skin, muscle, bone, fat, or a combination may be removed from the body, moved to another site on the body, and reconnected to a blood supply by suturing arteries and veins as small as one to two millimeters in diameter.