Bedford Breast Center
436 N Bedford Dr, Ste 308
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 278-8590
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
If you’re considering having breast reconstruction procedure after a mastectomy, the Bedford Breast Center offers an innovative direct-to-implant reconstruction technique developed by one of our surgeons. This groundbreaking procedure is quickly becoming the standard of care in single-stage breast reconstruction. In Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, and throughout Southern California, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or opted for a preventative mastectomy have this one-stage, immediate breast cancer reconstruction procedure at our Beverly Hills practice.
Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, also known as single-stage reconstruction, is an advanced surgical technique that offers women the option of having breast reconstruction performed immediately after mastectomy, without the need for tissue expanders or additional operations.
Traditional breast reconstruction requires one or more surgeries after undergoing a mastectomy. The downside of traditional reconstruction includes:
“I was under the care of a dream team; Dr. Richardson from Bedford Breast Center performed my double mastectomy and Dr. Cassileth performed the Direct to Implant Reconstruction. These women are the best in their field, they are innovative, they are evolving and they are the team you want. Who knew I could get a nerve graft to maintain nipple sensation? Who knew I could opt for healing peptides to accelerate my healing process? I felt like I got behind the velvet rope and had access to the level of medical care that LeBron James has!!”
Fiona C. – Yelp
If you’re not sure you want breast reconstruction at the time of your mastectomy, a staged reconstruction remains an option if you ultimately decide to pursue that path.
Women who elect to have direct-to-implant surgery enjoy many benefits. These include:
In this video, you can watch Dr. Lisa Cassileth and one of her actual patients—who traveled from Alaska to Los Angeles—discuss the advantages of having direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.
Our breast surgeons ensure that all patients considering direct-to-implant reconstruction are good candidates for the procedure. Good candidates:
Being fully informed about your breast reconstruction options ensures you’re confident about your choices. It’s especially reassuring to our patients that Dr. Cassileth, one of the top breast reconstruction surgeons in the Los Angeles area, pioneered and perfected the direct-to-implant technique.
Two surgeons perform specific parts of the procedure during direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. One of our top breast cancer surgeons first removes the breast tissue through a small incision made at the base of the breast to minimize scarring. Dr. Cassileth, a board-certified plastic surgeon, then inserts the implant and creates an internal bra using a specialized tissue matrix.
This results in a beautiful, natural-looking reconstructed breast that looks good almost immediately following surgery and ensures you receive the finest results possible with direct-to-implant reconstruction.
Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic are two of the top breast surgeons in Los Angeles, using innovative techniques to create excellent clinical and aesthetic outcomes.
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Our patients stay at a luxe aftercare facility for one to two nights after direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. When you wake up from surgery, you’ll feel a bit groggy. Your chest will be wrapped in compression garments to reduce swelling, and a special suction dressing will be applied to expedite healing. You’ll have 2 drains, which will be removed within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
We advise you not to shower as long as the drains are in place. Patients typically wear a bandage over the incisions for about 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery, which helps minimize discomfort and absorb any drainage from the incisions. You should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Generally, you can return to work and other normal routines within 1 to 2 weeks.
Our staff provides detailed post-operative instructions to help you heal and recuperate after your procedure.
Direct-to-implant reconstruction is a surgical approach in which a permanent implant is placed in a single procedure at the same time as the mastectomy, eliminating the need for a tissue expander stage. This option allows patients to wake up from surgery with a reconstructed breast already in place, streamlining the overall cancer treatment process. It can be an excellent choice for carefully selected patients who meet the right criteria.
Not every patient with a breast cancer diagnosis will be a candidate for direct-to-implant reconstruction; factors such as breast size, skin quality, and overall health all play a role in determining eligibility. Patients who have not undergone radiation therapy are often better candidates, as radiation can affect the skin’s ability to heal and accommodate a permanent implant. Your surgical team will evaluate your individual situation to determine if this approach is right for you.
Both silicone and saline implants can be used in direct-to-implant reconstruction, and your surgeon will help you understand the pros and cons of each based on your anatomy and goals. Silicone implants are often preferred for their ability to mimic a more natural breast shape and feel, though saline implants remain a viable and safe option for many patients. The decision is a collaborative one made between you and your care team.
Capsular contracture is a complication in which scar tissue forms around the implant and begins to tighten, potentially causing the breast to feel firm, look distorted, or become uncomfortable. It is one of the known risks associated with implant-based reconstruction and can sometimes require additional surgery to correct. Your surgeon will discuss steps that can be taken to minimize this risk and what to watch for during your recovery.
Recovery from direct-to-implant reconstruction varies from patient to patient, but most women can expect several weeks of limited activity before returning to their normal routine. Because the procedure combines the mastectomy and reconstruction into one surgery, it can reduce the overall number of operations a patient needs as part of their breast cancer treatment journey. Your care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and monitor your healing closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
This before & after gallery contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
At Bedford Breast Center, our physicians are among the country’s top breast surgeons, and they provide compassionate, personalized patient care. They use innovative techniques such as direct-to-implant breast reconstruction at our Beverly Hills center for women diagnosed with breast cancer or who have elected prophylactic mastectomy.
Our world-class facility serves patients from Los Angeles from throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and across the country. To learn more about our center and if direct-to-implant reconstruction is a good option for you, call us at (310) 278-8590 or contact us using the online form to schedule an appointment.
Curious if your procedure is covered by insurance? Bedford Breast Center has partnered with a specialized billing service to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Click here to take a short quiz and find out if you qualify.
