Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a highly personalized surgical process that often takes place in multiple stages. For breast cancer patients, the first stage may be performed at the time of mastectomy or scheduled for a later date. This initial surgery typically takes place in a hospital setting.

Depending on your surgical plan, follow-up procedures may be done in the hospital or at an outpatient facility. Your surgeon will guide you through the timeline and setting that best supports your recovery and aesthetic goals.

When correcting tuberous breasts, the procedure is generally performed at an outpatient surgery center and follows a similar recovery timeline to breast augmentation. This allows for a shorter, more comfortable healing experience.

For your safety, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery and assist them for the first few days post-operatively.

Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix is an advanced surgical mesh made from porcine dermis (pig skin) that supports implant-based reconstruction in cases where additional tissue coverage is needed. This specially processed material helps promote rapid cell repopulation, white cell migration, and revascularization, enhancing the body’s ability to integrate and heal. It is commonly used in patients with prior radiation exposure or when muscle coverage is insufficient to support a breast implant. 

TIGR Matrix is the world’s first long-term resorbable biosynthetic mesh approved by the FDA in 2010. Designed to reinforce soft tissue where support is needed most, this advanced mesh maintains high strength during the first six months after surgery, then naturally dissolves and is fully absorbed by the body within about three years.

TIGR Matrix is often used during revision breast surgery to help correct complications such as implant malposition, bottoming-out, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. It provides added support during implant repositioning and is ideal for reinforcing soft tissue where natural support has been compromised.

The mesh is clinically proven to be safe, flexible, and effective, with a low rate of complications. Surgeons appreciate its ease of use and secure fixation, which improves surgical precision and outcomes. TIGR Matrix helps create a more stable, long-lasting result—especially for patients undergoing complex revisions or reconstruction after mastectomy.

Most patients feel sore or tired for the first week or two following reconstruction. Discomfort is typically manageable with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.

For breast reconstruction, patients should expect to rest and restrict physical activity during the first week. Our team will contact you to schedule follow-up appointments and guide your progress during each stage of recovery.

If your reconstruction is cancer-related, you may stay in the hospital for two to five days, depending on the complexity of your surgery. Many procedures require temporary surgical drains to remove fluid; these are typically removed within one to two weeks. Most sutures dissolve or are removed within 7–10 days.

For patients undergoing tuberous breast correction, we recommend taking one week off work and minimizing activity during the first two weeks post-surgery. Your surgeon will provide personalized recovery timelines based on your procedure.

If you’ve had a combined mastectomy and reconstruction, or a flap reconstruction, it may take up to six weeks to feel fully recovered. Patients who undergo implant-based reconstruction without flaps may experience a shorter recovery window.

We advise avoiding strenuous exercise, overhead lifting, and sexual activity for three to six weeks following surgery to allow for proper healing.