Why Should Dr. Kay Perform My Breast Reconstruction?

1. Dr. Kay is named Washingtonian Top Plastic Surgeon, America’s Top Plastic Surgeon, Castle Connolly Top Plastic Surgeon and Consumer Checkbook Top Plastic Surgeon.
2. Dr. Kay is a leader in new techniques in breast reconstruction procedures.
3. Kay Plastic Surgery offers a unique quick recovery plan that includes vitamin alternatives and personalized nursing care.
4. Dr. Kay takes patient care and safety as his most important priority and he is available for all patients before and after their procedure. At our surgical suite, he has a board certified anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist to deliver the utmost care during your surgery.

Is Breast Reconstruction Right for You?

Women who are good candidates for breast reconstruction have realistic goals and a positive outlook for improving their figure, and should not have additional medical conditions or illnesses that may impair their healing following reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction can:

• Enhance the shape and size of your breasts
• Restore symmetry between breasts (which may include adjustments to the opposite side)
• Correct irregular or abnormal breast contours
• Allow you to enjoy wearing a range of clothing and bathing suits
• Improve self-image and give you a positive way to move forward after your illness

Please visit our before and after photo gallery to see real patient results that are possible after breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast Reconstruction Costs & Coverage

By federal law following the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, health insurance providers that cover a mastectomy must cover breast reconstruction surgery and treatment of the opposite breast, as well as any complications that may arise during the mastectomy. However, it is still recommended that you discuss your plans with your health insurance provider. While insurers will cover the initial reconstruction, whether they cover any re-operation procedures or follow-up doctor’s visits can vary. Dr. Kay and his staff can explain all the available options for cosmetic surgery financing in more detail to ensure that your breast reconstruction is affordable with or without full insurance coverage.

What to Expect

The primary goal of breast reconstruction is to restore symmetry of the two breasts. This is done by replacing skin and breast tissue that was removed during the mastectomy. If nipples have been removed, they can also be reconstructed.

Breast reconstruction typically involves multiple procedures performed at various stages. You can decide independently or with the help of Dr. Kay and/or the doctor who performs your mastectomy if you would like reconstruction to begin at the same time as your mastectomy, or after you have had time to heal from your mastectomy and recover from any additional treatments. It’s possible to wait months or even years after a mastectomy to undergo reconstruction surgery.

During your consultation with Dr. Kay, you will be able to discuss your goals for breast reconstruction and any concerns you might have. He will go over all your options with you and also detail the procedure itself and the recovery period to make sure that you’re fully informed about what to expect.

The reconstruction surgery will vary depending on the customized approach that Dr. Kay takes. You may have the option of using breast implants or fatty tissue from other parts of your body to replace lost tissue in your breasts, as well as some skin grafting options. Nipple and areola reconstruction may be done in a separate procedure.

Your Recovery & Results

You should be able to notice an immediate difference in how your breasts look and feel following reconstruction surgery, though the initial results may be obscured by swelling. You may have one or more surgical drains in place immediately after your surgery, and Dr. Kay may ask you to wear a special surgical bra during your recovery. It’s normal to feel sore for the first few days or weeks, but you can gradually ease back into your routine as you feel more comfortable.

Following your breast reconstruction surgery, you can enjoy a restored figure that allows you to comfortably wear clothing and bathing suits without feeling self-conscious. Your breasts should have a natural appearance and improved symmetry, and many women feel a sense of completion and closure as they move forward from a mastectomy with a renewed body image.  Learn more about breast reconstruction here.