In-patient surgery
Breast reconstruction in Zug
Having nicely shaped breasts gives many women greater confidence and makes them feel good about their bodies. Breasts are often considered a symbol of feminine beauty. But sometimes it becomes necessary to remove some or all of the breast tissue (ablation, mastectomy) due to accidents or illness (breast cancer, for example); this can cause a great deal of suffering for the women affected. Breast reconstruction surgery can restore the natural appearance of the breasts.
Depending on the patient’s initial situation and individual desires, breast reconstruction may be done with implants or using autologous tissue or fat cells. These techniques can also be combined to achieve even more natural-looking results. Each patient is unique, and no two breast reconstruction procedures are alike—I adapt each operation to the patient’s individual anatomy, ensuring that her breasts are proportional to the rest of her body.
My goal is to help you feel completely comfortable in your own skin again by giving you a chest you are happy with. One of my specialities in this regard is breast reconstruction using autologous tissue and fat (lipofilling / lipomodeling). Using grafted tissue provides especially natural-looking results.
Overview
Breast reconstruction in Switzerland at a glance
-
Procedure
-
Duration of surgery
2-5 hours (depending on technique – sometimes multiple operations)
-
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
-
Rest and recovery
Approx. 4 weeks; no sports for 6-8 weeks
-
Return to work
After 3-4 weeks
-
Post-operative care
Compression bra (for implants); compression girdle (for autologous tissue); UV protection
-
Risks
Swelling, discoloration, loss of sensitivity, wound healing issues, infections (rare)
Methods
Breast reconstruction methods – a personal decision
Breast reconstruction can be done using several different methods. Generally speaking, patients have their choice between two options: implants and autologous tissue. I give each patient my own recommendations regarding methods after examining them, but the ultimate decision about whether to use implants or tissue grafting lies with the woman herself.
-
Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue
Autologous breast reconstruction involves reshaping the breast using material taken from another area of the body. Suitable donor regions may include, for example, the stomach, the back, the buttocks, or the thighs. The transplanted tissue may consist of fat, muscle, or skin, depending on the technique being used. We either use pedicled autologous tissue along with its blood supply (e.g., pedicled latissimus dorsi flap), essentially moving it into a different position, or we establish a blood supply microsurgically (known as anastomosis). With my many years of experience in vascular and reconstructive surgery, I would be glad to provide expert individual consultation on the various options. Together, you and I will find the perfect solution for you.
Autologous fat can also be extracted from another area (liposuction) for use in aesthetic breast reconstruction. After specially preparing the fat, I inject it into the breast(s) to create volume. Since reconstructing a full breast requires a relatively large amount of material, it is often useful to combine lipofilling with autologous tissue grafting. Not all fat cells will integrate into the surrounding breast tissue—a small percentage will be broken down by the body naturally—so some people require a second round of injections to achieve the desired size and shape.
-
Advantages of autologous fat and tissue grafting:
Breasts look and feel natural
Minimal risk of rejection reactions or allergies
No risk of capsular contracture (since no foreign material used)
Allows highly individual shaping
Injected fat has beneficial effects on skin quality
Allows simultaneous contouring of donor areas (e.g., excess abdominal fat)
-
Breast reconstruction using implants
Breast reconstruction can also be done using implants. If the skin of the breast is very taut, it may be necessary to start by stretching it using a tissue expander in order to create space for the implant. In some cases, it may be possible to insert the implant without prior tissue expansion. After that, the implant is inserted and positioned using the same procedure as for conventional breast augmentation. The silicone implant can be placed either behind or in front of the pectoral muscle, depending on the individual patient’s wishes and anatomical situation. Naturally, we will discuss these details thoroughly before proceeding with the operation.
-
Nipple reconstruction
In most cases, we use the patient’s skin to reconstruct the nipple, but usually not until after the new breast has fully healed. There are various methods of nipple reconstruction, for example using a small amount of excess tissue from the eyelids or the labia. I would be happy to advise you on the different methods and help you determine which donor area would be most suitable for you.
Risks associated with breast reconstruction
As with any operation, breast reconstruction can result in wound healing disorders, bleeding or infections; however, as an experienced plastic surgeon, I take great pains to minimize those risks as much as possible. Swelling, redness, and bruising are common immediately after the operation and then subside over time. Some patients experience temporary loss of sensitivity as a result of damage to microscopic nerves in the skin.
Consultation
More information on breast reconstruction in Zug
Are you a breast cancer survivor dreaming of having shapely, healthy breasts again? I would be glad to advise you on the options modern reconstructive medicine has to offer. You can schedule your non-binding consultation via telephone or email. I look forward to meeting you and helping you!
Hours
