San Francisco Breast Reconstruction Surgeon – Dr. Kenneth Bermudez
Serving East Bay Area & San Jose
Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has spent a significant portion of his career studying and training in the latest breast reconstruction techniques. San Francisco and San Jose-area patients who have undergone a radical mastectomy of one or both breasts can have their breasts reconstructed and their self-confidence renewed with a number of state-of-the-art breast reconstruction procedures.
- Breast Reconstruction
- Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures
- Breast Reconstruction Recovery
- Risks
- Benefits
Breast Reconstruction
For women who have undergone a mastectomy or who have breast deformities caused by genetics or injury, breast reconstruction surgery can provide new breasts that look and feel natural. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can start rebuilding the bustline immediately after mastectomy or, in some cases, at the same time as the mastectomy procedure. Dr. Bermudez understands the physical and emotional trauma that a mastectomy can cause, and he works with his San Francisco breast reconstruction patients diligently to reconstruct their breasts and rebuild their self-esteem.
Contact our breast reconstruction surgeon serving San Francisco, San Jose, and surrounding areas for a consultation.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures
As a leading San Francisco / East Bay Area plastic surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez is skilled at a number of breast reconstruction procedures. He will go over each technique with you at your initial consultation, and together you and he will decide which option is the best for you.
TRAM Flap Reconstruction
In TRAM flap breast reconstruction surgery, skin, fat, and muscle from the lower abdomen are transferred to the breast site. The abdominal muscles are tightened, using a technique similar to that of an abdominoplasty, and tissue from the abdominal area is used to form the breast mound. Dr. Bermudez can also reconstruct the nipples. There will be a horizontal scar along the abdomen, but it should fade with time and will be easy to conceal under clothing.
Latissimus Flap Reconstruction
During a latissimus flap reconstruction procedure, Dr. Bermudez creates a flap of skin along the outer back. The latissimus dorsi muscle, fat, and skin are rotated forward to form the breast mound. A breast implant is then placed under the flap, and the back and breast areas are stitched closed.
Implant Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction with implants involves placing a tissue expander just below the chest muscles. The expander is periodically injected with saline, causing the overlying skin to stretch and expand and creating a pocket in which a breast implant is placed. This type of breast reconstruction takes place over a period of weeks in order to expand the skin to the point that it can accommodate the implant.
It should be noted than all of these breast reconstruction procedures involve major surgery, and several days of hospitalization will be required.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery largely depends on the technique used to perform the procedure. While the breast area heals, patients can expect some pain and discomfort, which can be alleviated with medication. Patients should allow themselves at least two full weeks of rest and recovery after surgery. Normal daily activities can typically be resumed within four to six weeks. Keep in mind that there will be scarring from breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will work to make any residual scarring as minimal as possible, and it should fade somewhat with time. However, scars from a breast reconstruction procedure will not disappear completely.
Contact our breast reconstruction surgeon serving the San Francisco and San Jose area for more information.
Risks
There are always risks with any type of surgery. However, steps can be taken to minimize those risks. Some possible complications that can arise from breast reconstruction surgery include:
- Infection
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Breast implant rupture
Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will discuss with you all potential risks associated with specific breast reconstruction techniques at your initial consultation.
Benefits
Patients who have had a mastectomy often go through periods of severe depression afterward. Breast reconstruction surgery can significantly help women who have been traumatized by a mastectomy or breast deformity.
Three important benefits of breast reconstruction are:
- Aesthetic improvement of physical trauma from mastectomy
- Natural-looking and natural-feeling breasts
- Improved sense of wholeness and well-being
Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has an impressive record of successful results using plastic surgery to rebuild the breasts, and he looks forward to speaking with you about your goals.
Contact Our Breast Reconstruction Surgeon
Breast reconstruction surgery can provide a natural-looking bustline after a mastectomy. To learn more about your breast reconstruction options, please contact Dr. Bermudez, a talented surgeon serving San Jose and San Francisco breast reconstruction patients. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez and his compassionate staff can help you through the often difficult time following a mastectomy, and he can provide you with options to renew your body and your self-confidence. In addition to breast reconstruction, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez specializes in a range of cosmetic breast procedures, such as breast lift, breast reduction, gynecomastia treatment and breast augmentation with breast implants in San Francisco.
Contact our breast reconstruction surgeon serving San Jose and San Francisco for a consultation.
Kenneth Bermudez
525 Spruce St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 668-2122
Fax: (415) 668-0818
