This page offers a general overview of our reconstructive surgery procedures. For more in-depth information on these procedures, please follow the links in the right column. If you're considering reconstructive surgery, please ask us for further information about the particular procedure and what you expect.

In addition, please note that all surgery carries some uncertainty and risk, including the possibility of infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Ben J. Tittle and closely following his advice, both before and after surgery.

Breast Reconstruction <back to top>

Procedure: Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease.

Length: Length varies; Usually involves more than one operation

Anesthesia: First stage almost always general; follow-up procedures may require only a local anesthesia

In/Outpatient: In the hospital or outpatient depending on the procedure.

Side Effects: Can include temporary discomfort, scarring; change in breast sensation - some may eventually come back

Risks: bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia, can occur although they're relatively uncommon

Recovery: Up to 6 weeks

Breast Reduction <back to top>

Procedure: Reduce, reshape, and lift larger, sagging breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin plus reposition the nipple and areola to a more youthful position. May be covered by insurance, depending on the patient's insurance company criteria, size of patient's breast, body type, and symptoms (bra strap indentions, neck and back pain, shoulder and breast pain, limitation of physical activity, skin rash, or chafing under the breasts).

Length: 3 to 5 hours.

In/Outpatient: 23 hour observation after surgery.

Side Effects: Bruising, swelling, numbness.

Risks: Infection, bleeding, skin loss, wide scars, uneven nipples, asymmetry, need for second procedure to remove additional tissue, partial or complete loss of feeling in nipple or breast, may reduce ability to breast feed.

Recovery: Back to work: 2-3 weeks. Strenuous activities: 3-6 weeks.

Fading of scars: Several months to a year.

Duration of Results: Permanent. Gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging. Reduce or eliminate breast symptoms (in-cutting of bra straps, neck and back pain, shoulder and breast pain, limitation of physical activity, skin rash or chafing under breasts).

Scar Revision <back to top>

Procedure: Dependent on the scar and treatment recommended

Length: Varies depending on the scar and treatment recommended

In/Outpatient: Varies depending on the scar and treatment recommended

Risks: may include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, or the recurrence of an unsightly scar

Recovery: Scars cannot be completely removed. Many factors will be involved in the degree of healing of your particular scar, with some scars taking more than a year to show improvement in appearance following surgery.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction <back to top>

Procedure: Treated by a number of methods, depending on the type of cancer, its stage of growth, and its location on your body.

Length: Varies depending on treatment

In/Outpatient: If cancer is small, procedure can be done in an outpatient facility or the physician's office, using local anesthesia. If the cancer is large, however, major surgery may be required.

Recovery: Depends on your course of treatment; in most cases, you should be back to normal activity quickly.