Carilion offers the full spectrum of reconstructive options for those who have undergone a mastectomy. Surgery to rebuild the breast mound can often be performed at the time of mastectomy. Our surgeons are performing the most advanced procedures that combine the best aspects of standard implant techniques including nipple sparring mastectomies as well as the most advanced flap techniques that use your own tissue.

For example, pedicled flaps such as the latissimus flap recreate a natural looking breast utilizing the muscle as a carrier of blood supply to the transferred fat and skin.

In microsurgical perforator flap procedures, the patient’s own skin, blood vessels, and fat, usually from the abdomen (DIEP flap), are used so that no muscle is sacrificed. This microsurgery technique is the cutting edge of breast reconstruction and results in a natural look and feel with no need for breast implant maintenance.

Care for our breast cancer patients doesn’t stop after surgery. Patients who are treated by our breast surgeons have continuous follow-up appointments after surgery as part of our survivorship and treatment care program. Based on each individual’s need, patients will have regularly scheduled follow up evaluations with our team to help monitor progress and address any questions or concerns. Follow-ups begin six months post-surgery and may continue for as long as 10 years. For more information, please call 540-526-1160.