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  1. What Is Breast Implant Reconstruction?
  2. Ideal Candidates
  3. Before & After Photos
  4. Surgical Technique
  5. Reviews & Opinions Of Existing Patients
  6. The Breast Implant Reconstruction Experience
  7. Why Choose Snyder Plastic Surgery For Breast Implant Reconstruction
  8. Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Reconstruction
  9. Schedule A Consultation
  10. Additonal Information
  11. Follow Us On Instagram

When faced with the life-changing decision to undergo a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the options available. At Snyder Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ned Snyder IV helps women restore confidence and femininity through breast implant reconstruction using saline or silicone implants, or in some cases, natural fat tissue from donor sites.

This reconstructive procedure restores breast shape and symmetry following a mastectomy, helping women feel whole again, both physically and emotionally.

What Is Breast Implant Reconstruction?

Breast implant reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the breast mound using either a saline or silicone implant. This technique can be performed immediately following a mastectomy or delayed until after recovery from the initial breast surgery, depending on each patient’s treatment plan.

For many women, implant-based reconstruction offers a shorter recovery time and avoids the need for donor tissue harvesting from another area of the body. The result is a natural-looking, symmetrical breast shape that restores confidence and helps patients move forward after breast cancer treatment.

Breast Reconstruction

Look and Feel Your Best

Learn more about the healing process after Implant Reconstruction from Dr. Ned Snyder.

Ideal Candidates

Breast implant reconstruction may be an excellent option for women who:

  • Are undergoing or have completed a mastectomy
  • Prefer a shorter recovery and less invasive approach compared to flap reconstruction
  • Do not have sufficient donor tissue for autologous (flap) reconstruction
  • Desire improved breast symmetry and natural contour
  • Are in good overall health and cleared for surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Snyder will discuss your surgical history, cancer treatment plan, and personal goals to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Surgical Technique

At Snyder Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ned Snyder IV uses advanced implant-based techniques to achieve personalized, natural results. Implant-based reconstruction is one of the most common methods for rebuilding the breast following mastectomy.

This approach is ideal for patients who are not candidates for flap reconstruction or who wish to avoid additional donor site surgery and recovery.

Tissue Expander Process

In many cases, implant reconstruction involves a two-step process beginning with the placement of a tissue expander. After the mastectomy, a temporary inflatable implant is inserted into the breast pocket. Over the course of several weeks to months, the expander is gradually filled in-office with saline until the desired breast size is achieved.

Once tissue expansion is complete, a second procedure replaces the expander with a permanent saline or silicone implant. Dr. Snyder will determine whether a tissue expander is necessary based on your anatomy and reconstruction goals.

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our reputation Reviews & Opinions Of Existing Patients

patient reviews

If you’re considering any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, I can’t recommend Snyder Plastic Surgery highly enough. – Gary Kaisinger

Dr. Snyder and his team performed my mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction in the same day, sparing me the long process with expanders and a second surgery. Every detail was explained, and I felt completely supported through every step. – Melissa Thomasson

I couldn’t be happier with the results from my bilateral mastectomy reconstruction. Dr. Snyder is caring and skilled. I loved that he has so much experience. His staff is amazing too! – Nattlie Hoover

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The Breast Implant Reconstruction Experience

Understanding what to expect before, during, and after breast reconstruction can help you feel confident and informed as you move forward with surgery.

What to Expect: Step-by-Step

Before reconstruction, you will meet with Dr. Snyder and a multidisciplinary care team to discuss surgical timing, implant type, and desired results. These planning consultations ensure your procedure aligns with your cancer treatment plan and aesthetic goals. A comprehensive medical evaluation will confirm that you’re a good candidate for reconstruction.

Implant-based breast reconstruction typically takes 1–2 hours, in addition to the mastectomy procedure performed by your general surgeon. Dr. Snyder will insert a saline or silicone implant, or a tissue expander if required, into the prepared breast pocket after the mastectomy is complete.

If a nipple-sparing mastectomy is not possible, the nipple and areola are removed during surgery. A nipple reconstruction can be performed later once the breast has healed.

Recovery is often shorter than with flap-based reconstruction. You’ll return for a follow-up appointment within seven days of discharge so Dr. Snyder can monitor healing. Following detailed post-operative instructions, including drain care, activity restrictions, and pain management, is crucial for optimal results. Our team is always available to address questions or concerns during your recovery.

Why Choose Snyder Plastic Surgery for Breast Implant Reconstruction

At Snyder Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from Dr. Ned Snyder IV’s extensive experience in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he combines advanced surgical technique with compassionate care to guide patients through every step of their recovery journey.

Dr. Snyder understands the emotional and physical significance of breast reconstruction. His patient-centered approach prioritizes safety, comfort, and aesthetic balance to help women feel confident in their results. With convenient offices in Austin and Round Rock, TX, Snyder Plastic Surgery serves patients from across Central Texas seeking exceptional reconstructive care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Reconstruction

What is the difference between immediate and delayed implant reconstruction in Austin?

At Snyder Plastic Surgery in Austin, immediate reconstruction begins during the same surgery as your mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction occurs months or even years after mastectomy. With immediate reconstruction, Dr. Snyder places either a tissue expander or, in select cases, the final implant directly following breast tissue removal. This approach reduces the total number of surgeries needed and can provide psychological benefits by avoiding a period without a breast mound. Delayed reconstruction involves a separate surgery after you've healed from the mastectomy and completed any necessary treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Each approach has specific advantages based on your medical needs, treatment plan, and personal preferences.

How does the tissue expander process work for breast reconstruction in Austin?

The tissue expander process at Snyder Plastic Surgery is typically the first step in implant-based reconstruction. Following mastectomy, Dr. Snyder places an inflatable, temporary implant (tissue expander) in the breast skin. During a few regular office visits, the expander is gradually filled with saline solution through a small port, stretching the skin to create space for the permanent implant. This gradual expansion is well-tolerated by most patients with minimal discomfort. Once the desired size is reached and tissues have adequately stretched, a second surgery replaces the expander with a permanent implant. This technique allows Austin patients to achieve natural-looking results even when skin is limited after mastectomy.

What types of breast implants are available for reconstruction at Snyder Plastic Surgery in Austin?

At our Austin center, Dr. Snyder offers several types of breast implants for reconstruction, including saline-filled and various silicone gel implants. Saline implants have a silicone rubber shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Silicone implants, including the newer highly-cohesive "gummy bear" implants, offer a more natural feel and are less likely to show rippling. Implants come in various shapes (round or anatomical/teardrop), profiles (projection from the chest), and textures (smooth or textured). During your consultation, Dr. Snyder will help you choose the implant type that best matches your body structure, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle to achieve the most natural-looking reconstruction results.

What is the recovery timeline for implant-based breast reconstruction in Austin?

Recovery after implant-based reconstruction at Snyder Plastic Surgery typically involves less downtime than flap procedures. For direct-to-implant reconstruction, most Austin patients can return home on the day of their surgery and resume light activities within 1-2 weeks. For tissue expander placement, the initial recovery is similar, with additional office visits over for expansion. The second surgery to exchange the expander for the permanent implant is usually an outpatient procedure with a recovery period of about 1-2 weeks. Patients experience some discomfort, tightness, and restricted arm movement initially, but these improve significantly within the first few weeks. Complete healing and final results develop over several months as tissues adjust to the implants.

What long-term considerations should I know about implant reconstruction in Austin?

Implant reconstruction at Snyder Plastic Surgery requires certain long-term considerations. Unlike flap reconstruction using your own tissue, implants are not permanent devices and may eventually need replacement. Most modern implants should last a long time, but should not be considered lifetime devices. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Snyder are important to monitor your implants, and periodic imaging may be recommended. Some Austin patients experience capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant) or other complications that might require additional procedures. Despite these considerations, implant reconstruction offers excellent results with less extensive surgery and shorter recovery than flap procedures, making it an appropriate choice for many women seeking breast reconstruction in Austin.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to explore your breast reconstruction options, contact Snyder Plastic Surgery to schedule a breast implant reconstruction consultation in Austin or Round Rock, TX. Dr. Snyder will help you understand each option, answer your questions, and create a personalized surgical plan that supports your healing and long-term confidence.

learn more Additonal Information

For additional information about our services, procedures, and the patient experience at Snyder Plastic Surgery, please explore our website or contact our office. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and support from the initial consultation through recovery. Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey towards a more confident and beautiful you.

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