Breast Reconstructive Surgery

We offer a wide variety of breast reconstruction options for those who are undergoing treatment of breast cancer.  Each case is unique and special, so we like to meet individually with patients to discuss their goals and desires while we explore the best medical approach for their cancer treatment.  We understand that some patients would like to have expander/implants while others prefer to use their own tissue for reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction is a multi-stepped approach that requires several procedures.  We offer everything from start to finish; however, we also accept patients who have began reconstruction elsewhere but would like to come to Denver Health.  Below is a range of the breast reconstruction procedures we commonly offer:

• Implant-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy
• Autologous breast reconstruction
  • TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous) using tissue from your stomach region to reconstruct the breast.  This technique involves using some of the rectus muscle and fascia, which means we often have to use mesh to reconstruct the stability of the stomach region.
  • DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator) using the tissue from your stomach region to reconstruct the breast.  This technique spares the muscle and fascia so there tends to be minimal donor site morbidity.
• Autologous plus implant basted breast reconstruction
  • Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap using the tissue from your back to reconstruct the breast.  This is usually combined with an expander/implant to reconstruct proper volume.
• Nipple reconstruction using your own skin
• Micropigmentation (tattoo) for reconstruction of areola and nipple color
• Revision of previous surgeries