Most of the plastic surgery procedures that are known today are done for cosmetic improvements. Breast augmentation is a great example. This type of plastic surgery is performed to enhance the natural appearance of the breasts. A reconstructive breast procedure, on the other hand, is performed to restore the most natural appearance after an injury or, most commonly, breast cancer treatment. The word we look at to differentiate between the most common plastic surgery procedures and reconstructive plastic surgery is "reconstructive." This term tells us that there is repair in mind; that the goal is to rebuild a part of the body that has been damaged in some way. 

Approximately one million reconstructive surgery procedures are performed each year. According to The Aesthetics Society, 365,000 breast reconstruction procedures were performed in 2021. That's 1,000 medically-necessary procedures every day of the year. Dr. Barrera has a wealth of training and experience performing reconstructive breast surgeries as well as other reconstructive procedures to repair significant scarring and other anomalies. His objective in each case is the same, to restore as much function and aesthetic appeal as possible. 

Insurance coverage for plastic surgery can be somewhat of a challenge. Generally, the question that must be answered is whether the recommended procedure is medically necessary or is sought for cosmetic reasons. This is an interesting guidepost because one could argue that breast reconstruction is done for those very reasons. The difference, however, is that if you've undergone a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other treatment for breast cancer, your disease and necessary treatment may have very likely altered the natural appearance of your breasts. Reconstruction is just the closure you may need to bring your breast cancer journey full circle. 

Breast reconstruction procedures have become relatively common. They're so common that doctors have developed multiple ways to rebuild natural-looking, feeling breasts after breast cancer treatment. Each case of breast reconstruction is unique. Dr. Barrera may reconstruct breasts using silicone or saline breast implants. There may be a need to expand the pocket into which breast implants can be inserted, which may take weeks or months using breast expanders. Some patients prefer or are best suited to flap procedures that help reconstruct one or both breast mounds. Furthermore, the timing of reconstructive breast surgery can differ from one person to another. You may elect to have your reconstruction done, or at least started, at the time of your mastectomy or lumpectomy. Conversely, you may choose to allow yourself some time to heal after your breast cancer treatment before considering reconstruction. This is one of the wonderful aspects of reconstructive procedures; you get to choose. You didn't get to choose whether or not you developed breast cancer. You do get to choose how you want to look afterward, how you want to achieve your goals, and when you take that next step.