Undergoing a mastectomy is a life-altering experience, both physically and emotionally. At Dr. Brian Shafa’s practice, breast reconstruction is more than a procedure—it’s a vital part of your healing journey. Dr. Shafa helps patients restore balance, femininity, and confidence through personalized surgical plans and expert-level care with every breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to rebuild one or both breasts following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The goal is to restore natural-looking shape, symmetry, and volume using one or more advanced techniques.
Timing Options:
- Immediate Reconstruction: Performed at the same time as the mastectomy.
- Delayed Reconstruction: Scheduled after cancer treatments are completed.
Techniques Offered:
- Tissue Expanders and Implants
- Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction using natural tissue (e.g., DIEP flap, PAP flap)
- Fat Transfer for volume enhancement and fine-tuning
- Nipple-Sparing or Nipple Reconstruction, depending on your surgical plan
Dr. Shafa collaborates with your oncology team to ensure a seamless and safe process.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
- Restores natural breast appearance and body symmetry
- Boosts self-confidence and personal comfort
- Helps clothing fit better and enhances the overall silhouette
- Provides a sense of closure and emotional healing after cancer treatment
Are You a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
You may be a strong candidate for breast reconstruction if you:
- Have undergone or are planning a mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Are in overall good health
- Are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking during the healing process
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure and outcome
- Require revision surgery or symmetry correction
Health insurance providers are federally mandated to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Dr. Shafa’s team can guide you through the approval process for breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills.
What Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures Does Dr. Shafa Offer?
Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction
A one-stage procedure that skips tissue expansion, allowing for immediate placement of implants during the mastectomy.
Hybrid Reconstruction
Combines implants with fat grafting or flap surgery to create a more refined, customized result. This method balances volume and softness for optimal outcomes.
Autologous (Natural Tissue) Reconstruction
Uses your own tissue—typically from the abdomen (DIEP flap) or thighs (PAP flap)—to recreate the breast. This offers a natural look and feel without implants.
Fat Transfer Refinement
Fat is harvested from other areas of the body (such as the abdomen or flanks), purified, and injected into the breast for subtle shaping or volume enhancement—often used in revision or symmetry procedures.
Financing & Payment Plans with Dr. Brian Shafa
At Dr. Brian Shafa Plastic Surgery, we offer flexible finance options to make your procedure more affordable:
- Custom payment plans tailored to your budget
- CareCredit® financing – pay over time with low monthly installments
- All major credit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover)
- Cash payments also accepted
Ask us about creating a payment plan that works for you. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.
What is the Recovery From Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Recovery times vary based on the technique used, but most patients should plan for:
- Initial Recovery: 4–6 weeks of healing
- Limited Range of Motion: Especially in the first 2–3 weeks post-op
- Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduled regularly to monitor healing
- Return to Normal Activities: Typically within 6–8 weeks
Dr. Shafa will provide detailed aftercare instructions after your breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills and will be with you every step of the way.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Brian Shafa for My Breast Reconstruction?
- Extensive Expertise: Dr. Shafa has years of experience in both implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction.
- Artistic Surgical Precision: His aesthetic eye ensures outcomes are both beautiful and natural.
- Patient-Centered Care: Every treatment plan is fully customized to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
- 5-Star Reputation: Dr. Shafa is known for his compassionate approach and long-term support.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Take the next step in your recovery with confidence. Schedule your private breast reconstruction consultation with Dr. Brian Shafa in Beverly Hills.
📞 Call: (310) 364-5262
📍 Location: 9454 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 710, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
What is the difference between DIEP flap and TRAM flap breast reconstruction?
Both DIEP and TRAM flaps use tissue from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. However, DIEP flap surgery preserves the abdominal muscles, using only skin and fat along with tiny blood vessels, while TRAM flap surgery involves removing some or all of the rectus abdominis muscle. DIEP flap offers a quicker recovery and less risk of long-term abdominal weakness, making it a preferred option for eligible patients.
Can I have breast reconstruction if I’ve had radiation therapy?
Yes, but radiation can affect the timing and type of reconstruction. Patients who’ve had radiation may be better suited for autologous (flap-based) reconstruction, which uses natural tissue instead of implants. This technique can better tolerate the effects of radiation and often yields more natural-feeling results. Dr. Shafa will assess your treatment history and customize a safe, effective plan.
What are the options for nipple reconstruction?
If the nipple was removed during mastectomy, reconstruction can be performed through: surgical techniques (creating a nipple from skin tissue), 3D nipple-areola tattooing for a realistic appearance, or a combination of both. In some cases, nipple-sparing mastectomy is possible, allowing the original nipple to be preserved during reconstruction.
How long after a mastectomy should I wait to have breast reconstruction?
This depends on your treatment plan. Immediate reconstruction is performed during the same surgery as the mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction can occur months or even years later, typically after chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Shafa will help determine the safest and most aesthetically effective timeline based on your cancer treatment and healing process.
Is it possible to revise or improve a previous breast reconstruction?
Absolutely. If you're dissatisfied with the results of a past reconstruction—due to asymmetry, implant issues, scar tissue, or volume loss—Dr. Shafa can perform revision breast reconstruction. This may involve switching implant types, fat grafting, or transitioning to a flap-based technique for a more natural look and feel.
References
- Theodore W. Uroskie Jr, Lawrence B. Colen "History of Breast Reconstruction" - Seminars in Plastic Surgery
- Peter G. Cordeiro, M.D. "Breast Reconstruction after Surgery for Breast Cancer" - The New England Journal of Medicine
- Kroll, Stephen S. M.D; Baldwin, Bonnie M.D. "A Comparison of Outcomes Using Three Different Methods of Breast Reconstruction" - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
