Breast Reconstruction in Denver, CO

Name: Breast Reconstruction
Brand: The LaVie Institute
Rating: 4.9 (50 reviews)

Breast reconstruction can provide enhanced self-confidence, renewed comfort, and the reclaiming of the body after cancer or trauma, elevating quality of life.

Confident Femininity Restoration

Dr. Daniali performs this emotionally rewarding procedure to help patients to reclaim their wellbeing and feminity. She offers support, education, and empowerment as women embark on a new stage in their lives. Her goal is that each woman emerges from the reconstruction process feeling beautiful, whole, and confident.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

The goal of our breast reconstruction in Denver is to restore a balanced, natural-looking breast shape, symmetry, and size after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or trauma. Reconstruction can begin immediately, or it can be staged down the line at a later date. The process typically involves multiple treatments that are uniquely tailored to the individual.

Our goal at The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery is to ensure each client is fully educated and informed regarding their reconstruction options and that they understand the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure type. We provide an in-depth consultation at no charge to further the goal of empowering women to live their best lives after breast cancer or trauma to the chest.

Such an amazing experience from the start. Dr. Daniali had done my mom's breast reconstructive surgery and did such an amazing job that I knew there was nobody else that I wanted to do my reconstruction when I needed it done. She takes pride in her work and her attention to detail surpasses any other. She helped settle my nerves before surgery and has a very calming demeanor. The follow-up care has also been exceptional. I am not left wondering what steps I ever need to do because she is right there by your side from start to finish.

DeeAnna Starr

The Timeline for Reconstruction

Step One

The patient undergoes a biopsy and MRI and receives a diagnosis, OR the patient undergoes a genetic blood test (BRCA) and receives a positive test outcome.

Step Two

Discussion of mastectomy, lumpectomy, and reconstructive options with the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.

Step Three

Mastectomy is performed, followed by breast reconstruction options, immediate or delayed.

Step Four

Implants are used for reconstruction, OR the patient undergoes autologous flap reconstruction using their own tissue.

Step Five

Secondary procedures are performed, such as nipple reconstruction and areola tattooing.

Our Facility

The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery provides access to a state-of-the-art facility that boasts the latest in advanced, cutting-edge technology and equipment. In addition to our expansive 8-room clinic and dual onsite accredited operating theaters, we have an additional hospital-based clinic for reconstruction and hand surgery, affiliated with the Swedish Medical Center and other outpatient surgery centers.

Types of Mastectomy

The type of mastectomy undergone by the patient will influence the techniques and approach chosen for reconstruction. The mastectomy needs to be carefully tailored with the patient’s reconstruction goals in mind. You will need to discuss the different options with your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to find the ideal solution for your individual case.

Mastectomies can be…

Traditional
Skin-sparing
Nipple-sparing
Paired with a breast lift or breast reduction

Who Makes an Ideal Candidate?

Ideal candidates for our reconstructive breast surgery in Denver have carefully reviewed their options and are choosing their procedures for themselves and not to please others or maintain their public image. During your private consultation, we will review your medical history and goals and complete exhausting testing and physical evaluations to ensure the procedure will be safe and effective in your individual case.

Lumpectomy and Reconstruction

Patients who undergo radiation therapy may suffer breast deformities after swelling has subsided. Indentations, asymmetry, tightness, and changes in skin pigmentation may all occur after lumpectomy. Our skilled plastic surgeons at The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery can correct abnormalities using state-of-the-art reconstruction techniques. Clients can consult with us prior to their lumpectomies to discuss their reconstruction options and create a plan for success.

Breast Reconstruction Decisions

An initial decision for the patient involves the timing of their reconstruction. Our breast reconstruction after mastectomy in Denver can be performed immediately after your mastectomy, or it can be delayed. Some women will prefer to undergo reconstruction immediately for psychological reasons, while others may not be ready to undergo additional surgeries right after their breast cancer removal.

The second decision relates to the reconstruction techniques used. Women can opt for implant reconstruction or flap reconstruction using tissue from their own bodies. Factors such as the type of cancer treatments undergone, the type of mastectomy, and the patient's body type and personal goals are all considered.

Schedule a Consultation

Immediate Vs. Delayed Reconstruction

Information from your biopsy and your own unique risk factors are utilized to decide on the best timing for your reconstruction. This decision should be made with your plastic surgeon prior to your mastectomy.

Immediate reconstruction

Here, reconstruction begins immediately after mastectomy. Because this can provide psychological and aesthetic advantages to the patient, this is the standard approach for most clients. The drawback is the longer surgical and recovery times required.

Delayed reconstruction

If radiation is required as part of the treatment process or if the patient is dealing with advanced signs of disease, it may be prudent to postpone reconstruction to a later date. Some women may also feel that they need more time to consider their reconstruction options.

Options for Breast Implants

Saline

These devices have a silicone shell that is inserted and then filled with sterilized salt water through a valve. The volume, shape, and firmness of the implant can be highly customized, reducing asymmetry in the chest.

Silicone

These implants have a highly authentic look and feel and are inserted into the capsule pre-filled. Because rupture is indetectable, women will need to undergo regular MRI testing. Silicone devices come in many different shapes, sizes, and textures for optimal customization.

The Goldilocks Technique

The Goldilocks technique utilizes autologous tissue surrounding the breast after mastectomy to create a lifted and feminine chest appearance without the need for a tissue expander or implants. This approach can be viable and successful for women who are poor candidates for other types of breast reconstruction or for those who do not wish to undergo complicated procedures that are not a match for their lifestyles.

A Goldilocks mastectomy is similar to a conventional mastectomy, during which glandular tissue is removed with healthy skin and fat left behind. Instead of discarding excess skin, it can be used to recreate a realistic breast mound. Unlike with flap reconstruction, only one surgery session is required and there is only one surgical site that needs to heal.

Implant Reconstruction with a Tissue Expander

A tissue expander can be used to create a breast capsule for housing saline or silicone implants. When the expander is placed, the surgeon may also utilize an acellular dermal matrix to create a solid scaffolding in the chest to help support the implants and ensure long-term stability. Once the expander has completed its work, it is exchanged for breast implants placed during an outpatient procedure.

Flap Reconstruction

Our flap breast reconstruction in Denver uses the patient’s own autologous tissue to create authentic-looking breast mounds and a balanced, symmetrical chest appearance. Tissue is taken from another region of the body, such as the stomach, back, thighs, or buttocks.

This approach is often preferred over implant reconstruction due to the natural appearance and feel of the final results. The reconstructed breasts will enlarge or shrink as you gain or lose weight, just like real breasts.

While flap reconstruction is an excellent option for many, there are some special considerations to be aware of:

Flap reconstruction requires more surgical time and a longer recovery period than implant reconstruction
Flap procedures leave two sets of scars
Some women may experience concerns at the donor sites, such as muscle weakness or contour distortions

Types of Flap Procedures

Pedicle flaps

A pedicle flap remains attached to its blood supply as the tissue is moved to the chest to create a new breast mound. The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a good example of this. Tissue, skin, fat, and muscle are taken from the back and repurposed.

Free flaps

A free flap utilizes tissues, skin, and fat — and infrequently muscle — to create a new breast mound. Microsurgery techniques are required to reconnect the arteries and veins to the chest wall so that the flap will survive in its new location. The most common donor site for free flaps is the stomach.

Abdominal flaps

Abdominal flaps use tissue procured from the belly. Examples include the DIEP, SIEA, and TRAM flaps. Many times, this area of the body has enough fat to create realistic-looking breast mounds without the need for implants. For thin patients or those who have previously undergone abdominoplasty, flap surgery may not be possible.

Back flaps

Back flaps include the latissimus dorsi flap, a pedicle flap, the TDAP flap, and the LAP free flap. Because the back tends to offer less fat and tissue than the abdomen, back flaps may be combined with implant surgery to optimize results. Although some back flaps utilize muscle, women rarely experience soreness or weakness in the back after the procedure.

Buttock flaps

Flaps created from gluteal tissue include the GAP flap, the SGAP flap, and the IGAP flap. These are typically options for clients who lack sufficient donor material in other areas. They may also be chosen for patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgery. For most patients, no muscle is removed, and no skin dimpling will occur.

Thigh flaps

When other sources of donor material are not viable options, the surgeon may choose to create a flap using tissue obtained from the inner or outer thighs (TUG, VUP, DUG, PAP, and LTP flap options). All thigh flaps require the expertise of a microsurgeon to reconnect the blood vessels in the chest. Thigh tissue is typically only able to provide small or medium-sized breast mounds.

smiling woman in a strapless dress talking on a cell phone

Your Detailed Consultation

Your consultation is a time to ask questions, voice your concerns, and become more familiar with our philosophy and approach. We will:

Evaluate your health and risk factors
Examine your breasts
Take medical photographs
Create a personalized treatment plan
Discuss your projected outcome
Inform you of risks and benefits
Go over the recovery timeline
Delve into insurance and financing

Secondary Procedures

Breast reconstruction is a staged set of procedures, meaning patients will typically require multiple sessions to achieve their contouring goals, even in cases where immediate reconstruction is viable.

Surgery on the Opposite Breast

Your surgeon can adjust the opposite breast so that it appears congruent with the reconstructed breast. This can be achieved through breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation techniques, depending on your needs.

Nipple Areola Reconstruction

The final stage of breast reconstruction involves contouring the nipple area to create an authentic and pleasing nipple mound. Our nipple reconstruction in Denver is typically performed 3-4 months after breast reconstruction to ensure the chest has had ample time to heal.

Nipple Areola Tattooing

An areola tattoo can provide the finishing touches to a well-executed breast reconstruction procedure. This treatment takes fewer than 30 minutes to perform and can offer the patient a sense of closure and completion.

Nipple Resensation

Restoring sensation in the nipples after breast reconstruction involves neurotization (nerve repair) using allograft nerve tissue. By reconnecting the nerves in the chest and the reconstructed nipples, patients can once again enjoy pleasure in their most sensitive regions, allowing them to feel more like their old selves.

Reconstruction for Tuberous Breasts

Tuberous breasts occur during early stages of development and can impact a patient’s self-image. Breast irregularities including constriction, herniated areolas, and asymmetry can significantly impact the aesthetics of the chest and the overall balance of the patient’s contours.

Our surgeons perform tuberous breast reconstruction in Denver, addressing the fold position, skin envelope, base constriction, breast volume, areolar herniation, and breast ptosis to achieve a pleasing outcome and a more beautiful, harmonized silhouette.

Treatment is nuanced and individualized to provide the client with renewed self-confidence and a more expansive choice of bras, tops, swimwear, and dresses. We will discuss your options for tuberous breast repair in depth during your private consultation.

Lymphedema Surgery

Dr. Daniali is the medical director and founder of the Center for Lymphatic Restoration at the Swedish Medical Senter. In 2000, it became one of the first recognized programs for lymphatic surgery excellence through LE&RN. Lymphedema is an ailment that manifests as fluid buildup and swelling, which can significantly inhibit mobility, comfort, and quality of life for patients. While in the past the only options for treatment were non-surgical, today there are cutting-edge surgical procedures to reverse lymphedema.

 Dr. Daniali can perform a range of procedures to combat the condition, including the following:

Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis: This procedure creates alternative routes to flush out excess fluids from the limbs.
Free Lymph Node Transfer: Here, harvested lymph nodes are transferred to a region of deficiency, enhancing drainage in the targeted limb.
Lymphedema Liposuction: This minimally invasive option can be combined with other forms of surgery and will remove excess fat and tissue.
Lymphedema Mass Excision: If a large lymphedema-related mass is present, it can be surgically excised to improve mobility and function.
Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema Surgery: Lymphedema procedures can be combined with breast reconstruction to maximize outcomes.

Why Choose The LaVie Institute?

The LaVie Institute is committed to guiding you through your personal enhancement journey with unmatched expertise and attentive care. We offer a patient-focused experience designed to surpass your expectations, meticulously crafted to align with your unique aesthetic desires and lifestyle preferences. Our recovery protocols are efficient, ensuring a quick return to normalcy with unparalleled service quality in the region.

Our distinguished surgical team is composed of top-tier professionals educated at prestigious institutions including Stanford, Harvard-MIT, and Johns Hopkins. They are prominent members of leading medical societies such as:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (AAHS)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM)
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Choose LaVie Institute for a transformational experience where elite surgical expertise meets individualized patient care.

Dr. Lily Daniali

Dr. Lily Daniali is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and Hand Surgeon who goes above and beyond for her patients, as evidenced by hundreds of genuinely glowing reviews from past clients. She completed demanding Fellowships in Craniofacial Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Hand Surgery/Microsurgery, excelling at complex cases related to traumatic injury, burns, nerve disorders, and cancer. Patients return over and over to visit Dr. Daniali because they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Dr. Ryan Endress

Dr. Endress a leading medical authority who is double board-certified in both Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery. He tirelessly works on each patient’s behalf to deliver transformative care that will solve their concerns and restore self-confidence. Dr. Endress completed his integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at the esteemed Stanford University program as well as a coveted Hand Surgery Fellowship at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Dr. Wojciech Przylecki

Dr. Przylecki is double board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, specializing in a range of complex procedures that restore quality of life. There is no concern too complicated for Dr. Przylecki, who treats each patient like family. Dr. Przylecki completed his Residency at the Harvard Combined Integrated Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Program as well as an elite Fellowship in Hand Surgery and Complex Reconstruction at Buncke Clinic (California Pacific Medical Center).

Dr. Benson Pulikkottil

Dr. Pulikkottil is a meticulously trained, precision-minded leader in his field who is board-certified in Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery. He strives to be honest and empathetic while delivering top-tier care with innovative solutions. Dr. Pulikkottil completed a demanding three-year Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious University of Texas at Southwestern, as well as an elite Microsurgery Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

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Breast Reconstruction in Denver, CO

Confident Femininity Restoration

What is Breast Reconstruction?

The Timeline for Reconstruction

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

Our Facility

Types of Mastectomy

Who Makes an Ideal Candidate?

Lumpectomy and Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction Decisions

Schedule a Consultation

Immediate Vs. Delayed Reconstruction

Immediate reconstruction

Delayed reconstruction

Options for Breast Implants

Saline

Silicone

The Goldilocks Technique

Implant Reconstruction with a Tissue Expander

Flap Reconstruction

Types of Flap Procedures

Pedicle flaps

Free flaps

Abdominal flaps

Back flaps

Buttock flaps

Thigh flaps

Your Detailed Consultation

Secondary Procedures

Surgery on the Opposite Breast

Nipple Areola Reconstruction

Nipple Areola Tattooing

Nipple Resensation

Reconstruction for Tuberous Breasts

Lymphedema Surgery

Why Choose The LaVie Institute?

Dr. Lily Daniali

Dr. Ryan Endress

Dr. Wojciech Przylecki

Dr. Benson Pulikkottil

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