Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
The Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, part of the Department of Surgery, offers exceptional patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Breast Reconstruction
Expertise in reconstructive and restorative breast surgery
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Breast Reconstruction Surgeon in Boston
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) plastic surgeons are here for those who need breast reconstructive services. Our team is highly trained and experienced in many types of breast reconstruction procedures. Your safety and comfort are our top concerns throughout your care journey.
Breast Conservation and Oncoplastic Surgery
If you need breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy or partial mastectomy), you may need radiation therapy. Undergoing reconstruction of the breast before you receive radiation therapy provides the best outcomes. Our surgeons work with your breast cancer team to coordinate your personalized surgical plan. We offer these and other surgical options:
- Rearrangement of breast tissue
- Reduction in breast size
- Implant placement
Reconstruction after Mastectomy
We offer several types of reconstructive surgeries for those who have had a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast) to treat breast cancer.
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap
A DIEP Flap is a revolutionary technique in breast reconstruction. This type of reconstruction uses skin, fat and blood vessels from the abdomen to form a new breast. Your surgeon then closes the abdomen similar to a tummy tuck procedure. Unlike traditional procedures, DIEP flap surgery leaves the abdominal muscle intact. This promotes a faster recovery and return to an active lifestyle.
Implant Reconstruction
This type of reconstruction involves placing a saline or silicone implant to recreate the breast shape. For most people, this involves placing a temporary implant (tissue expander) after a mastectomy. Your surgeon places the tissue expander under the skin and muscles of the chest. Your care team then slowly expands it over a series of office visits. During a second surgery, the surgeon removes the expander and replaces it with a permanent implant.
In some cases, our surgeons place a permanent implant during the same operation as the mastectomy. They use additional tissue to support the implant.
Thigh Perforator Flap: PAP & TUG
The profundal artery perforator (PAP) and the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps use tissue from the upper thigh to reconstruct the breast. The scar is located at the upper, inner thigh. You can easily hide it with clothing. These procedures are good options for those who don’t have enough abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast.
Superior Gluteal Perforator Flap (SGAP)
The superior gluteal perforator flap (SGAP) uses tissue and blood vessels from the upper buttock for breast reconstruction. This technique spares the buttock muscle entirely. The scar is located at the upper buttock. You can easily hide it with clothing. This procedure may be an option for those who don’t have enough abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction.
Latissimus Flap
The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle in the back that we can transfer to the breast for reconstruction. The blood supply for this muscle travels through the armpit. Therefore, we can bring the tissue forward to the breast with blood vessels intact. An implant also may be necessary to fully reconstruct the breast.
You can hide the scar on your back with clothing. Loss of the latissimus muscle causes some weakness in the shoulder. However, this typically does not interfere with normal daily activities.
Flat Closure after Mastectomy
Some patients choose to have no reconstruction after mastectomy and are good candidates for a flat closure of the mastectomy incision. This allows for precise contouring and tailoring of the incision and lateral chest. Many patients with a flat closure can still elect to have a reconstruction at a later date.
