Breast Reconstruction in Toronto – Dr. Leila Kasrai
As a seasoned plastic surgery Toronto specialist, Dr. Leila Kasrai knows that having a mastectomy is a traumatic experience — not only is it major surgery that is physically taxing, but having a breast removed is emotionally difficult. It impacts your sense of your femininity, beauty and sexuality. If you are in good enough health to tolerate general anesthetic, breast reconstruction surgery can help you restore your breast to near normal appearance, and get your body back to one that's familiar and comfortable.
Dr. Kasrai can perform the reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy, or later, after your mastectomy scar has healed. She will discuss these options with you in detail in your initial consultation.
In order to provide each Toronto breast reconstruction patient with the best results possible, Dr. Kasrai uses two approaches to breast reconstruction. Depending on your preferences and your needs, she can either use prosthetic implants, or your own tissue, taken from elsewhere on your body. Implant surgery is simpler (and shorter) than using your own tissue, but has a higher rate of complications, especially if you have had radiation to the skin on your chest. Transplanting your own tissue requires more major surgery (and two surgical sites instead of one), and has a longer recovery time, but results in a more natural feel than implants.
Dr. Kasrai will speak to you in detail about having realistic expectations for your surgery. A reconstructed breast will never feel exactly the same as a natural one, nor will it have the same sensation. You will have visible incision lines on your breasts, and, if you choose to use your own tissue for reconstruction, incisions and scarring at the donor sites elsewhere on your body.
For more detailed information about breast reconstruction, please visit www.breastreconstruction.ca and www.plasticsurgery.org.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Implants
If you don't have enough available skin after your mastectomy, Dr. Kasrai may need to expand your skin with an expandable silicone “balloon” (which is inflated with saline every week for four to six months until the skin has sufficiently stretched) before inserting the implants.
Once your skin can accommodate an implant, Dr. Kasrai will insert it either above or below the muscle, depending on the shape and size you desire, and the dimensions of your healthy breast. She will help you determine whether a saline-filled or cohesive gel implant will be most appropriate for you. More on types of implants
Dr. Kasrai will also reconstruct the nipple and areola to make the breasts of her Toronto breast reconstruction patients look as natural as possible.
Using Your Own Breast Tissue
Dr. Kasrai will take skin and fat, along with its blood supply, from your lower belly, buttocks, thighs or back and use it to reconstruct your breast. The nipple and areola will also be reconstructed to give you the most natural-looking breast possible.
Aftercare for Toronto Male Breast Reduction Patients
You will be able to go back to work two to four weeks after implant surgery, and after one or two months after surgery involving your own tissue.
We recommend that you take several weeks off after undergoing breast reconstruction in Toronto to stay home and rest to speed healing. For the first week, move your arms as little as possible, refrain from lifting them above your head and avoid driving. If you have small children, you'll need to ask someone to help you with day-to-day activities.
If you've had implants, you'll be able to replace the bandages with a soft support bra after a few days, wand you'll need to continue to wear 24/7 for about three or four weeks. You should be able to get back to your regular activities in about 7-10 days, but avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise (especially upper body workouts) for about six weeks.
Risks of Surgery for Toronto Male Breast Reduction Patients
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk, but having a qualified Toronto breast reduction surgeon, such as Dr. Kasrai, perform the procedure ensures that complications are rare. However, occasional post-operative complications do occur. They can include:
With implants:
- Capsular contracture (if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten), which can make the breast feel hard. It can be treated with additional surgery.
- Excessive bleeding, which can cause swelling and pain.
- Infection around the implant, which may require removal of the implant until the infection clears.
Using your own tissue:
- If tissue is taken from your abdomen, risks include hernia, and the small chance that the transplanted tissue will not survive.
There is a higher risk of these complications in Toronto breast reconstruction patients who are smokers, are diabetic or have poor circulation. You can reduce your risks by following Dr. Kasrai's instructions, resuming activity after surgery, and by not smoking.
As a talented Toronto woman plastic surgeon, Dr. Leila Kasrai understands the important role beautiful breasts play in creating a healthy self-image. This is why she is dedicated to helping all of her patients achieve the best possible aesthetic results through procedures such as breast reduction and breast lift in Toronto. Dr. Kasrai is also renowned as an exceptionally gifted Toronto breast augmentation surgeon who has helped numerous women achieve feminine, voluptuous bustlines. She is also experienced in helping men enhance their chest appearance through male breast reduction surgery.