Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction

If you’re considering having breast reconstruction surgery 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 breast reconstruction. In Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who have opted for preventative mastectomy choose our Beverly Hills practice for this groundbreaking, one-stage breast reconstruction procedure.

What Is Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction Surgery?

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.

How Is It Different Than Traditional Breast Reconstruction?

Traditional breast reconstruction requires one or more surgeries after undergoing a mastectomy. The downside of traditional reconstruction includes:

  • Mastectomy typically results in a large scar that restricts your clothing choices.
  • Delaying the reconstruction procedure may make it impossible to save the nipple and areola.
  • Patients need to wear devices called tissue expanders, which are placed under the chest muscles to create room for implants; having a saline solution injected into the expanders over several months can be painful.
  • Having to plan for multiple surgeries and recoveries after a mastectomy discourages some women from even considering breast reconstruction.

“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.

What Are the Benefits of Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction?

Women who elect to have direct-to-implant reconstruction enjoy many benefits. These include:

  • No tissue expanders or lengthy tissue expansion process.
  • You wake up from surgery with breasts, which is often psychologically reassuring.
  • Only a single surgery is necessary.
  • When performed by our breast surgeons, the results look natural and symmetrical.
  • The procedure requires minimal incisions and scarring.
  • You’ll feel confident wearing bathing suits and low-cut clothing.
  • You can resume your normal life without thinking about future operations.

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.

Who Is a Candidate for 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:

  • Are non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking for a few weeks before and after their surgery
  • Have smaller breasts and are relatively thinner
  • Do not have any medical conditions that might delay the healing process
  • Have no history of radiation to the breast or chest wall
  • Have realistic goals for the results

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 pioneered and perfected the direct-to-implant breast reconstruction technique.

How Is Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction Performed?

Two surgeons perform specific parts of the procedure during direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. One of our expert 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 breast that looks good almost immediately following surgery and ensures you receive the finest results possible with direct-to-implant reconstruction.

Unparalleled Expertise With a Compassionate Touch
Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic

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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Credentials You Can Trust Logos of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The American Board of Surgery, Super Doctors Southern California 2018, Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018-2022 Logos of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The American Board of Surgery, Super Doctors Southern California 2018, Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018-2022

Recovery After Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction

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 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.

Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction
Featured Before & After Photos

Case: 1 of 8
Case #1
From Los Angeles, CA, this patient had a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy performed by Dr. Memsic. Dr. Killeen performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using 304cc silicone implants, followed by fat transfer to the breasts.
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Warning

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.

Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 1 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 2 of 8
Case #2
From Pasadena, CA, this patient had a bilateral mastectomy with Dr. Richardson and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Cassileth. Dr. Cassileth used 250cc implants and fat grafting to give the patient the natural-looking breasts she desired. Read More
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 2 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 3 of 8
Case #3
From Phoenix, AZ, this BRCA+ patient had a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Memsic with a one-stage breast reconstruction by Dr. Cassileth. Dr. Cassileth placed 360cc silicone implants and used acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for additional support. Read More
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 3 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 4 of 8
Case #29
This 47-year-old breast cancer patient had a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Leslie Memsic followed by one-stage breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Lisa Cassileth using 210cc silicone breast implants. Patient underwent a second procedure with one round of fat transfer to the breasts. Read More
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 29 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 5 of 8
Case #30
This 58-year-old patient from Montecito was diagnosed with breast cancer in the right breast. Dr. Leslie Memsic performed bilateral mastectomy. Dr. Lisa Cassileth performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction and nerve grafting to preserve sensation. Read More
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 30 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 6 of 8
Case #31
After receiving ductal carcinoma diagnosis, this 34-year-old patient from Portland, OR had a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Leslie Memsic. Dr. Kelly Killeen performed one-stage breast reconstruction, nerve grafting, and fat transfer to the breasts. Read More
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 31 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 7 of 8
Case #4
From Santa Barbara, CA, this patient presented breast cancer in her right breast and underwent a unilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Richardson, followed by direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with Dr. Killeen.
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 4 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 8 of 8
Case #5
From Portland, OR, this patient was diagnosed with DCIS and initially had a lumpectomy performed by another surgeon. After experiencing a reoccurrence, she opted to have a unilateral mastectomy in her right breast performed by Dr. Richardson and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with Dr. Cassileth. Read More
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Before & After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Case 5 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
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Case: 1 of 9
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Trust Our Breast Surgery Experts

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.

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