Living in 2025 often feels like a scene from a science fiction movie. The advancements in surgical technology have brought us into the future, especially for women considering breast reconstruction. Personalized approaches, natural-looking implants, and a shift towards aesthetic flat closures are now the norm, with more innovations on the horizon.
Featured Experts
- Amy M. Sprole, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Wichita, KS
- Raman C. Mahabir, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tucson, AZ
- Mark L. Jewell, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Eugene, OR
- David Shafer, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and contracted Natrelle partner in New York
- M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Louisville, KY
Breast Reconstruction Statistics
Research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reveals that the percentage of women opting for breast reconstruction has plateaued in recent years.
Dr. Jonas A. Nelson, co-author of the study and a plastic surgeon in New York, notes, “Rates of immediate breast reconstruction have stabilized, with a more equitable distribution observed across different demographics.”
Various factors, such as the choice to forgo reconstruction, limited access, or market saturation, contribute to the stagnation in breast reconstruction rates.
Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind this trend.
Implants and Tissue Transfer
Dr. Amy M. Sprole from Wichita, KS, explains the two main approaches to breast reconstruction: implant-based and tissue-based. While tissue-based reconstruction offers a more natural look, implant reconstruction remains more common.
Patients have a range of implant options available to achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.
Dr. David Shafer, a plastic surgeon in New York and Natrelle partner, highlights the variety of choices offered by modern breast implants, including silicone and saline options with different profiles to suit individual preferences.
Choosing What’s Best
Shared decision-making plays a crucial role in determining the best reconstruction approach for each patient, especially considering their specific cancer case.
Dr. Raman Mahabir in Tucson, AZ, emphasizes the importance of involving oncologists early in the process to tailor the reconstruction plan based on factors like future radiation and nipple preservation.
The outcome of reconstruction can be influenced by the mastectomy procedure and the expertise of the general surgeon, as explained by Dr. Mark L. Jewell from Eugene, OR.
Addressing challenges like radiation effects on reconstruction requires innovative solutions, such as complex soft tissue rearrangement.
‘Going Flat’
Some women opt for a flat aesthetic closure instead of reconstruction, a choice that presents technical challenges but is preferred by a significant percentage of patients.
Research indicates that as many as 62 percent of patients choose not to undergo reconstruction and prefer a flat closure.
Dr. Mahabir notes the importance of respecting patient choices, as some women feel pressured into selecting other reconstruction options.
The Future of Breast Reconstruction
With advancements in 3D printing, bio-printed tissues and scaffolding could revolutionize breast reconstruction in the future. Research on 3D breast scaffolds using hydrogels and semi-synthetic meshes shows great promise for enhancing reconstruction outcomes.
Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace from Louisville, KY, highlights the potential of 3D systems for breast reconstruction but underscores the need for further evaluation to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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