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When faced with a life-changing decision to have a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, many women can feel overwhelmed with all of the options. At Snyder Plastic Surgery at The Breast and Body Center, we offer women breast reconstruction with saline or silicone implants or their own natural fat tissues from a donor site.

nationally-recognized plastic surgeon in austin, tx Renowned Expertise

Welcome to Snyder Plastic Surgery, where your unique aesthetic goals take center stage. Our commitment is to deliver personalized care, offering a diverse range of cosmetic, reconstructive, and nonsurgical procedures for the face, breast, body, and skin.

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Surgical Technique

The most common breast reconstructive technique our board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Ned Snyder IV, performs is implant-based reconstruction. Many patients are good candidates for breast implant reconstruction, especially when that patient is not a candidate for a flap reconstruction or is she wants a shorter recovery period.

Tissue Expander

Implant-based reconstruction is typically a multi-step process. After the mastectomy is completed, an inflatable, temporary implant called a tissue expander is placed in the breast pocket. The tissue expander is gradually inflated over a 3-month period in the office until it is filled to an adequate size. Dr. Snyder will determine if the tissue expander step of your reconstruction is necessary to achieve your aesthetic goals.

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our reputation Reviews & Opinions Of Existing Patients

patient reviews

Jennifer Mixson is a wonderful care giver. She is kind, caring and has your best interests at heart. Jennifer is knowledgeable, professional, responsive and I always learn a lot from her. I am grateful for her gentle, personalized care. Jennifer has a great gift of always making me feel better! I highly recommend her. – Linda Daylamani

Dr. Ned Snyder and his team are amazing! Very pleased with Lipo results. Highly recommended! I still remember receiving flower bouquet from Snyder team the next day to wish well recovery! Very thoughtful during the recovery time! Hope I won’t need a Lipo again but if I do I know where to go! Thank you Dr. Snyder!! – Ruzanna Minasyan

The surgical team is amazing. They really listened to what I wanted and made sure I got exactly what I wanted while still caring for my body. My post opp care was also very wonderful. I recommend them to anyone with plastic surgery needs. – Whitney Gladney

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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.

Breast Implant Reconstruction Step-by-Step

Before

Before undergoing breast implant reconstruction, you will collaborate with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals involved in the strategic planning of your mastectomy and implant-based reconstruction. The planning process involves several consultations to discuss the timing of reconstruction, the type and size of implants, and any additional procedures needed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Additionally, you will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are a suitable candidate for surgery and to address any underlying health conditions.

During

Implant-based breast reconstruction surgery lasts 1 – 2 hours in addition to the time your general surgeon will need for the mastectomy. Dr. Snyder will insert a breast implant of saline or silicone (with a fixed volume) once your general surgeon has finished removing your natural breast tissue. Unless you have a nipple-sparring mastectomy, your nipple and areola will also be removed.  A nipple reconstruction can take place after the mastectomy and reconstruction heals and will be scheduled at a later date and time determined by Dr. Snyder.

If you require a tissue expander, it will be inserted into your reconstructed breast. The expander will incrementally get larger with weekly visits to our office for injections of saline solution until the desired size is met. Then, you will have another surgery to have the expander taken out and replaced with an implant.

After

Having a shorter recovery period is often one of the best advantages of the implant-based breast reconstruction. You will need to return to Snyder Plastic Surgery at The Breast and Body Center within 7 days of discharge for a follow-up appointment. Following all directives in drain and wound care, pain management, and limiting your physical activities is important. Please call our office for further instructions if you have questions or concerns.

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

Schedule a consultation at Snyder Plastic Surgery to begin your journey toward the right breast reconstruction procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Snyder will help you decide which procedure is right for you and explain the various surgical options available, including the benefits and potential risks of each. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care and guiding the communities of Austin, Cedar Park, Waco, Temple, and Georgetown, TX, every step of the way.