Breast Reconstruction with Implants in Nashville & Franklin, TN

Restore confidence and feminine form through our implant-based breast reconstruction, offering personalized solutions tailored to recreate natural contours and enhance body symmetry after mastectomy.

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Restore Your Curves

Embarking on the journey of breast reconstruction can elicit many emotions, from anxiety about the surgical process to concerns about regaining a sense of self, including your femininity and confidence after breast cancer treatment. At Higdon Plastic Surgery, we understand the emotional toll that breast cancer and mastectomy can take on a woman's self-esteem and body image. Our breast reconstruction surgery with implants offers a look toward the future after something so challenging as breast cancer, providing you with the opportunity to reclaim a sense of femininity and wholeness once again. With Dr. Higdon's expertise in plastic surgery and breast oncology, you can rest assured knowing you are in the hands of a true specialist dedicated to delivering personalized care and exceptional outcomes with compassion.

What Is Implant-Based Reconstruction?

Implant-based breast reconstruction, also called alloplastic breast reconstruction, involves the use of silicone or saline implants to restore the shape and volume of the breast following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction with implants is typically performed in stages, with tissue expanders initially placed to stretch the skin and, in some cases, the muscle, to create a precise pocket into which the final implant will eventually be placed. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the tissue expanders are replaced with permanent implants during a second surgery. Breast reconstruction with implants offers a shorter initial recovery period compared to autologous tissue reconstruction and may be suitable for patients who prefer a less invasive option. This method of reconstruction is the most commonly performed type of reconstruction by board-certified plastic surgeons.

The Benefits of Implant-Based Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction with implants in Nashville & Franklin, TN with Dr. Kye Higdon offers many benefits, including the following:

Natural-Looking Results

Implants can restore breast volume and shape, providing a natural appearance and breast contour.

Customization

Patients can choose the size, shape, and type of implants, allowing for personalized results that meet their aesthetic preferences and body proportions.

Less Invasive

Compared to other reconstruction techniques, breast reconstruction with implants typically involves shorter surgical procedures and recovery times, offering a less invasive option for restoring breast contour.

Is Implant-Based Reconstruction Right for Me?

Breast reconstruction with implants is a great option for many women who have undergone or are planning to undergo mastectomy or partial mastectomy and desire breast reconstruction. Ideal candidates for this procedure have good overall health and realistic expectations about the potential outcomes. Implant-based breast reconstruction can be performed at the time of the mastectomy (called Immediate Breast Reconstruction), or later on after the mastectomy after the tissues have had time to heal and treatments have been performed (Delayed Breast Reconstruction).

Some of the reasons to consider implant-based reconstruction include planning in advance before the mastectomy is performed to have the reconstruction to gain benefit from immediate reconstruction, or, in cases of delayed reconstruction, dissatisfaction with breast appearance following cancer treatment, asymmetry between the breasts, or emotional distress related to breast loss, among others.

We recommend having a conversation with Dr. Higdon about your options by scheduling your consultation with Higdon Plastic Surgery if you're interested in breast reconstruction with implants in the Nashville & Franklin, TN area. A consultation with our practice is essential to evaluate candidacy and discuss personalized treatment options. During the consultation, Dr. Higdon will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your anatomy, review your medical history, and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the most appropriate approach for reconstruction.

Saline vs. Silicone

Silicone and saline breast implants are the two primary types of breast implants used in implant-based reconstruction procedures, as well as in cosmetic breast surgery procedures. Silicone implants come prefilled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Saline implants are silicone outer shells that are filled with sterile saltwater solution after they are implanted, allowing for minor adjustments in size during surgery. Saline implants tend to be slightly firmer and may ripple more than silicone implants. Silicone implants are known for their natural look and feel and significantly higher rates of satisfaction in both reconstruction and cosmetic procedures. For these reasons, silicone implants are by far the most preferred implant of the two options by patients seeking implant breast surgery. During your consultation at Higdon Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN, Dr. Higdon will help you determine which type of implant best suits your goals and preferences.

What to Expect The Implant-Based Reconstruction Procedure

Breast reconstruction with implants typically involves stages and can be performed in conjunction with mastectomy or as a delayed procedure following mastectomy. During the initial stage, tissue expanders may be placed beneath the chest muscle to stretch the skin and gradually create space for the implants. This process allows for the customization of implant size and shape based on patient preferences and anatomical considerations. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the tissue expanders are replaced with permanent breast implants in a subsequent surgery. The implant-based breast reconstruction procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and usually only takes a few hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the reconstruction. Implant-based reconstruction offers a versatile and effective approach to restoring breast volume and shape following mastectomy, providing you with natural-looking results and improved quality of life.

Implant-Based Reconstruction Recovery

Following implant-based breast reconstruction surgery, you can expect some downtime and discomfort in the initial days. It's common to experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Dr. Higdon uses advanced prescribing methods that he helped develop, with a multi-modal analgesia approach that minimizes the need for narcotic prescriptions for his patients after surgery. We advise patients to refrain from strenuous activities for a few weeks to facilitate proper healing.

Over time, swelling will subside, and the breasts will settle into their final position. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Higdon are essential to monitor progress, address concerns, and ensure optimal healing. Patients can typically resume their normal daily activities within a few weeks, although strenuous exercises should be avoided for a longer period, as advised by Dr. Higdon. Our team is here to support you through your journey, so please reach out with any questions that arise as you recover.

Why Choose Higdon Plastic Surgery?

At Higdon Plastic Surgery, we understand the emotional journey that comes with breast reconstruction, especially for those facing the challenges of breast cancer. Dr. Kye Higdon's expertise in aesthetic breast surgery and breast oncologic reconstructive surgery ensures you receive the highest standard of care throughout your journey. With implant-based reconstruction, you can find solace in regaining your sense of femininity and confidence. With Dr. Higdon's personalized approach, supported by years of experience and specialized training, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you are in expert hands. If you're ready to take the next step in your breast reconstruction journey, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Higdon Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in Franklin, TN; we welcome patients from Brentwood, Cool Springs, and Nashville. Experience personalized care and exceptional results at our trusted clinic.