This ground-breaking breast cancer treatment option has been called a miracle for women who are candidates, and our Beverly Hills breast surgeons are very proud to offer incredible results through direct-to-implant reconstruction.

What is Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction Surgery?

Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, also known as single-stage reconstruction, is an advanced surgical technique that allows women to undergo immediate breast reconstruction (performed at the same time as the mastectomy), without the need for tissue expanders or additional surgeries.

How Is It Different From Traditional Breast Reconstruction?

Traditional breast reconstruction requires one or more surgeries after the original mastectomy.

There is usually a large scar which restricts clothing choices, and because the procedure is delayed, it may not be possible to save the nipple and areola. Tissue expanders are placed under the chest muscles during the mastectomy surgery.

These expanders are used to make room for implants. This is achieved by injecting saline solution into the chest expanders over several months which can be painful.

During the second surgery, the spacers are removed and replaced with implants. It is the prospect of more surgery following mastectomy that discourages some women from even considering breast reconstruction.

Direct-to-implant reconstruction eliminates the need for the tissue expansion step. Instead, the implant is placed at the time of the mastectomy, during the same procedure. That’s why it’s also referred to as a one-stage or single-stage breast reconstruction. The procedure involves placing the breast implant during the same surgery as the mastectomy. In doing so, patients avoid weeks or months of repeated surgeries, allowing them to leave the hospital with their new, reconstructed breasts and get back to their lives more quickly.

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

Six reasons why many women prefer direct-to-implant reconstruction:

  • You can wake from surgery with new breasts intact
  • No need for multiple surgeries and office visits
  • Natural-looking, symmetrical results
  • Minimal incisions and scarring
  • Wear bathing suits and low-cut clothing with confidence
  • Fast return to normal life and a positive body image

Watch a patient testimonial for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.

Who is a Candidate For Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction?

Good candidates for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction are women who are:

  • Non-smokers (or those who are willing to quit smoking for a few weeks before and after their surgery)
  • On the thinner side with smaller breasts
  • Do not have any medical conditions that can delay the healing process
  • They have no history of radiation to the breast or chest wall
  • They have realistic goals

What is Recovery Like?

Our patients stay one to two nights in our aftercare medical center following direct-to-implant reconstruction. They may have compression garments and drains placed to help collect any excess fluid during recovery. Patients can expect tenderness, soreness, and tightness throughout the chest and arms. The drains will be removed within 1-2 weeks. 

Patients are advised not to shower as long as the drains are in place. Patients typically wear a bandage over the incision site for 1-2 weeks after the surgery. This helps provide more comfort while it collects any drainage from the incisions. Patients should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for approximately 3-4 weeks. Generally, patients are able to return to work and other normal routines within 1-2 weeks.

At Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills, CA, our staff will provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available to help patients heal and recuperate after their procedure.

Knowledge is vital when considering breast cancer reconstruction methods. At Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills, we take special care to ensure our patients are fully informed of all aspects of breast reconstruction.

In this way our patients can be confident that they are making fully informed decisions that meet their needs. Our patients are delighted to realize that the direct-to-implant reconstruction technique was pioneered and perfected by one of our surgeons, Dr. Lisa Cassileth.

This is a new innovation in breast reconstruction that has the main benefit of allowing the mastectomy and reconstruction surgery to take place at the same time. Considering our very own surgeon developed the procedure, you can be assured you are in capable hands when receiving your direct-to-implant reconstruction.

Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction in Beverly Hills Before & After

before and after results from direct-to-implant breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills

 

See More Before & Afters

Thanks to you I was able to wear a beautiful low-cut wedding gown and showed off my new boobs! We love you for all that you did for me and continue to do for others…Thank you so much! (2 years cancer-free!)

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The Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction Procedure

In this procedure there are two surgical specialists doing specific parts of the surgery. To begin, the general surgeon removes the breast tissue through a very small incision to minimize scarring. Following this step, the plastic surgeon inserts the implant and creates an internal bra using a special collagen substance.

This results in a beautiful, natural breast that looks good almost immediately following surgery, and ensures you receive the finest results with direct-to-implant reconstruction available.

Advantages of Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction

There are several benefits to direct-to-implant reconstruction. Women wake from their mastectomy surgery with breasts. The symmetry and result is superior to anything that has so far been developed. The scarring is so minimal that women can wear bathing suits and low-cut clothing with confidence.

Dr. Cassileth’s work was published by the Annals of Plastic Surgery and is quickly becoming the standard of care for mastectomy patients in America.

Getting the Right Mastectomy

The Bedford Breast Center exists to provide our patients with world-class treatment and guidance while going through the diagnosis and treatment phases of cancer.

Los Angeles attracts among the top surgeons in the country and at our center, we have two of the country’s top breast cancer surgeons performing an innovative ‘one-step’ mastectomy and double mastectomy surgery, and among the finest results in single and double mastectomy Los Angeles has to offer.

Cancer surgery has progressed at an unprecedented rate over the past 10 years.

Fly-in for Breast Reconstruction Surgery at Our Beverly Hills Medical Center

The Bedford Breast Center is proud to be able to offer these procedures and other breast reconstruction methods to our patients as part of our commitment of providing a comprehensive breast care medical center unique to the Los Angeles area. For more Information or to schedule an appointment contact our office servicing Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area.