Breast Reconstruction at Brantley Operative Aesthetics
RESTORE YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH DR. SHELBY BRANTLEY
Whether from mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma, or congenital conditions, the loss or alteration of breast tissue can profoundly impact your sense of wholeness and femininity. While this journey is deeply personal, you don’t have to face it without hope for restoration. Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast mound, nipple, and areola to create a natural-looking breast that helps you feel whole again. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Brantley, you can achieve the feminine contours that restore your body confidence and give you the sense of completeness you deserve.
At Brantley Operative Aesthetics in Flowood, MS, Dr. Shelby Brantley and our compassionate team are dedicated to helping you reach your aesthetic goals. Every breast reconstruction procedure is designed to honor your unique journey, restore your sense of self, and promote healing both physically and emotionally.
Are you interested in learning about how breast reconstruction can restore your confidence and a sense of control over your body? Contact us at (601) 387-9005 or request your consultation to begin your body contouring journey today! We are located in Flowood, MS, near JAN International Airport and proudly serve patients from across the United States.
Quick Links:
- What Is Breast Reconstruction?
- Why Should You Choose Dr. Shelby Brantley for Your Breast Reconstruction?
- What Should You Expect During Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation at BOA?
- When Should I Have My Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
- Types of Breast Reconstruction
- Can I See Dr. Brantley’s Breast Reconstruction Before and After Results?
- Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Jackson Breast Reconstruction?
- How Should You Prepare for Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
- Flowood, MS, Breast Reconstruction Procedure Overview
- What Should I Expect During Breast Reconstruction Recovery?
- How Soon Will I See My Jackson Breast Reconstruction Results, and How Long Will My Results Last?
- Jackson Breast Reconstruction FAQs
Quick Facts
Anesthesia: General
Procedure Time: 2 to 8 hours
Recovery Time: Around 4 to 6 weeks
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to rebuild the breast mound, and often the nipple and areola, after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other circumstances that have altered the breast. The goal is to create a breast that closely matches your natural breast in shape, size, and appearance, helping you feel whole and confident in your body again. Reconstruction can be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy, called immediate reconstruction, or months to years later, called delayed reconstruction.
Women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer, those with congenital breast deformities, or those who have experienced breast trauma often seek breast reconstruction to restore their feminine contours and reclaim their sense of self. At BOA, Dr. Brantley takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to breast reconstruction, understanding that this journey is about far more than physical appearance – it’s about healing, wholeness, and moving forward with confidence. To ensure the best outcomes, he takes the time to discuss your individual needs, concerns, and goals. You should love the body you are in, and Dr. Brantley can make that a reality.
Why Should You Choose Dr. Shelby Brantley for Your Breast Reconstruction?
At BOA, we consider it an honor and a privilege to care for you. Our mission is to offer a comprehensive range of proven aesthetic procedures and empower our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their aesthetic goals. We take the time to understand each patient’s motivations and ambitions, ensuring we deliver not only exceptional results but also an outstanding experience – from your initial consultation through your recovery and beyond.
While he may be recognized as one of Mississippi’s premier plastic surgeons, Dr. Shelby Brantley is also just a regular guy you’ll find at a football game or at the movies. His patients choose him because he values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with his patients and is deeply committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. As a specialist in body contouring procedures, Dr. Brantley is fulfilled by helping patients restore their self-image and confidence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
What Should You Expect During Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation at BOA?
At Brantley Operative Aesthetics, we believe that a relaxed, unhurried consultation is the foundation of a trusting and successful patient relationship. During your visit, Dr. Brantley takes the time to get to know you – not just your aesthetic goals, but also your family, lifestyle, career, hobbies, and daily routine – to better understand your unique concerns and aspirations for your breast reconstruction.
Dr. Brantley encourages your questions and values your input with the goal of empowering you to achieve natural-looking, personalized results that reflect your vision. By understanding your concerns, he focuses on how he can customize your reconstruction to address your unique concerns and ensure your optimal outcome.
Dr. Brantley understands that breast reconstruction is part of a larger journey that often involves emotional and physical challenges. As such, Dr. Brantley takes considerable time with each patient to ensure you feel heard, supported, and hopeful during your consultation and throughout your reconstruction journey.
During your breast reconstruction consultation, Dr. Brantley will review and discuss:
- Your mastectomy or cancer treatment history and timeline.
- Your reconstruction goals and what type of breast appearance you hope to achieve.
- Whether immediate or delayed reconstruction is most appropriate for your situation.
- The advantages and disadvantages of different reconstruction techniques.
- Your expectations for the reconstruction process and recovery.
- Your medical and surgical history.
- Coordination with your oncology team to ensure optimal timing and outcomes.
When Should I Have My Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
The timing of your breast reconstruction should be carefully considered in conjunction with your oncology team. There are two options available to you: immediate reconstruction and delayed reconstruction.
Immediate Reconstruction: This approach means that your breast reconstruction will happen at the same time as your mastectomy. Important notes about immediate reconstruction:
- Fewer total surgeries, but surgery itself is longer
- You will wake up with a breast, which may alleviate anxiety and disappointment about losing a breast
- Not suitable for women who need further radiation therapy, as it impairs wound healing
Delayed Reconstruction: Delayed breast reconstruction surgery is performed months to years after mastectomy, once cancer treatment is complete and the chest tissues have healed. Important notes about delayed reconstruction:
- Ideal for women who have radiation or chemotherapy treatment upcoming, as they can delay healing and alter the result
- Surgery can happen months or years following your initial mastectomy
- You have more time to determine what you want out of your breast reconstruction surgery
Dr. Brantley works closely with your oncology team to determine the optimal timing for your reconstruction based on your individual treatment plan and medical needs. While aesthetics are important, your health is paramount. Dr. Brantley prioritizes your health to optimize your final result.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can be accomplished through several different approaches, each with its own advantages. Dr. Brantley will help you determine which option is best suited to your individual situation, body type, cancer treatment plan, and personal preferences.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses breast implants to recreate the breast mound. This is the most common type of reconstruction and typically involves a two-stage process:
Tissue Expander: During your mastectomy or in a separate surgery, a tissue expander is placed beneath the chest muscle. Over several weeks to months, the expander is gradually filled with saline through a small port to stretch the skin and muscle, creating a pocket for the permanent implant.
Implant Exchange: Once the desired size is achieved and the tissues have adequately stretched, a second surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and replace it with a permanent breast implant. Dr. Brantley uses the no-touch technique to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize complications.
Implant-based reconstruction typically involves shorter surgery time, faster initial recovery, and no additional scars on other parts of the body. However, it may not be ideal for patients who have had radiation therapy, as radiation can affect tissue quality and increase complication rates.
Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue from another part of your body to rebuild the breast. This approach creates a breast that looks and feels more natural, ages with your body, and typically has fewer long-term complications than implants.
Autologous reconstruction requires longer surgery time and recovery but offers the most natural-looking and feeling results. It’s an excellent option for patients who have had radiation therapy or prefer to avoid implants.
Hybrid Reconstruction
Some patients benefit from a combination approach that uses both implants and autologous tissue to achieve optimal results. Dr. Brantley will discuss whether a hybrid approach might be right for you.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
After the breast mound has healed and settled into its final position (typically 3 to 6 months after reconstruction), nipple and areola reconstruction can be performed as a final stage.
Can I See Dr. Brantley’s Breast Reconstruction Before and After Results?
View our gallery to see Dr. Brantley’s outstanding and natural-looking results of real patients’ breast reconstruction before and after photos.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Jackson Breast Reconstruction?
Candidates for breast reconstruction are individuals who are healthy enough for surgery and have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy, or who have congenital breast deformities or trauma, and want to restore their breast appearance.
Ideal candidates interested in breast reconstruction surgery should:
- Be healthy enough for surgery.
- Have clearance for breast reconstruction surgery from their oncology team.
- Be a non-smoker or willing to quit all nicotine at least 2 weeks before and after surgery.
- Have completed cancer treatment.
- Have realistic expectations about the reconstruction process and understand that multiple stages may be required.
- Be emotionally ready for reconstruction and understand that the reconstructed breast will not be identical to your natural breast.
- Understand the surgical risks and benefits.
How Should You Prepare for Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Before your breast reconstruction surgery, it’s important to be in the best possible health to ensure beautiful results and a smooth recovery. Here are some tips to help you prepare for surgery.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Continue a consistent exercise routine and follow a balanced diet rich in protein to support healing and maintain a stable weight. Avoid significant weight fluctuations before and after surgery that could alter the proportions of your figure. Ideally, you should be at a stable weight that you can maintain long-term before committing to surgery.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and following your procedure to support recovery and overall wellness.
- Medical Clearance: Brantley will coordinate with your oncology team to ensure appropriate timing. If required, schedule a visit with your primary care physician for a pre-surgical evaluation to ensure you are physically fit for surgery. Testing may include routine blood tests or an EKG. We will discuss this during your consultation.
- Medication & Supplement Restrictions: Brantley will review your medications, supplements, or vitamins during your consultation. You may need to stop taking anything that increases the risk of bleeding or bruising for 2 weeks before and after surgery, including fish oil, garlic, ginseng, vitamin E, Ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications.
- Discontinue Nicotine Use: If you smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, you must stop at least 2 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine negatively impacts healing and increases surgical risks.
- Prepare Your Home for Recovery: This can include ensuring you have ample time off work, completing household chores prior to surgery or delegating to someone else, setting up a comfortable recovery space, preparing and freezing healthy meals, arranging for a meal delivery service, or filling prescriptions and purchasing supplies.
- Arrange for Help: Plan on having a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours following surgery. For the first few days, you may also need help with childcare, pet care, or household tasks.
Flowood, MS, Breast Reconstruction Procedure Overview
On the night before surgery, avoid eating or drinking after midnight; however, take approved medications with small sips of water. Come to surgery freshly showered with Hibiclens, without makeup, lotions, or deodorants. Leave jewelry or contact lenses at home, and wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on after your procedure.
Pre-Op Review
Before surgery, carefully review your paperwork to confirm your surgery location and arrival time. At check-in, you may be asked to provide identification and emergency contact information.
Anesthesia Consultation
On the day of your procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Brantley and your anesthesia provider to review your surgical plan and address any final questions or concerns. If necessary, an anesthesia consultation will be arranged before your surgery.
Incision and Tissue Work
Brantley will create carefully placed incisions based on your specific surgical plan and perform the appropriate reconstruction procedure. Before surgery, you will fully understand what will happen during your specific operation.
Sutures and Dressing
Brantley will place layered sutures to ensure optimal healing and minimize scarring. The incisions will be covered with surgical dressings, and you will be fitted with compression garments to support your new breasts and reduce swelling. Drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation.
Depending on the characteristics of your individual procedure, you can expect your breast reconstruction surgery to take between 2 and 8 hours.
What Should I Expect During Breast Reconstruction Recovery?
The recovery process after breast reconstruction involves several stages and requires careful attention to ensure optimal healing and results. What you can expect during recovery varies greatly depending on the type of breast reconstruction you have received. Dr. Brantley will discuss exactly what you can expect during your consultation, but some general notes about breast reconstruction in Flowood, MS include:
Initially, you can expect some discomfort, fatigue, soreness, bruising, swelling, numbness, or muscle tightness in your chest. If you have had flap reconstruction, you can also expect discomfort at the donor site. These side effects typically peak within 48 to 72 hours and then gradually improve. To manage discomfort, Dr. Brantley will prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxants and recommend appropriate over-the-counter options.
Immediately after surgery, your incisions will be dressed, and you will be fitted with a compression bra to reduce swelling and support healing tissues. It is essential to wear this surgical bra at all times to support healing tissues and minimize swelling.
Most patients require about 14 to 21 days for initial breast reconstruction recovery and feel well enough to return to most daily activities at this point. Some patients may not feel comfortable returning to work until 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, depending on the physical demands of their job and the type of reconstruction performed. It is imperative to avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level or engaging in heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or any strenuous activities until you are cleared by Dr. Brantley. Light activities like walking are encouraged once you are cleared to do so to improve circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, and support recovery.
During follow-up visits, Dr. Brantley will monitor your healing and may recommend medical-grade scar therapies to help optimize scar appearance.
How Soon Will I See My Jackson Breast Reconstruction Results, and How Long Will My Results Last?
For implant-based reconstruction, you will see the general shape of your reconstructed breast immediately, though the final result won’t be apparent until after tissue expansion is complete and the permanent implant is placed. For flap reconstruction, you’ll see your new breast shape immediately, though swelling will obscure the final result for several months.
It’s important to note that the initial results will be affected by swelling and bruising for the first few weeks to months. Most swelling typically resolves within 3 to 6 months, but some residual swelling may last up to a year. Your breast will continue to settle and soften over time, meaning you can expect to enjoy your full result within 6 months to 1 year following surgery.
The results of breast reconstruction are long-lasting. Flap reconstructions age naturally with your body and are permanent. Implant-based reconstructions may require future surgeries to replace or adjust implants over time, as breast implants are not lifetime devices. However, your reconstructed breast will provide you with a lasting restoration of your feminine contours and sense of wholeness.
Partner with Mississippi’s Premier Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Shelby Brantley
Dr. Shelby Brantley is one of the premier plastic surgeons in Flowood, MS, and he understands the profound challenges that breast cancer patients and others seeking breast reconstruction have faced on their journey. As an expert in breast reconstruction procedures, Dr. Brantley and his team can help you restore your sense of wholeness, enhance your overall appearance, and increase your confidence and quality of life.
Learn about breast reconstruction near me options in Flowood, MS, by calling (601) 387-9005 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today!
Jackson Breast Reconstruction FAQs
How should I prepare for my breast reconstruction consultation?
Getting excited about your transformation is one of the best ways to prepare for your consultation. You don’t necessarily need to know how you want your surgery to play out. You only really need to know what you want to look like after your breast reconstruction. Come to your consultation ready to have an open, candid conversation about your goals.
Please bring all relevant medical records, pathology reports, and information about your cancer treatment timeline. It’s also helpful to bring a trusted friend or family member for support and to help you remember information discussed during the consultation.
When is the best time to have breast reconstruction?
The timing of breast reconstruction is highly individual and depends on your cancer treatment plan, personal preferences, and medical condition. There is no “deadline” for breast reconstruction—it can be performed many years after mastectomy if desired. Dr. Brantley will work with your oncology team to determine the optimal timing for your situation.
Will my reconstructed breast look and feel natural?
While the goal of breast reconstruction is to create a breast that looks as natural as possible, it’s important to understand that a reconstructed breast will not be identical to your natural breast. Flap reconstruction typically creates a breast that looks and feels more natural than implant reconstruction and ages naturally with your body. Implant reconstruction creates a firmer breast. Both techniques can produce beautiful, natural-looking results in the hands of an experienced surgeon like Dr. Brantley.
Will I have sensation in my reconstructed breast?
Mastectomy removes the nerves that provide sensation to the breast and nipple, so your reconstructed breast will not have normal sensation. However, over time, some sensation may return as nerves regenerate, particularly with flap reconstruction using your own tissue. While full normal sensation is unlikely, many women regain some protective sensation and can feel pressure or touch.
How will reconstruction affect cancer surveillance?
Breast reconstruction does not interfere with cancer surveillance or your oncologist’s ability to detect recurrence. Your oncology team can still perform necessary examinations and imaging studies.
How do I choose a breast reconstruction surgeon?
Selecting a breast reconstruction surgeon in MS is a personal and important decision. Your surgeon should not only understand your aesthetic goals but also prioritize your safety and deliver consistently excellent results. It is, however, equally important that you find a surgeon you resonate with who makes you feel hopeful about your reconstruction journey and potential result. During your consultation, ask to view your surgeon’s before and after gallery to see the type of results they typically provide.
Breast reconstruction requires specialized training and extensive experience in both implant-based and autologous reconstruction techniques. Make sure your surgeon commonly performs reconstruction procedures and is comfortable with multiple reconstruction approaches to offer you the best options.
Another factor to consider is feeling comfortable and confident with your surgeon’s abilities. Look for someone who is transparent about potential risks and complications, has hospital admitting privileges, and is open to discussing complication management should any issues arise.
Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant investment in yourself, and your surgeon should take every measure to ensure optimal outcomes. This includes identifying any factors that may affect your safety or results, coordinating closely with your cancer care team, and developing a personalized plan for optimization before scheduling your procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Brantley will ensure you are comfortable, discuss your potential outcome, and explain how he will prioritize your safety during your procedure and beyond.