Breast Reconstruction in Houston, TX with Dr. Courtney El-Zokm
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women. One in eight women will receive a diagnosis of this devastating disease in their lifetime. Women struggling through treatments and difficult decisions shouldn’t have to worry about what they’ll look like after cancer. Breast reconstruction restores what cancer took away and can help women to feel more confident and feminine after breast cancer surgery.
Dr. Courtney El-Zokm is a skilled plastic surgeon and compassionate doctor. He loves helping women feel beautiful and confident in their appearance, especially women that have been affected by cancer or that have chosen to undergo preventative breast surgery. Contact us to schedule a breast reconstruction consultation. (713) 522-4411
The Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a highly personal decision, and it isn’t right for everyone. However, if you’re bothered by the appearance of your chest after cancer treatment, this procedure is worth considering. Some benefits of breast reconstruction include:
- Increased confidence after mastectomy
- Breasts that look and feel natural
- Clothing that fits better
- Increased feelings of femininity
- Restored confidence and sexuality after cancer treatment
Studies show that breast reconstruction often improves the quality of life for many women after cancer.
What Types of Breast Reconstruction Are Available in Houston?
There are many different options for reconstructing the breasts. The options available to you will depend on the type of cancer treatment you’ve received, the size of your natural breasts, your body type and shape, previous surgical history, and personal preference. Some patients will receive a combination approach that combines both autologous tissue flaps and implants.
Dr. Courtney can help you weigh these variables and choose an effective reconstruction solution.
Meet Dr. Courtney
Dr. Courtney El Zokm, called Dr. Courtney by his patients, has devoted many years to honing his expertise in plastic surgery. He is committed to creating balance and natural results through meticulous attention to detail.
Meet Dr. Courtney
Dr. Courtney El Zokm, called Dr. Courtney by his patients, has devoted many years to honing his expertise in plastic surgery. He is committed to creating balance and natural results through meticulous attention to detail.
Autologous Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses a patient’s own body tissues (skin, fat, or muscle) to rebuild the breast mound. There are several types of autologous reconstruction, including:
- Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP)
- Superficial inferior epigastric artery flap (SIEA)
- Profunda artery perforator flap (PAP)
- Gluteal artery flap (GAP)
In autologous reconstruction, there are two surgical sites: the donor site where the tissue is harvested and the breast area. Some donor sites, specifically the abdominal area for DIEP or SIEA flap procedures, are aesthetically improved by surgery. DIEP flap reconstruction is especially popular because of its ability to restore the breasts while creating a tighter, flatter abdominal appearance.
Flap reconstruction is complex and may require an extended recovery period. Most patients will need to spend several days in the hospital after surgery. After this initial recovery period, many women enjoy long-lasting results that require very little maintenance. However, Dr. Courtney’s techniques allow patients to stay 1-2 nights.
Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses saline or silicone breast implants to rebuild and volumize the breasts. Breast reconstruction using implants may be the only reconstruction available to patients with a lean physique and minimal excess tissue.
- Direct to Implant- Some patients can receive their implants immediately after mastectomy. This technique is called direct to implant. Breast tissue is removed, and implants are immediately placed.
- Tissue Expander- Some patients will receive a tissue expander during their mastectomy. This expander keeps the skin stretched and ready for an implant after cancer treatments are complete. Tissue expanders are also used to stretch skin, muscle, and tissue to better accommodate a larger implant size. Expanders are slowly inflated with saline. These are removed and replaced by saline or silicone implants at a later time.
Implant reconstruction has a shorter initial recovery period, but additional surgeries may be needed to replace implants or expanders.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about a certain procedure, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Courtney and his team are excited to meet you!
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about a certain procedure, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Courtney and his team are excited to meet you!
Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
Reconstruction can be performed immediately after mastectomy or may be delayed to allow for additional therapies and treatments to be performed.
- Immediate Reconstruction- Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction may not be possible in patients that need additional treatments after surgery. Work with your care team to find out if immediate reconstruction is a possibility.
- Delayed Reconstruction- Delayed reconstruction is performed after the mastectomy, often after cancer treatments have been completed. Some women that originally opted to not reconstruct choose delayed reconstruction many years after their original mastectomy. Even if it has been many years since your breast cancer surgery, delayed reconstruction may be a possibility.
Both immediate and delayed reconstruction have benefits. Talk with Dr. Courtney to find out which options are available to you.
Breast Reconstruction in Houston: Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reconstruction is a process that may require multiple surgeries to achieve ideal results. The total number of surgeries needed will depend on many factors. Talk with Dr. Courtney to find out how many surgeries will be needed for your reconstruction.
With many breast reconstruction options available, there are effective techniques for most women. Many factors go into the reconstruction decision, and Dr. Courtney will help you weigh the pros and cons of each choice. You didn’t choose to have cancer, but you will be part of the decision-making process during reconstruction.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments can affect breast reconstruction results. Talk with your medical team about how which treatments you’ll need and how they’ll impact your results. We can often minimize the impact of cancer treatments on your results by choosing the reconstruction options best suited to your treatment plan.
Insurance typically covers breast reconstruction and revision surgeries. Call Dr. Courtney’s office at 713-522-4411 for complete coverage details. Most insurance policies cover reconstruction, even many years after cancer, and treatments on the opposite breast for symmetry.
Surgery is often performed on both breasts, the one with cancer and the healthy breast, to maintain or create symmetry.
Explore your options for breast reconstruction in Houston, TX, in consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Courtney El-Zokm. We love helping women find a new normal after cancer by providing them with confidence in their post-treatment appearance. Cancer is hard, but finding a skilled plastic surgeon for your reconstruction doesn’t have to be. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more.
