SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Marina del Rey, CA, is ideal for women who want reconstruction after mastectomy. Bedford Breast Center, located in nearby Beverly Hills, was founded by women for women, and serves patients throughout the coastal Los Angeles communities, including Marina del Rey, Venice, Playa del Rey, Culver City, and Santa Monica. If you are navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and exploring reconstruction options, our all-female surgical team is here to help.

What You Need to Know About SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Marina del Rey

SWIM, which stands for Skin and Nipple-Sparing Wise-Pattern Implant-Based Mastectomy, is a specialized breast reconstruction approach developed to address a gap in care. This involves women with larger or sagging breasts who have faced limited reconstruction options that compromise either oncologic safety or aesthetic outcomes. SWIM was pioneered to change that.

The procedure combines a nipple-sparing mastectomy with a Wise-pattern (or anchor-pattern) skin reduction and immediate implant placement. This approach may allow surgeons to remove breast tissue while reshaping and lifting the breast envelope, resulting in a look that is proportionate, natural-looking, and carefully tailored to each patient’s anatomy. For many women, it offers a path to reconstruction that feels less like a compromise and more like a genuine restoration.

At Bedford Breast Center, SWIM Breast Reconstruction is performed by a team that includes board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons with specialized expertise in complex breast reconstruction. Our approach is grounded in the belief that eradicating cancer should not mean eradicating beauty. Women researching SWIM Breast Reconstruction for Beverly Hills and Los Angeles will find that our practice offers this procedure as part of comprehensive reconstruction care, not as an isolated offering. Individual results vary, and candidacy is determined through a thorough consultation.

Are You a Candidate for SWIM Breast Reconstruction?

SWIM Breast Reconstruction may be an appropriate option for women who are planning a mastectomy and have breast anatomy that makes traditional nipple-sparing techniques more technically challenging. This typically includes women with larger breast volume, significant ptosis, or asymmetry. The right candidacy determination requires a detailed evaluation of your oncologic needs, tissue quality, overall health, and personal goals.

Patients who may be well-suited for SWIM Breast Reconstruction often share several characteristics:

  • Planning a skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction
  • Have larger or drooping breasts that make standard implant-based reconstruction less predictable
  • Are seeking immediate, single-stage or staged reconstruction
  • Want to preserve the nipple and areola when oncologically safe to do so
  • Prefer an aesthetic outcome that avoids visible chest scarring in clothing or swimwear
  • Are in generally good health and are non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery

Women from Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, El Segundo, and the broader Westside Los Angeles area travel to Bedford Breast Center for this level of specialized, aesthetics-forward care. To find out whether you may be a candidate, we encourage you to meet our surgical team and schedule a consultation.

What to Expect at Bedford Breast Center

Your experience at Bedford Breast Center begins well before surgery. During your initial consultation, you will meet with our surgical team to discuss your diagnosis, your reconstruction goals, and whether SWIM Breast Reconstruction is the most appropriate option for your anatomy and oncologic situation.

For patients undergoing SWIM, the procedure is typically performed at the time of mastectomy, coordinated closely between your breast surgical oncologist and reconstructive surgeon. The Wise-pattern skin reduction is performed simultaneously with mastectomy, and an implant or tissue expander is placed during the same operative session in most cases. This integrated approach is designed to minimize the total number of surgeries when clinically appropriate.

Recovery timelines vary by individual. Most patients can expect some activity restrictions for several weeks following surgery, with a gradual return to normal routines. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided, and our team remains accessible throughout your recovery.

Why Choose Bedford Breast Center for SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Marina del Rey?

For women in Marina del Rey seeking SWIM Breast Reconstruction, Bedford Breast Center offers a fully integrated, all-female breast health team under one roof in Beverly Hills, just minutes away. Bedford Breast Center holds FACS designations across its surgical team, has been recognized by Castle Connolly Top Doctors from 2018 through 2022, and operates as a division of The Practice Healthcare. Explore the full range of breast care and reconstruction surgery options at Bedford Breast Center to understand the depth of what we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIM Breast Reconstruction

What is SWIM Breast Reconstruction and how does it differ from standard breast reconstruction?

SWIM stands for Skin and Nipple-Sparing Wise-Pattern Implant-Based Mastectomy. It differs from standard implant-based reconstruction in that it incorporates a Wise-pattern skin reduction, which may allow women with larger or ptotic breasts to achieve a more natural, lifted result.

Does insurance cover SWIM Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is generally covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA). Coverage specifics depend on your individual plan, insurer, and clinical circumstances. Bedford Breast Center’s team can help you understand your options.

Can I combine SWIM Breast Reconstruction with other procedures, such as a nipple-sparing mastectomy?

In most cases, yes. SWIM Breast Reconstruction is designed to be performed at the time of mastectomy and is coordinated with a Goldilocks mastectomy in Los Angeles when oncologically appropriate. Whether a combined approach is suitable for you depends on your breast anatomy, cancer type and location, and overall health.

Schedule a Consultation

For women in Marina del Rey, CA, considering SWIM Breast Reconstruction, Bedford Breast Center offers specialized surgical expertise, an all-female physician team, and a care environment built around your comfort and confidence. You deserve options, and you deserve a team that takes every one of them seriously. Contact Bedford Breast Center to schedule your consultation today.

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